New poll numbers for the gubernatorial race show McAuliffe with largest lead yet
The latest in Virginia politics.
This is a daily newsletter covering Virginia politics from top to bottom. Please consider supporting non-partisan, independent news by becoming a paid subscriber today.
Follow us on: Facebook - Twitter - Youtube - Instagram
CNU poll shows McAuliffe with a nine-point lead in the gubernatorial race
In a poll of likely Virginia voters from CNU’s Wason Center and AARP, Democratic candidates up and down the ticket are showing commanding leads with 22 days until early voting begins across the commonwealth.
Conducted between August 15 and August 23, 50% of respondents to the poll said that they are leaning towards voting for the Democratic nominee, Terry McAuliffe, in the gubernatorial race. 41% of respondents indicated that they are leaning towards Youngkin, 3% said they are leaning towards third-party nominee Princess Blanding, and 6% of respondents were undecided.
McAuliffe built a lead among women (55% to 36%) and younger voters (52% to 34%), while Youngkin has 95% support from the Republican base. Youngkin’s numbers are the highest in South/Southwestern Virginia (53% to 37%), but McAuliffe was more liked in Northern Virginia (59% to 33%), metro-Richmond, (48% to 40%) and the Hampton Roads (52% to 41%).
“These numbers reflect a state that continues to trend blue in presidential and statewide elections as demographic shifts endure in the Commonwealth,” said Wason Center Research Director Dr. Rebecca Bromley-Trujillo. “While there is still room for movement in the race, Youngkin has a tightrope to walk between Trump supporters and more moderate voters across the suburbs of Virginia.”
Additionally, the Democratic nominee Hala Ayala leads her Republican opponent Winsome Sears 52-42%.
Ayala’s lead comes from younger voters (57% to 35%), Black voters (84% to 6%) and women (55% to 38%). Sears holds the Republican base (95%), voters in the South/Southwest region (54% to 37%), and a slim 51% to 44% majority of white voters.
Democratic attorney general nominee Mark Herring holds a 53%-41% lead over his Republican opponent, Jason Miyares. Herring, who is seeking a third term as attorney general, is outperforming both McAuliffe and Ayala with women, Black voters, and younger voters.
Democrats hold a seven-point advantage on the generic ballot test, which asks voters if they will cast their vote for the Republican or Democratic Party’s House of Delegates candidate in the Nov. 2 election.
Virginia is split into 100 House districts, however, making that much more complicated to gauge. Virginia elected a Democratic governor in 2013 and 2017, but the Republicans still held the majority in the House of Delegates until 2019.
The Democrats now hold a five-seat majority after flipping 21 seats between 2017 and 2019.
Republicans have not won a statewide race in Virginia since 2009 when Bob McDonnell won the Executive Mansion. McAuliffe squeaked out a victory over hard-right conservative Ken Cuccinelli in 2013 and Ralph Northam rode the anti-Trump blue wave in 2017 to an easy nine-point victory.
Polls so far have shown a closer race, ranging between a three and seven-point lead for McAuliffe. This latest data from CNU shows that McAuliffe is potentially hitting a stride in his campaign at the time when Virginians start paying closer attention to the race.
Early voting begins Sept. 17 for the Nov. 2 election.
Spanberger Statement on U.S. Department of Defense Authorization of Temporary Housing at Fort Pickett in Nottoway County
U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger released the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Defense’s authorization of Fort Pickett to temporarily house and support Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants, their families, and other at-risk individuals.
“This afternoon, our office received confirmation from the U.S. Department of Defense that Fort Pickett in Nottoway County has been authorized to support the temporary housing of Afghan SIV applicants — who served alongside U.S. servicemembers in Afghanistan — and their families, as well as other at-risk individuals. My office is requesting additional information from administration officials about these plans and how they will impact the Seventh District.
“During this rapidly changing situation, I remain profoundly grateful to the men and women of the Virginia National Guard. Over the past year and a half, these servicemembers have been called to respond to a variety of tense, dangerous, and unprecedented situations — from boosting Virginia’s efforts against COVID-19 to securing the U.S. Capitol. They have never wavered in answering the call, and they continue to tirelessly serve their fellow Americans and our allies during this evacuation operation. While their preparations at Fort Pickett continue, my team is working around the clock to assist American citizens, SIV applicants, and family members of Central Virginians as they evacuate Afghanistan and reach safety. Our office’s efforts will continue for as long as necessary.”
Virginia Department of Corrections chief paints dire picture of prison staffing - Virginia Mercury
by Ned Oliver
The head of Virginia’s prison system, Harold Clarke, told lawmakers Wednesday his department is short 1,500 correctional officers, leaving essential posts unmanned and forcing remaining workers to work double shifts and come in on days off.
“We’re doing our best to manage a dire situation,” Clarke said.
More Virginia News
Governor to meet with relatives and activists seeking posthumous pardon for Martinsville Seven
Afghan capacity at Fort Lee expected to increase as evacuations ramp up
Legal Aid Justice Center introduces new community organizer in Petersburg
Prince William School Board to consider limiting public comment
Stoney announces interim CAO's retirement, wants former chief of staff to steer City Hall
Hampton Roads hospital systems will require employees to be vaccinated
'Desecrated' headstones from Black cemetery found in King George heading back to rightful spot
Slew of vaccine-related announcements creates confusion among those seeking shots
National
U.S., allies speed up effort to get people out of Afghanistan
Abbott bans Covid vaccine mandates in Texas, regardless of FDA approval status
The GOP struggles with what to do on employer vaccine mandates
Pentagon: US lawmakers' visit to Afghanistan 'took time away' from mission
NFL teams whose quarterbacks are unvaccinated could face a long,
In quest for legitimacy and money, Taliban pushes for political deal with rivalscomplicated season
Florida hospital removes doctor for offering parents $50 mask opt-out letters
This is a daily newsletter covering Virginia politics from top to bottom. Please consider supporting non-partisan, independent news by becoming a paid subscriber today