The issue clearly resonates with Republicans - CRT is an oft-mentioned topic in conservative media - and Youngkin bet it would also bring along independents or even Biden voters. Virginia, especially the wealthy Washington suburb of Loudoun County, has seen volatile clashes at school board meetings over policies regarding transgender students and critical race theory, or CRT, which has morphed beyond its original definition to become a catchall term for some parents and conservative activists about how schools discuss racism and equity. Youngkin’s mantra was “parents matter,” appealing to voters who want more say in how topics such as race and gender identity are taught in their children’s schools. But Youngkin’s focus on public schools put McAuliffe and his party on the defensive, potentially signaling how potent the topic may be for Republicans next year. Voters typically had given Democrats the edge when it came to education.
McAuliffe, 64, underperformed relative to Biden in suburban areas such as Loudoun County, a sign that a Trump-centric message has limits to its effectiveness. In Virginia’s hotly contested race for governor, the victory by Republican Glenn Youngkin highlights a possible post-Trump path for the party. Politics Republican victory in Virginia shows a post-Trump path Running on a platform focused on schools and the economy, Youngkin managed to slough off McAuliffe’s attempts to make this race a referendum on Donald Trump, without alienating the former president’s most dogged supporters. A political novice and former co-chief executive of the private equity firm the Carlyle Group, Youngkin is the first Republican in 12 years to win statewide office and may offer a template for other GOP campaigns next year. The notable GOP swing in both of this year’s gubernatorial races shows the gains are not confined to just one state.īut it was Virginia that had commanded widespread attention in recent weeks. The AP declared Murphy the winner Wednesday after more ballots were counted in blue counties and he took a lead of about 19,000 votes. Phil Murphy barely eked out a win over his Republican challenger, Jack Ciattarelli, despite expectations he would win fairly easily.
Eric Adams easily won the race for New York mayor, and Boston elected its first woman and Asian American to the city’s top job.įurthering liberal angst, Democratic New Jersey Gov. World & Nation Eric Adams wins New York mayor’s raceįormer police Capt.