Why Virginia's state elections in 2023 could have national implications in November 2024

Published  24-09-2023

Virginia is a special place in American politics. People here have a knack for picking the right candidates in national elections. But before we think about the big national contests, folks in Virginia are busy with their own state elections this year.

In November 2023, Virginians will be voting for their senators and representatives in the State Senate and House of Delegates. It's been four years since these positions were up for grabs, and the results could have a big impact on the 2024 national elections.

Even Virginia's Governor, Glenn Youngkin, is all about Virginia right now. Some people have been talking about him running for President, but he's saying he's focused on his job in Virginia.
Why Virginia's state elections in 2023 could have national implications in November 2024
Youngkin and other Republicans in Virginia want to keep their majority in the state House and turn the state Senate Republican. This is similar to what the national Republican Party wants to do - keep control of the U.S. House of Representatives and win back the Senate.

Whether the election results in Virginia are good or bad, they will affect how people see Governor Youngkin on the national stage and might influence his decision to run for President.

Two years ago, Youngkin caused a stir when he won the Governor's race in 2021. People saw it as a report card on President Joe Biden's first year in office. Both Democrats and Republicans know that what happens in Virginia's elections in odd-numbered years can set the tone for the big 2024 election, so they are putting a lot of money and effort into Virginia.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) recently put $1.2 million into Virginia's Democratic Party. They want to help Democrats win in 2023, but they are also thinking about the 2024 Presidential election. The DNC's investment in Virginia this year is 15 times more than what they spent in 2019 when both chambers of the Virginia legislature were last up for election.

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is also in Virginia. They've been here since January, and they are spending a lot of money and resources to help Democrats in the state.
Why Virginia's state elections in 2023 could have national implications in November 2024
Virginia Republicans are getting financial support from out-of-state donors too. A billionaire named Thomas Peterffy wrote a big check to help Governor Youngkin's political action committee. Youngkin's PAC has been breaking fundraising records thanks to big donors like Peterffy.

Since Virginia is one of the few states that have elections in odd-numbered years, it's normal for national attention to focus on these races. But this year, there's even more interest from Republicans because of Governor Youngkin's active involvement in the state elections.

People on both sides of the aisle are paying close attention to Governor Youngkin. Some believe he's planning to run for President after the state elections are over. They think if he wins in Virginia this fall, he will definitely throw his hat in the ring. Republicans winning in Virginia would give Youngkin more credibility on the national stage.

Democrats are a bit worried about Youngkin's next steps. They see him as a softer, more approachable candidate compared to some others. But not everyone is convinced he's ready for a White House run.
Why Virginia's state elections in 2023 could have national implications in November 2024
Virginia law doesn't allow a governor to serve consecutive terms, so Youngkin can't run for governor again in 2025. That's why the office of Virginia governor is often seen as a stepping stone to a presidential or Senate campaign.

In a hypothetical Senate race in 2024 between Youngkin and incumbent Senator Tim Kaine, polls show Kaine leading by a small margin.

So far, Youngkin has had some success in Virginia. All six candidates he supported in the June primaries won the Republican nomination. However, four of them face tough general elections, while one, Buddy Fowler, is an incumbent in a strongly Republican district. Youngkin's endorsement has also helped other candidates, like John Stirrup in Prince William County. Please Share This Article Thankyou...

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