It wasn’t a high bar. But Democrats passed their first electoral test since President-elect Donald Trump’s victory by pulling off a pair of special elections in Virginia and maintaining their grip on the state legislature.
Democrats strengthened their narrow majority in Richmond by easily winning two races in deep-blue Northern Virginia, while Republicans held a safe Republican seat in a third special election. The results made for a stacked year in Virginia politics, with a close gubernatorial race and battle for control of the State House ahead.
The outcome of the races was no surprise. But the specials, which took place amid a snowstorm in Loudoun County that closed schools and workplaces, left both parties curious for clues about Republicans’ durability in a Democratic stronghold that leaned toward Trump in November.
For Democrats, the races served as a test run of their messaging against the new Trump administration, which they say would endanger their individual rights and economic well-being. It’s a preview of how Democrats across the country will shape their arguments against Trump and his allies.
“As we face rising extremism at the federal level, it is more important than ever that Democrats fight back in the states, build local power and win elections up and down the ballot,” said Roger Lau, deputy executive director of the Democratic National Committee. , said a statement.
Virginia Democrats warned that a trio of constitutional amendments protecting civil rights would be jeopardized if they lose seats and give Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin the power to pass a conservative agenda.
Virginia Republicans, by contrast, campaigned on ending Democratic control of the legislature, giving parents a stronger voice in schools and improving the state’s economy.
By the time the Associated Press called the races, Democrat Kannan Srinivasan won the Senate race by more than 22 points, and JJ Singh had a 23-point lead in the state House race, according to unofficial results from the Virginia Department of Elections. . Republican Luther Cifers easily held the central Virginia seat in Republican Party hands and led by about 17 points late Tuesday.
Democrats poured money into races they needed to win to maintain their one-seat majorities in both chambers. Although party leaders were quick to emphasize that Kamala Harris had won Loudoun County by double digits, they were still nervous about Trump gaining support in Loudoun County and surrounding areas last fall. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the main national committee dedicated to electing Democrats to state legislatures, invested $100,000.
“As we celebrate tonight, our focus is already on November when the Virginia House of Delegates will be on the ballot again,” said DLCC President Heather Williams. “As Trump and his MAGA allies return to power in the states, building and defending Democratic power in the states is essential.”
