In two weeks, Virginia will elect a new governor — and nobody knows who it will be. Polls show a tight race between former Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Republican businessman Glenn Youngkin. The race has broken state fundraising records. And the Cook Political Report recently revised its race rating from “Leans Democratic” to “Toss-up.”
Youngkin and McAuliffe each have reason to think they will win. Republicans have the wind at their backs this year as congressional Democrats dither and President Biden’s approval ratings slump. McAuliffe should benefit from demographic and political shifts that have pushed the state from red to blue.
A careful inventory of these strengths favors McAuliffe — but only marginally. CONTINUED
David Byler, Washington Post
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