Virginia Political News

• Youngkin Acts to Prevent Energy Price Hikes, Labels Virginia Clean Economy Act ‘Failed’
  by Stephen D. Haner
  With one exception, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) has now vetoed the contested energy bills that he sought to amend at the 2025 General Assembly’s reconvened session last month. The rejection of his amendments or substitutes gave him a final opportunity for a full veto of the legislation. Friday night was his deadline for decisions. His overall number […] The post Youngkin Acts to Prevent Energy Price Hikes, Labels Virginia Clean Economy Act ‘Failed’ appeared first […]
• Lawsuit Challenges the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Over Regulation of Small Reactors
  by Bill Stewart
  Virginia is not directly involved, but with our nuclear industrial base, a pending federal lawsuit over the authority of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is crucial for our energy future. At the end of last year, Texas and Utah and small nuclear startup LAST Energy filed a claim in the Eastern District of Texas that the NRC is unlawfully impeding progress in the […] The post Lawsuit Challenges the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Over Regulation of Small Reactors appeared first on Thomas […]
• Why Harvard University and the United Daughters of the Confederacy Should Both Keep their Tax Exemptions
  by Derrick A. Max
  Every taxpayer dollar sent to any university or private entity should be closely scrutinized.  In the case of the billions sent to Harvard University and other elite schools, the probe being imposed by the Trump administration is long overdue.  The research grants which make up the majority of Harvard’s non-medical federal funding, notoriously lack transparency, allow for […] The post Why Harvard University and the United Daughters of the Confederacy Should Both Keep their Tax […]
• Business Needs Certainty. So Do Voters
  by Christian Braunlich
  Asked nearly 40 years ago what he needed most, less regulation or lower taxes, a small manufacturer of machine tools replied: “We need both,” he said, “but the thing we need most is certainty.” “Businesses have to plan out months and years,” he said. “We have to plan for employee salaries, tax rates, benefit costs, energy […] The post Business Needs Certainty. So Do Voters appeared first on Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy.
• ‘Green’ Energy Mandates, Profit Demands Drive Dominion Price Hikes, Not Data Centers
  by Stephen D. Haner
  The pending price increase for electricity from Dominion Energy Virginia is higher than the 14% jump reported by the news media which basically parroted company releases. Should all of Dominion’s rate applications at the State Corporation Commission be approved, residents and businesses will pay about 20% more. The 1,000-kilowatt hour monthly bill used for illustration (smaller than many households […] The post ‘Green’ Energy Mandates, Profit Demands Drive Dominion Price Hikes, Not Data Centers 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.