Battle of the polls on Glenn Youngkin's approval
Two polls looked at Glenn Youngkin's approval as well as other hot poltical issues in Virginia
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The rundown
Two different polls were released Friday showing how Virginians feel about Governor Glenn Youngkin and other hot political issues in Virginia
The DNC is investing in a voter protection operation across Virginia
Leslie Haley officially resigns from the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors to join AG Miyares
Battle of the Polls
A statewide survey of 696 Virginia voters was conducted by the Democratic pollster Public Policy Polling on May 31 and June 1. FiveThirtyEight rates PPP as an “A-” pollster.
The survey was paid for by former House Speaker’s PAC Energized For Change.
Key Takeaways
36% of respondents approve of President Joe Biden
43% of respondents appoved of Governor Glenn Youngkin while 34% disapprove
52% support stronger gun laws
64% support sensible gun control to reduce violent crime.
57% oppose the likely Supreme Court decision to outlaw abortions in Virginia and throughout the United States.
Youngkin is growing on Democrats but losing Republicans
The Institute for Policy and Opinion Research (IPOR) at Roanoke College interviewed 648 adult residents of Virginia between May 15 and May 26 in a survey addressing topics such as the war in Ukraine, abortion, political anxiety and general feelings about current and former elected officials. The survey has a margin of error of 4.7%.
Approvals, Favorable/Unfavorable, Direction of Virginia, Country
Nearly five months into his term as governor of Virginia, Glenn Youngkin’s approval rating has increased to 53% (from 50% in February) while disapproval, at 35%, is down from 41% in February. More Democrats (41%) approve of Youngkin’s performance now than they did three months ago (30%), while approval in Youngkin’s own party is down (84% approval in February versus 75% approval now). Approval of President Joe Biden’s job continues to decline according to the Roanoke College Poll, now at 37%, down from its previous low of 41% in February. That decline is seen across all Virginians regardless of political party affiliation.
About 46% of Virginians have a favorable view of Gov. Youngkin, with 37% having an unfavorable view. Again, the Poll found that Democrats have a more favorable view of Youngkin now (29% now versus 20% in February) and Republicans currently view him as less favorable than before (75% now versus 84% in February). Former Gov. Ralph Northam’s favorability has dropped to 34% from 41% in February. President Biden’s ratings continue to fall, with only 38% of Virginians having a favorable impression and 56% view him unfavorably. Former President Trump has a 34% favorable and 59% unfavorable rating among Virginians as his favorability in Virginia declines due to the feelings of both Republicans and Independents.
Leslie Haley officially resigns from the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors to join AG Miyares
Two-term Midlothian District Supervisor Leslie Haley announced Friday that she is resigning from the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors effective Monday, June 6.
Haley, who currently serves as the board’s vice chair, was first elected to represent Midlothian on the county’s five-member governing body in 2015 and then re-elected in 2019.
Haley released a video with her resignation that can be viewed below.
Haley will be joining the administration of Attorney General Jason Miyares as the deputy attorney general for government operations and transactions.
“I first met Leslie on the campaign trail over a year ago and I have enjoyed getting to know her. I have a deep respect for her dedication to ethics, the rule of law and serving Virginians,” Miyares said in a statement. “She is a committed public servant, and I am confident she will work tirelessly for the Commonwealth.”
The DNC is investing in a voter protection operation across Virginia
The Democratic National Committee announced Friday that they will fund and support a robust voter protection operation that will run programs across Virginia. This announcement comes after a request from the Democratic Party of Virginia.
According to sources, the operation will be combating misinformation coming from Virginia Republicans in elections for U.S. House seats in the commonwealth. According to a source with knowledge, “the new voter protection program will "combat Republican attempts at voter suppression and create a robust poll observer program to ensure voters are well-resourced on Election Day.”
This investment comes from the DNC’s State Party Innovation Fund grant program.
“Virginia is critical to Democrats’ work ahead of the midterm elections and the DNC is proud to be doing everything we can to ensure voters in the commonwealth have easy, equitable access to the ballot box,” DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said in a statement to Virginia Scope. “We are glad to be able to provide the Virginia Democratic Party with more voter protection resources to support their efforts to keep the power with the people and elect our strong Democratic slate come November.”
Virrgini’s congressional Democrats are facing tough reelection prospects after Republicans showed out in droves in 2021 to vote for Glenn Youngkin.
Reps. Elaine Luria (VA-02) and Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) face the toughest prospects according to an analysis from the Virginia Public Access Project showing that Youngkin won their districts.
“While Republicans continue to restrict voting rights and spread disinformation about our elections, Democrats have remained steadfast in their defense of protecting a Virginian's right to participate in their elections,” said Susan Swecker, chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia. “Now with the support from the DNC, the Democratic Party of Virginia will be taking measures to expand our voter protection department and ensure that every Virginian has the ability to make their voice heard in the ballot box. We are grateful for the DNC’s support as we work together to keep Virginia’s elections free, fair and secure.”
