The Cook Political Report’s Dave Wasserman called the Virginia gubernatorial election for Republican Glenn Youngkin.
Wasserman tweeted:
I’ve seen enough: Glenn Youngkin (R) defeats Terry McAuliffe (D) in the Virginia Governor’s race. #VAGOV
– Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) 3 November 2021
None of the cable news networks or other outlets made another call, but Youngkin outperformed Trump’s margins in red counties, and McAuliffe underperformed Biden’s margins in blue areas.
It would be foolish to read too much into the Virginia results nationally. The coronavirus pandemic has added a layer of volatility that has angered voters and is looking for a change.
McAuliffe was probably aiming too hard to make the election over Trump, and combined with the pandemic, the economy and a voters in a sour mood, it was not enough to motivate Democrats to vote.
If there is one lesson here for 2022, it is that Democrats need to come up with a clear and solid message to voters. They can not plan to run on achievements because voters do not care.
Republicans are waging a culture war, and if Democrats do not come up with a counter-argument, the Youngkin strategy will be used by Republican candidates across the country to win in 2022.
Mr. Easley is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, specializing in social reform movements.
Awards and professional membership
Member of the Association of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
