Youngkin and Spanberger both dodge questions

Youngkin and Spanberger both dodge questions that could impact their futures

This is the Virginia Scope daily newsletter covering Virginia politics from top to bottom. Please consider becoming the ultimate political insider by supporting non-partisan, independent news and becoming a paid subscriber to this newsletter today.

Have a tip? You can reply to this email, or email me directly at Brandon@virginiascope.com

---

Today’s Sponsor: Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association

Health care jobs are in high demand, including thousands of open positions in hospitals across Virginia. There are jobs in a wide range of areas, including clinical and non-clinical roles. Virginia hospitals have worked with the Governor and the General Assembly to strengthen health care workforce development initiatives in the Commonwealth. Learn about the professional opportunities in health care at https://onboardvirginia.com/

---

Spanberger continues to dodge 2025 questions

As reported multiple times, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA07) is likely going to run for governor in 2025. Here are some of her latest comments in a new article from the Daily Progress highlighting one of her recent trips to a constituent’s farm. The article also included some analysis from Del. Sally Hudson.

• “I’m really focused on November,” Spanberger told The Daily Progress when asked if there is truth to reports that she plans to run for governor in 2025. “We’ve got 140 seats up as well as board of supervisors and school board races, and those are incredibly important. I don’t want to distract from that.”

• Spanberger on talking to Republicans:

  • “I’ve had the occasion to show up in spaces where I say, ‘Listen, I know y’all don’t vote for me, but I still work for you,’” she said. “If somebody might say, ‘Well, she’s a Democrats but,’ and that ‘but’ is she hears about my issues or she shows up or she respects me or she tries to understand what my day-to-day is like, then that’s my goal.”

• “Everyone in Virginia politics is laser focused on November. There’s no reason to start a governor’s race in a major public way right now,” Del. Sally Hudson (D) told The Daily Progress. “It’s August two years out. Most people are winding down summer days and getting ready for back-to-school season.”

---

Youngkin continues to dodge Trump questions

---

Freedom Virginia announces more endorsements

“Our endorsed candidates represent some of the strongest leaders and affordability advocates in Virginia,” said Rhena Hicks, executive director of Freedom Virginia. “They have proven throughout their campaigns and their careers that they prioritize the values of Freedom Virginia including affordable prescription drugs, lower energy costs, strong public education, and accessible childcare. Each of them have exemplified the importance of community leadership and the positive impact it can have. We look forward to supporting these individuals and their campaigns by connecting with voters and working with them to promote affordability in the future.”

Freedom Virginia is endorsing the following candidates for the November 7th General Election: 

• Sen. Louise Lucas (SD-18)

• Myra Payne (SD-19)

• Del. Angelia Williams Graves (SD-21)

• Joel Griffin (SD-27)

• Stella Pekarsky (SD-36)

• Saddam Salim (SD-37)

• Karen Keys-Gamarra (HD-7)

• Rozia Henson (HD-19)

• Rob Banse (HD-30)

• Susanna Gibson (HD-57)

• Kimberly Pope Adams (HD-82)

• Bonita Anthony (HD-92)

• Del. Kelly Fowler (HD-96)

Freedom Virginia previously endorsed the following candidates: 

Virginia Senate 

• Sen. Creigh Deeds (SD-11)

• Fmr. Del. Lashrecse Aird (SD-13)

• Sen. Lamont Bagby (SD-14)

• Sen. Ghazala Hashmi (SD-15)

• Del. Schuyler VanValkenburg (SD-16)

• Del. Clint Jenkins (SD-17)

• Victoria Luevanos (SD-20)

• Sen. Aaron Rouse (SD-22)

• Sen. Mamie Locke (SD-23)

• Sen. Monty Mason (SD-24)

• Sen. Jeremy McPike (SD-29)

• Del. Danica Roem (SD-30)

• Russet Perry (SD-31)

• Del. Suhas Subramanyam (SD-32)

• Fmr. Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy (SD-33)

• Sen. Scott Surovell (SD-34)

• Sen. Jennifer Boysko (SD-38)

• Sen. Adam Ebbin (SD-39)

• Sen. Barbara Favola (SD-40)

---

Virginia Delegates Seek Higher Office In Record Numbers - VPAP

The upcoming November 7th elections are set to have nine sitting delegates running for the Senate of Virginia, a record high since VPAP began tracking elections in 1995.

Seven of the nine delegates running this year are in Senate districts with no incumbent senator residing in the boundaries. The newly created districts were drawn by court appointed experts without regard for the residence of sitting senators, leading to more open districts than in past years.

---