Virginia Political News

• Primary Results Will Force Spanberger to Prove if She’s a Centrist
  by Derrick A. Max
  After this week’s primary results, Virginia’s more moderate center is all but dead. In two of the most closely watched statewide races, Democrats overwhelmingly chose far-left progressive champions over more moderate options: former Delegate Jay Jones for Attorney General and State Senator Ghazala Hashmi for Lieutenant Governor. Their victories, along with the well-established and growing […] The post Primary Results Will Force Spanberger to Prove if She’s a Centrist appeared first on Thomas […]
• Juneteenth: From Unknowing to Unbound: A Call to Agency
  by Derrick A. Max
  As a school founder and former principal who spent decades immersed in the resilient spirit of an inner-city school serving primarily low-income African American students in Southeast, DC, and as someone deeply invested in the nuances of education policy, Juneteenth holds a significance that extends far beyond a historical date. It is a day that, properly understood, […] The post Juneteenth: From Unknowing to Unbound: A Call to Agency appeared first on Thomas Jefferson Institute […]
• Energy Policy: The Biggest Problem Facing Virginia’s Next Governor
  by Stephen D. Haner
  When the smoke clears on the November elections and Virginia has a new governor and a different House of Delegates, energy policy will still head the list of crucial issues. It is in the state’s best interest to highlight those issues during what’s left of the campaign season and force candidates to state their intentions. Virginia […] The post Energy Policy: The Biggest Problem Facing Virginia’s Next Governor appeared first on Thomas Jefferson Institute […]
• Classical Education: A Forgotten Path to Flourishing for All
  by Derrick A. Max
  I want to thank the Heritage Foundation for hosting this important event. Having the honor of being on the same program, or even in the same room, as Professor Robert George is a bucket list-type day for me. So, thank you. It is indeed monumental that for the 100 years since Pierce, the court has recognized the obvious — […] The post Classical Education: A Forgotten Path to Flourishing for All appeared first on Thomas Jefferson Institute […]
• Time for Next Steps After Brown
  by Christian Braunlich
  May 17 marked the 71st anniversary of the 1954 court decision called Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, KS — but the case began here, in Virginia. In 1951 Virginia public education operated under the doctrine of “separate but equal,” but the definition of “equal” left much to be desired.  In Farmville’s high school […] The post Time for Next Steps After Brown appeared first on Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy.

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.