Virginia Political News

  • Hashmi Tries to Forget Her Role in Education Decline
    by Christian Braunlich
    State Senator Ghazala Hashmi (D-Powhatan) has written a  Richmond Times-Dispatch commentary proclaiming Governor Glenn Youngkin responsible for Virginia’s education declines, a commentary astonishing for the breadth of its amnestic qualities.   Senator Hashmi, who seeks the Democratic nomination for Lt. Governor, correctly notes “Virginia’s fourth-grade math scores have plummeted, dropping us from fifth place in 2019 […] The post Hashmi Tries to Forget Her Role in Education Decline appeared first on Thomas Jefferson Institute […]
  • Energy Customers Deserve to Know What Clean Energy Mandate is Costing Them
    by Stephen D. Haner
    Until October of last year, customers of Dominion Energy Virginia could see at least some of the higher costs created by the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) detailed on their electric bills. Look at the recent bill and all that transparency is gone and the VCEA costs are now hidden. Compliance with the Democrats’ signature law […] The post Energy Customers Deserve to Know What Clean Energy Mandate is Costing Them appeared first on […]
  • Doubling Down on Virginia’s Terrible Energy Policies
    by Stephen D. Haner
    The Questions Not Asked: What Does This Cost? Will Electricity be More Reliable? The Virginia General Assembly has approved a long list of bills to double down on its previous commitment to ending the use of hydrocarbon fuel in Virginia. It ignored warnings from the regional electricity marketplace, the Virginian who now chairs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission […] The post Doubling Down on Virginia’s Terrible Energy Policies appeared first on Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public […]
  • A Conscious Veto of Sen. Locke’s Unconscious Bias Bill 
    by Derrick A. Max
    Senator Mamie Locke (D-Hampton) and the Progressives in the General Assembly have again sent a bill to Governor Youngkin’s desk requiring doctors in Virginia to complete training in “unconscious bias and cultural competency.” Last year, when Governor Youngkin vetoed a similar bill, Sen. Locke took to X (formerly Twitter) to smear the Governor: “It is a shame unconscious […] The post A Conscious Veto of Sen. Locke’s Unconscious Bias Bill  appeared first on Thomas Jefferson Institute for […]
  • Trump Official Asked to Stop Dominion Wind Construction: Why the Thomas Jefferson Institute Didn’t Join the Request 
    by editor
    Citizens and groups who opposed the push to develop offshore wind under former President Joe Biden have now asked President Donald Trump to rescind even the wind projects already under construction. Dominion Energy Virginia’s $10.7 billion project off Virginia Beach is among those they want to pause and possibly cancel. The Thomas Jefferson Institute for […] The post Trump Official Asked to Stop Dominion Wind Construction: Why the Thomas Jefferson Institute Didn’t Join […]

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.