Youngkin has built a robust statewide political operation. Virginia Democrats worry the national party isn't doing enough.
Aug. 21, 2023, 8:00 PM UTCVirginia Democrats are worried the national party isn’t doing enough to stop Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, raising alarm bells that he could try to use wins on the state level to pull Virginia to the right and, potentially, mount a presidential bid.
Democrats fear that if he's successful this fall, Youngkin will continue to enhance his national profile, make the state even more competitive on the presidential level and perhaps even jump into the race for the White House himself in 2024. Republicans counter that Youngkin is solely focused on winning the General Assembly in November and correcting the state’s policy trajectory after years of Democratic rule.
“His sole focus and sole priority is on these state House and state Senate races,” said David Rexrode, the executive director of Youngkin's state PAC, Spirit of Virginia. “He’s doing town halls in Fredericksburg and Prince William, Loudoun and Roanoke, not in Des Moines, Manchester and Charleston.” Kaine argues that if Youngkin’s political machine is successful this fall, it puts Virginia in play on many levels in 2024.
“For the governor to have such a big stake in this election, and to be prioritizing it and promoting just voting in general, but even promoting our conservative Republican messages and what that conservative Republican leadership looks like — I mean, he’s the perfect person to do it,” she said. It is Youngkin’s efficiency that has Democrats most worried. They believe he will use GOP majorities to usher in a conservative legislative package that could include rolling back abortion and voting rights. They hope to counter the GOP’s fundraising and operational message, by drilling down on policy issues they believe are out of step with swing Virginia voters.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gov. Murphy and the Democrats would like to give you a couponCheap pencils in every pot!
Read more »
Vote early to end Democratic obstruction in VirginiaTwo years ago, Gov. Glenn Youngkin proved that Republicans can win in Virginia with a commonsense and unifying agenda. Youngkin’s winning policy platform was straightforward: Empower parents in their children’s education, let Virginians take home more of their hard-earned money, and improve public…
Read more »
Youngkin urges Republicans to embrace early votingGov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) urged Republicans to take advantage of early voting to pry away seats claimed by Democrats in state houses and in Congress during an appearance at a conservative summit in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday.
Read more »
Youngkin retools message for new elections with ‘Parents Matter’ talksVirginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) rode a wave of parental grievance to win in a trending-blue state in 2021. Now he’s retooling the theme for legislative races.
Read more »
Virginia hemp businesses start to see inspections and fines under new lawA handful of businesses around Virginia have so far faced fines from state regulators who say the retailers are out of compliance with laws restricting the sales of certain hemp products.
Read more »
Business and financial questions loom over Jim Justice's West Virginia Senate bidGov. Jim Justice (R-WV) continues to face growing scrutiny over a string of legal challenges against his family's coal empire, months after launching his campaign to challenge Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) for his Senate seat next year.
Read more »