Why a 2023 Virginia Election Is a Proving Ground for 2024
THE PLAINS, Va.—For clues about the strength of both parties’ messages heading into 2024, look no further than this suburban Northern Virginia enclave, where Democrats and Republicans are betting big on a hotly contested state Senate race. Typically, such local elections don’t have a major impact outside their direct communities. But this one could decide control of the Virginia legislature and Republican Gov.
Glenn Youngkin’s ability to enact conservative policies on abortion, taxes and education—making it closely watched in the run up to next year’s presidential race. The Nov. 7 contest pits Republican Juan Pablo Segura, a 35-year-old entrepreneur, against Democrat Russet Perry, 39, a former Central Intelligence Agency officer and prosecutor.
The seat is key to Democrats’ bid to keep their slim edge in the 40-seat Senate, where they have squared off against Youngkin and Republicans who narrowly lead the House. Virginia’s odd-year elections traditionally offer signals about the electorate’s mood heading into national contests. Both parties have had recent statewide success in the state: Youngkin won the governor’s mansion in 2021, and President Biden won its 13 Electoral College votes a year earlier.
In a campaign that mirrors the political playbook across Virginia this year, Perry is pledging to prevent a rollback of abortion access, while Segura emphasizes education, crime and cost-of-living concerns. “Whoever wins this seat probably is in the majority," said J. Miles Coleman, associate editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics.
Read more on livemint.com
