Richmond, Virginia — An outspoken pro-life and pro-family pastor has accepted the Republican nomination to run for Virginia Lieutenant Governor.

Bishop E.W. Jackson has been known across the country for his strong rebukes to the Democratic Party, especially during the 2012 presidential election.

“The Democrat Party has made an unholy alliance between certain so-called civil rights leaders and Planned Parenthood, which has killed unborn black babies by the tens of millions,” he lamented in an online video last year. “Planned Parenthood has been far more lethal to black lives than the KKK ever was, and the Democratic Party and their allies are partners in this genocide.”

“The Democrat Party has equated homosexuality with being black, which is another outrageous lie,” he continued. “Anybody who dares equate the gay rights movement to the history of black Americans is exploiting the black community. … No Christian should support this.”

On Saturday, Jackson beat out six rivals to grasp the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor, making him the running mate of gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli.

“Thank you for believing in me and praying for me,” he said to the crowds gathered at the Richmond Coliseum  “We are going to join Ken Cuccinelli and Mark Obenshain and bring you a victory in November.”

Obenshain, also a Christian, had obtained the nomination for attorney general that night. If elected, Obenshain, a state senator, would take Cuccinelli’s seat.

A small group of Planned Parenthood protesters gathered outside of the coliseum to protest Cuccinelli over his opposition to the abortion industry.

Jackson, the chairman of the organization Ministers Taking a Stand and founder of S.T.A.N.D. (Staying True to America’s National Destiny), posted an online video days prior to his nomination outlining his vision for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“We need leadership that will inspire and unite, and call us back to the values that made this nation great,” he said. “The eyes of the entire country are on Virginia in 2013 to see if this state, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were crafted. Will it embrace the dark vision of federal tyranny or the shining vision of freedom?”

Jackson shared that he is a descendant of slaves, and values the opportunity to serve God and country.

“My great grandfather and mother Gabrielle and Elijah Jackson lived and died in Orange County, Virginia. They were born in slavery,” he outlined. “But I, their great grandson, am a free citizen in the greatest nation in history. I believe that every American can experience liberty and prosperity.”

“I will challenge the lie that liberals care about the poor and conservatives do not,” he stated. “We want them to be independent and prosperous.

Jackson, who serves as pastor of Exodus Faith Ministries in Chesapeake, Virginia, will now run against a yet unselected Democratic candidate, which will be chosen in July.

Become a Christian News Network Supporter...

Dear Reader, has ChristianNews.net been of benefit and a blessing to you? For many years now, the Lord has seen fit to use this small news outlet as a strong influential resource in keeping Christians informed on current events from a Biblical worldview. With much compromise and many falsehoods in modern-day Christianity, we strive to bring you the news by keeping Christ and His word in focus. If you have benefited from our news coverage, please prayerfully consider becoming a Christian News supporter by clicking here to make a one-time or monthly donation to help keep the truth of God's word widely and freely published and distributed. May Christ continue to be exalted through this work!