RICHMOND, Va. — Voters in Virginia rejected Republican efforts to take control of the state’s government, giving Democrats a clean sweep in Tuesday’s state election.
The result is a major loss for GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin and hard-right conservative policies, which included a 15-week abortion ban.
Youngkin was seen as a dark horse contender to join the GOP’s 2024 race for president prior to Tuesday’s result. He also spent the majority of the summer and fall campaigning on behalf of Republican candidates across Virginia.
The result means Democrats will be able to block Youngkin’s legislative priorities in the General Assembly. He had planned for his party to win both chambers, which would have allowed him to push policy on the economy, education, and public safety in the next two years prior to his term ending.
Youngkin pushed for a 15-week abortion ban, with exceptions for cases of rape, incest, and risk to the life of the woman. This has been a major talking point for Republicans across the country but has been met with resistance from voters.
There’s no doubt that Tuesday’s results will have an impact on Youngkin’s political future, complicating potential plans he may have had to seek higher office.
