The upcoming elections for the Virginia legislature are crucial for Democrats as they seek to gauge the enthusiasm of their base following the unexpected victory of Donald J. Trump in the 2016 presidential election. The two contests in Virginia will serve as the first test of partisan enthusiasm since Trump’s win, and Democrats are hoping to capitalize on the energy and momentum of their base to secure victories in these key races.
The Virginia legislature is currently controlled by Republicans, with a slim majority in both the House of Delegates and the State Senate. Democrats are hoping to flip control of the legislature in order to advance their policy agenda and provide a check on the Trump administration’s policies at the state level. The stakes are high for both parties, as Virginia is considered a bellwether state with a history of closely contested elections.
The first contest is in the 13th Senate District, where Democrat John Bell is challenging Republican incumbent Geary Higgins. Bell, a former Air Force officer and small business owner, is running on a platform of expanding access to affordable healthcare, improving public education, and investing in infrastructure. He has garnered support from progressive groups and is seen as a strong contender in the race.
Higgins, on the other hand, is an experienced politician who has served in the Virginia Senate since 2019. He is running on a platform of fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, and a strong national defense. Higgins has the support of the Republican Party establishment and is expected to put up a tough fight to retain his seat in the legislature.
The second contest is in the 94th House District, where Democrat Shelly Simonds is challenging Republican incumbent David Yancey. Simonds, a former school board member and small business owner, is running on a platform of expanding access to healthcare, improving public education, and addressing climate change. She has received endorsements from progressive groups and is seen as a strong challenger to Yancey.
Yancey, who has served in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2012, is running on a platform of lower taxes, reducing government regulations, and supporting law enforcement. He has the support of the Republican Party establishment and is expected to put up a tough fight to retain his seat in the legislature.
Both races are expected to be closely contested, with Democrats hoping to capitalize on anti-Trump sentiment and energize their base to turn out in large numbers on Election Day. The outcome of these races will serve as a key indicator of partisan enthusiasm and could set the tone for the 2020 election cycle.
In addition to the partisan dynamics at play, the Virginia legislature plays a crucial role in shaping state policy on a wide range of issues, including healthcare, education, and the environment. A shift in control of the legislature could have far-reaching implications for the state and its residents, making these races all the more important for both parties.
As the election draws near, both Democrats and Republicans are ramping up their campaign efforts, with candidates crisscrossing the state to rally support and mobilize their supporters. The outcome of these races will be closely watched by political observers and could provide valuable insights into the mood of the electorate heading into the 2020 election cycle.
In conclusion, the upcoming contests for the Virginia legislature will serve as a crucial test of partisan enthusiasm following Donald J. Trump’s victory in 2016. Democrats are hoping to capitalize on the energy of their base to secure key victories in these races and potentially flip control of the legislature. The outcome of these contests will have far-reaching implications for the state and its residents, making them some of the most closely watched races in the country.