Virginia Democrats gain full control of the statehouse, dealing a blow to the GOP ahead of 2024
According to Decision Desk HQ, Democrats in Virginia are expected to gain control of both state legislatures, dealing a major blow to the Republican governor. The agenda for the remainder of his term in office.
Democrats gained control of the House of Representatives and retained their control of the state Senate. Tuesday’s election results represent a reversal from two years ago, when Youngkin was elected governor and Republicans won control of the House of Representatives.
Various democratic personalities took part in the election campaign. President Biden issued endorsements last week while former President Obama recorded robocalls in various counties. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) also traveled to Virginia to campaign alongside a number of candidates.
Democrats repeatedly called their Republican colleagues “MAGA extremists” during campaigns and warned that Republicans would pass an abortion ban in the state. The Democrats’ victory makes it highly unlikely that the 15-week abortion ban with exceptions advocated by Youngkin will be enforced.
But Tuesday’s victories do not mean that the Democrats’ policy agenda is proceeding smoothly. Democrats in the state legislature are likely to clash with Youngkin, who could block passage of a number of initiatives.
Significantly, however, national Democrats will see their win in the commonwealth as confirmation that their pro-abortion messaging is a winning strategy for 2024, where President Biden is on shaky ground as he faces a rematch against former President Trump.
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