Virginia Political News

• 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.
• Legislature Warned Again of Electricity Shortage
  by editor
  Here we go again. As the 2025 election year heats up and warnings rise about electricity shortfalls this summer, the legislators behind Virginia’s coming ban on hydrocarbon electricity are pretending they see the problem.  A May 22 headline out of a recent legislative meeting on energy claimed that “Democratic leadership signals willingness to reexamine Virginia Clean Economy Act.” The […] The post Legislature Warned Again of Electricity Shortage appeared first on Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy.
• Tariffs on Medicine Put Virginia Patients at Risk
  by Derrick A. Max
  The Thomas Jefferson Institute’s opposition to President Trump’s tariff regime is now well known. Taxing imports only hurts those the President hopes to help most. While the President’s recent call to extend tariffs to foreign made films has gotten a lot of press, little attention is being paid to President Trump’s recent threat to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical […] The post Tariffs on Medicine Put Virginia Patients at Risk appeared first on Thomas Jefferson Institute for […]
• Former Virginia Governor George Allen: ‘The Tariffs Are An Unconstitutional Seizure of Taxation Power that Conservatives Should Oppose’
  by Derrick A. Max
  There are few issues more important than how and how much governments tax their citizens. But what is often less appreciated, but even more important, is under what authority taxes are imposed. Former Senator and Virginia Governor George Allen, a Republican, opposes President Trump’s tariffs, arguing they are an unconstitutional overreach of presidential power. In […] The post Former Virginia Governor George Allen: ‘The Tariffs Are An Unconstitutional Seizure of Taxation Power that […]
• 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 […]

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.