Post-election analysis: The audio at the top of this newsletter is the second episode of ‘In the Scope.’ In this episode, Virginia Scope journalist Brandon Jarvis talks with Henrico County Democratic Committee Chair Marques Jones, Democratic operative Nathan Kiker, and former Republican Party staffer Andrew Hull about the election that took place Tuesday night resulting in the first statewide Republican win in 12 years.
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This newsletter will continue to provide coverage of Virginia politics but now it will be with a heavy focus on every change that Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin attempts to make in Virginia. Additionally, we will be providing in-depth coverage of the complicated congressional elections taking place across Virginia in 12 months.
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Delegate Hala Ayala Statement on Election Results
“Virginia, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. The results are in, and while they may not be what we had hoped for, this is just the beginning,” said Delegate Hala Ayala. “I want to congratulate my opponent on making history and paving the way for future women leaders who look like us. We may not be able to claim victory today, but we know that the results of this election are simply a minor setback in our larger fight for progress.”
“I’ve always said that this campaign was never about ‘me,’ but about ‘we.’ I want to thank the tireless volunteers and campaign staff who knocked doors, made phone calls, and sent text messages. Thank you for your refusal to settle for what is, and for your unwavering commitment to fight for what could be. That commitment is what brought more early voters to the ballot box than any other off-year election in our Commonwealth’s history. And of course, thank you to my friends and my family, who have been my rock through this wild ride.”
“I have been so fortunate to have traveled the Commonwealth and connected with more Virginians than I ever thought I would have the opportunity to embrace. And with every conversation, roundtable, and community event, I’ve emerged even more sure of my commitment to uplifting and fighting for every Virginian’s voice to be heard. Regardless of the role that I hold today, tomorrow, or 10 years from now, you can count on me to put you first, because Virginia is my family.”
STATEMENT FROM SPEAKER FILLER-CORN ON GLENN YOUNGKIN’S VICTORY
"I want to congratulate Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin on his win last night, and I look forward to working with him and his administration.
“Over the last several years, Virginia has led the nation – earning the title of Top State for Business for consecutive years, creating a world-class education system, and passing responsible budgets that made critical investments in our state while maintaining our Triple A Bond rating. Our Commonwealth has much to be proud of, and I look forward to collaborating with Governor-elect Youngkin to build on this successful track record and working together on our shared goal of building a better Virginia."
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia, Planned Parenthood Action Fund Statement on Governor’s Election
Statement from Jamie Lockhart, executive director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia:
"We are grateful to Terry McAuliffe, Haya Ayala, Mark Herring, and all of the candidates who ran in support of reproductive rights in this election. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia is proud to stand with you, and we will continue to move our shared goals for Virginia forward.
“Years of polling — and last night’s exit polls — show that the majority of Virginians support safe, legal abortion and access to affordable reproductive health care. We will not let our rights go without a fight. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia will hold Governor-elect Youngkin and the rest of Virginia’s leaders accountable for the promises they made on the campaign trail. “We will work to make sure that Youngkin and his supporters in the House of Delegates cannot push our state back in time by reinstating harmful restrictions, banning abortion, and defunding essential health care services. Most importantly, we will continue standing with Virginians who want to make their own reproductive health decisions without interference from politicians.
“While disappointed with the statewide results and the loss of the pro-reproductive rights majority in the House of Delegates, we are proud of our work to protect many competitive House of Delegates seats: Delegate Wendy Gooditis (HD10), Delegate Dan Helmer (HD-40), Delegate-elect Briana Sewell (HD51), Delegate Rodney Willett (HD73). And we’re hopeful the House will return with Delegate Kelly Covirs-Fowler (HD-21) and Delegate Alex Askew (HD85), whose races are still too close to call.
“Planned Parenthood Virginia PAC supported these campaigns through a paid canvass operation in Virginia Beach, regular volunteer and staff canvassing in Loudoun, Prince William, Henrico and Virginia Beach, a robust mail program, and an aggressive digital advertising campaign. We were happy to work with Debra Gardner (HD27), a challenger we were proud to support, and we are excited to support her in her future endeavors. We would also like to thank our champions Delegate Lashrecse Aird (HD63) and Delegate Nancy Guy (HD83) for their support and steadfast commitment to sexual and reproductive health care. While their races are still too close to call, we are honored to have worked for their re-elections and hope to support them in the future.”
Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Action Fund:
"The results in Virginia are disappointing, but we are proud that Planned Parenthood supporters turned out across the commonwealth to rally for abortion rights champions. While not all of these candidates were successful in this election, they demonstrated the leadership that we need in these dark times for reproductive freedom. Planned Parenthood Action Fund is grateful to each of them for standing up for Virginians throughout this election.
“We are especially grateful to Terry McAuliffe, who has been a brick wall for reproductive health and rights throughout his career and fought a valiant campaign. We are grateful to Haya Ayala, a rising star who we know will continue fighting for Virginians. And we are grateful to Mark Herring, whose race remains uncalled and has challenged attacks on abortion access throughout his tenure as attorney general.
“Make no mistake: Our rights are under attack, from city councils and state legislatures to the nation’s highest court. This election further proves that our fight is far from over. Planned Parenthood Action Fund and our supporters will not back down, and we will keep fighting to ensure that reproductive freedom is protected in Virginia and beyond."
According to exit polls from last night, a strong majority of Virginians (59%) believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases. Seventy-five percent of those people voted for Terry McAuliffe.
Americans for Prosperity Congratulates Governor-Elect Glenn Youngkin
AFP President Tim Phillips issued the following statement:
“Virginians had a clear choice in this election – further empower the government or start to empower the people. Their message was crystal clear. Glenn Youngkin inspired Virginians with a positive alternative to an overreaching government seeking control over virtually every aspect of our lives and the future we are building for our children. This was a referendum on the partisan agendas being pushed by ideologues who have completely lost touch with concerns of everyday Americans. Glenn Youngkin spoke to what people truly care about; making life more affordable, getting people back to work, and putting people back in control of their lives. Leaders in Washington should pay close attention to the message that was sent tonight in Virginia.”
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