Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

maintained their control of the state Senate and flipped the state House

, consolidating their grip on the state legislature in what will remain divided government. 

Their legislative wins provide Democrats with a stronger hand pushing against the policy priorities of Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

The entire 140-seat legislature was up for grabs. The elections received significant national attention, with prominent Democrats like President Biden and former President Barack Obama boosting their party with emails and robocalls.

Youngkin's political action committee poured significant cash

Although Virginia voters weren't weighing in directly on abortion rights, the issue 

. The commonwealth currently acts as a southern refuge for abortion access in the wake of the 

U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade

In one competitive district in Petersburg, voters said abortion was their top issue.

“Even though the other things are important — that's more important than anything,” Wilma Nedrick told NPR on Tuesday. 

Republicans, led by Youngkin, have been trying to recast their messaging on abortion, pushing a position they framed as a middle ground on the issue: a ban on the procedure at 15 weeks, with exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother. 

The DNC cheered Tuesday's results, labeling them “a huge sign of Democrats' continued momentum heading into 2024.”

While abortion has featured heavily in this cycle, education, climate, and support of law enforcement were common issues candidates pitched to voters, especially in the legislative battleground districts in Virginia's suburban areas. 

Politics and Government News

Homepage

Jahd Khalil

Author

Democrats consolidated their power in the state legislature and will act as a counterweight to Gov. Glenn Youngkin's policy agenda. 

Virginia Democrats win full control of the state legislature, AP reports

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox