Virginia Political News

• Governor’s Paid Leave “Fix” Leaves the Biggest Problems Untouched
  by Derrick A. Max
  Earlier this year, I warned that Virginia’s proposed Paid Family and Medical Leave Act would create one of the most expansive and expensive paid leave programs in the country. I had hoped the Governor’s new amendments issued just before midnight last night would fix those concerns. They don’t. The legislation would still establish a statewide insurance system funded by mandatory payroll contributions from workers […] The post Governor’s Paid Leave “Fix” Leaves the Biggest Problems Untouched appeared first on Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy.
• Bargaining Bill Would Trampling Public Employee Rights
  by Christian Braunlich
  Tuesday’s column discussed some of the reasons Governor Spanberger should amend or veto the public employee collective bargaining bill headed to her desk:  the local and state taxpayer costs, the creation of new bureaucracies, the opposition of local Democrats and a majority of local government and school board leaders and, perhaps most persuasively, the use […] The post Bargaining Bill Would Trampling Public Employee Rights appeared first on Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public […]
• Is Union “Dues Skim” Coming to Virginia?
  by Christian Braunlich
  There are many reasons why Governor Abigail Spanberger should veto the collective bargaining bill headed to her desk, a bill requiring local and state governments to bargain with union bosses even if less than a majority of public employees want the union or the bargaining. There is the fact that it will force major spending […] The post Is Union “Dues Skim” Coming to Virginia? appeared first on Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public […]
• Governor Spanberger: Don’t Make Principals Jump Through Hoops to Keep Students and Teachers Safe  
  by Derrick A. Max
  By Ali Ahmad and Derrick A. Max  Conservatives across the country are salivating at the idea that Virginia’s new governor may sign a bill that opens her to the charge that she is siding with school bullies and delinquents over teachers and principals.  House Bill 298, patroned by Delegate Delores McQuinn, is now on Governor Spanberger’s desk. […] The post Governor Spanberger: Don’t Make Principals Jump Through Hoops to Keep Students and Teachers Safe   appeared first on […]
• The Schoolhouse as Clinic: The Dangerous Mission Creep of Public School Mental Health Screenings 
  by Derrick A. Max
  Virginia parents should be alarmed that the Virginia General Assembly just passed House Bill 355  which mandates annual mental health screenings for all public school students in grades 6 through 12. While framed as a compassionate response to a very real “mental health crisis,” it represents a fundamental shift in the mission of public education: from academic instruction to clinical surveillance.  By institutionalizing mandatory mental health screenings, HB 355 threatens […] The post The Schoolhouse as Clinic: The Dangerous Mission Creep of Public School Mental Health Screenings  appeared first on Thomas […]

Virginia’s political landscape has shifted significantly over the past decade, establishing it as a key swing state. Once predominantly Republican in federal elections, it has become a competitive battleground for both major parties.

Gubernatorial Elections:
In 2013, Democrat Terry McAuliffe narrowly defeated Republican Ken Cuccinelli, continuing the Democratic trend. This was followed by Ralph Northam’s comfortable win in 2017. However, Republican Glenn Youngkin’s victory in 2021 signaled the ongoing competitiveness of Virginia’s political scene.

Legislative Control:
The Virginia General Assembly has reflected these political shifts. Democrats regained control of the State Senate in 2007, lost it in 2011, and achieved a significant victory in 2019 by flipping both the House of Delegates and the State Senate. However, in 2021, Republicans regained the House of Delegates while Democrats held a slim majority in the State Senate. The 2023 elections saw Democrats reclaim the House, resulting in a divided legislature.

Federal Elections:
Democrats have maintained both U.S. Senate seats, with Mark Warner winning reelection in 2014 and 2020 and Tim Kaine securing victories in 2012, 2018, and 2024. Despite these successes at the federal level, gubernatorial outcomes have varied.

Divergent Voting Trends:
The 2021 elections exemplified Virginia’s split-ticket voting, with Youngkin winning the governorship while Warner and Kaine retained their Senate seats. This trend underscores voters’ willingness to differentiate between state and federal offices.

Current Political Climate:
As of early 2025, Virginia’s political environment remains dynamic, with a divided legislature and challenges facing Governor Youngkin’s policy initiatives. The upcoming gubernatorial race is labeled a “toss-up,” illustrating the state’s unpredictable nature.

In summary, Virginia has evolved from a reliably red state to a competitive purple swing state. Its voters demonstrate nuanced decision-making, ensuring that Virginia remains a focal point in national politics as both parties seek support in future elections.