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Levar Stoney has resigned from his job in the administration of Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a move that frees up the longtime Democratic operative to focus on his expected run for Richmond mayor.

Stoney’s resignation was effective at 5 p.m. Friday, according to a letter of resignation obtained by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The letter makes no mention of Stoney’s mayoral plans, and he did not respond to requests for comment.

McAuliffe named as Stoney’s successor Kelly Thomasson, who has served as deputy secretary of the commonwealth since January 2014. Thomasson, a Richmond native and graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, previously spent 13 years working for Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., in various roles in his service as a senator and as governor.

Stoney has served as secretary of the commonwealth — a Cabinet position responsible for appointments to state boards and commissions — since early 2014. Due to the nature of his state job, Stoney was expected to step down to avoid the appearance of conflicting interests as he seeks support for his mayoral campaign.

The resignation letter highlighted the McAuliffe administration’s efforts to grow the economy, prevent discrimination and help ex-offenders by restoring voting rights and removing barriers to state employment.