Ralph Northam ignored growing calls to step down Friday night after a racist photo showing him in either blackface or Ku Klux Klan attire surfaced hours earlier.
Northam said he was “deeply sorry” for the photo showing two men in racist costumes that appeared on a 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook page. He did not identify which person he was in the photo.
Northam released a second statement late Friday, saying he has no intention — at least for now — of stepping aside, even after top Democrats and pro-Democratic groups urged him to resign.
“I accept responsibility for my past actions, and I’m ready to do the hard work of regaining your trust,” he said. “I’ve spent the last year as your governor, fighting for a Virginia that works better for all people. I’m committed to continuing that fight through the remainder of my term and living up to the expectations you set for me when you elected me to serve.”
My fellow Virginians, earlier today I released a statement apologizing for behavior in my past that falls far short of the standard you set for me when you elected me to be your governor. I believe you deserve to hear directly from me. pic.twitter.com/1rSw1oxfrX
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) February 2, 2019
Northam won the Virginia gubernatorial race in November 2017, defeating Republican Ed Gillespie.
In his victory speech, Northam condemned hatred and bigotry.
“Virginia has told us to end the divisiveness, that we will not condone hatred and bigotry,” Northam said.
Neither of Virginia’s senators, who are both Democrats, went as far as demanding a resignation.
Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner urged Northam to listen to the communities he has offended in making a decision on his future.
“I hope the Governor — whose career as an Army officer, pediatrician and public official has always manifested a commitment to justice and equality for all — now takes the time to listen to those he has hurt and reflect on how to move forward,” Kaine said.
Warner added: “The Governor must now listen to the people and communities he has hurt, and carefully consider what comes next.”
