Virginia Viewpoint Election Update: Full Circle

November 8, 2024

Election Update: Full Circle

As the saying goes: “Everything old is new again.”

As of November 8, several races across the country remain uncalled, but key outcomes from the 2024 election have emerged. The top headline: Donald Trump will return to the White House as the 47th President of the United States, joining President Grover Cleveland as one of only two presidents in history to win nonconsecutive terms to the nation’s highest office.

While Vice President Kamala Harris carried Virginia, Trump cut into her margins in Northern Virginia and boosted his already strong performance in rural areas — reflecting broader trends across the country that catapulted him to victory.

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U.S. Congress

In the U.S. Senate, Republicans have regained the majority for the first time since 2021, positioning them to advance the Trump administration’s agenda, including judicial appointments. This outcome aligns with most expectations, as Democrats were defending more seats in states where Trump has historically performed well. Currently, Republicans hold a 53-45 lead, with some results still pending.

However, it is important to note that the Senate operates at a 60-vote affirmative threshold on most legislation. The best-case scenario for Republicans for the 119th Congress is a 54 seat majority, meaning that major legislative packages will require bipartisan input and votes.

Control of the U.S. House of Representatives remains undecided. With all seats up for grabs and Republicans defending a slim majority, it may take another week or more to determine the final balance of power.

Virginia Delegation

In Virginia, Senator Tim Kaine secured reelection. Despite three open seats, the political composition of the Commonwealth’s congressional delegation remains unchanged, with six Democrats and five Republicans. Each incumbent successfully defended their seat.

The three newcomers —Suhas Subramanyam (D), Eugene Vindman (D), and John McGuire (R) — will join the Virginia delegation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Danny Avula emerged victorious in Richmond’s mayoral race, securing 46% of the vote in a competitive field of five candidates.

The Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) has the full election results available here.

Petersburg Approves Casino

In Petersburg, residents overwhelmingly approved a referendum to allow casino gambling in the city. With the city’s blessing, construction of the casino is set to begin in early 2025.

The vote came after two unsuccessful referendums to add a casino in the City of Richmond.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead to 2025, Governor Youngkin will call two special elections to fill the seats vacated by Senator Subramanyam (D) and Senator McGuire (R). The results of these races have a chance to influence the larger political landscape in Virginia, where Democrats hold a razor-thin 21-19 majority in the Senate of Virginia and a 51-49 majority in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Virginia will return to the national spotlight next year when the House is up for reelection in addition to the statewide offices – Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General.

6 things to know about the election results in Virginia

By DWAYNE YANCEY, Cardinal News

Petersburg votes overwhelmingly in favor of a casino

By SEAN JONES, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall – 7 articles per month)

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About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

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