Graphic shows result of Virginia gubernatorial election.
GN41949NL

POLITIEK

Republikein wint Virginia, klap voor Biden

By Jordi Bou

November 3, 2021 - Republican Glenn Youngkin’s win in the Virginia governor’s election has dealt a blow to President Joe Biden and Democrats’ hopes of keeping control of Congress in next year’s mid-term elections.

Youngkin, a mild-mannered private equity tycoon, tapped into culture war fights over schools and race to unite Trump’s most fervent supporters with enough suburban voters to become the first Republican to win statewide office in a dozen years.

The 54-year-old Youngkin’s defeat of Democrat Terry McAuliffe may offer template for Republicans seeking to win back suburban moderate voters who were turned off by former President Donald Trump’s firebrand style of politics.

The elections were the first major tests of voter sentiment since Biden took office and suggested growing frustration. They also underscored that, with Trump out of office, Democrats can not centre their messages on opposition to him. The results ultimately pointed to a potentially painful year ahead for Democrats as they try to maintain thin majorities in Congress.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 03/11/2021; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Associated Press
Advertisement