Reactions to the Virginia Race

REPUBLICAN

Republican National Committee [rapid response]

November 2, 2021


Tonight, Republicans had a huge victory in Virginia.

 

Virginians just sent a resounding message rebuking Joe Biden, Terry McAuliffe, and the Democrats’ swampy socialist agenda. Instead, they chose leaders who will empower parents, keep our communities safe by backing the Blue, and create jobs by electing Glenn Youngkin, Winsome Sears, and Jason Miyares as governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general.

 

In the words of Kamala Harris, “What happens in Virginia will in large part determine what happens in 2022, 2024, and on.”

 


 

The RNC is proud to have worked with Republicans across Virginia to win this race – including by making over 5 MILLION volunteer voter contacts in Virginia.

 


 

Democrats should be worried. Today, voters also rejected the Democrats’ radical agenda in New Hampshire, Ohio, and Minneapolis. The RNC’s unprecedented data-driven grassroots infrastructure does not stop with Virginia. We have already made 12 million volunteer voter contacts across the country ahead of the midterms.

 

The red wave is here. It started in Virginia, and things are only going to get worse for Joe Biden and the Democrats.

 

Tommy Pigott

Rapid Response Director

Republican Governors Association
November 2, 2021

RGA Statement on Glenn Youngkin's Victory in Virginia

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Republican Governors Association released the statement below following Glenn Youngkin’s victory in Virginia’s gubernatorial race. The RGA is proud to have supported Youngkin’s successful campaign, investing over $14 million into the effort. The RGA was the largest donor to Glenn Youngkin’s general election campaign, and the largest donor in the state in 2021.

“The RGA is thrilled to congratulate Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin on winning a hard-fought race that many wrote off as unwinnable for Republicans,” said RGA Chairman Governor Doug Ducey. “Glenn ran an excellent and inspiring campaign that raises the bar for candidates across the country. Unlike his opponent, Glenn didn’t need a cast of national surrogates to do his work for him; he connected directly with voters on issues that matter to Virginians. The RGA is honored to have worked with Glenn throughout the general election and we look forward to welcoming him to our ranks as Virginia’s next governor.”

“We are proud to have partnered with the Youngkin campaign over the last several months, working closely to execute an effective plan to win in a state Joe Biden carried by 10 points a year ago,” said RGA Executive Director Dave Rexrode. “Together, we were able to define the race on our terms and provide the resources needed for all voters to hear Glenn’s vision for a safer, more prosperous Commonwealth. We are excited to have Governor-Elect Youngkin as our 28th Republican Governor.”

Save America
November 2, 2021

Statement by Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States of America

It is looking like Terry McAuliffe's campaign against a certain person named “Trump” has very much helped Glenn Youngkin. All McAuliffe did was talk Trump, Trump, Trump and he lost! What does that tell you, Fake News? I guess people running for office as Democrats won’t be doing that too much longer. I didn’t even have to go rally for Youngkin, because McAuliffe did it for me. Thank you to the MAGA voters for turning out big!

_____________________

Statement by Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States of America

I would like to thank my BASE for coming out in force and voting for Glenn Youngkin. Without you, he would not have been close to winning. The MAGA movement is bigger and stronger than ever before. Glenn will be a great governor. Thank you to the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia and most particularly, to our incredible MAGA voters!


_____________________

Save America JFC [fundraising email***]

November 2, 2021


Friend,

INCREDIBLE - Congratulations to GLENN YOUNGKIN, a true America FIRST Patriot who had my complete and total endorsement for Virginia Governor.

I would like to thank my BASE for coming out in force and voting for Glenn Youngkin. Without you, he would not have been close to winning.

The MAGA movement is bigger and stronger than ever before. Thank you to the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia and most particularly, to our incredible MAGA voters!

This was a BIG WIN, but we can’t stop now. We need to send a message to the Left that we will SAVE AMERICA.

Please contribute IMMEDIATELY to help me SAVE AMERICA and your gift will be INCREASED by 300%. >>

___
***a joint fundraising committee on behalf of Save America and the Make America Great Again PAC.

Republican State Leadership Committee
November 2, 2021

In Stunning Upset, Virginia Republicans End Democrat Control of House of Delegates

Overcome 2:1 Spending Disadvantage to Gain Seats in House for First Time Since 2013 Election


WASHINGTON, D.C. - Virginia Republicans tonight flipped at least five seats in the House of Delegates. The stunning upset, which Republicans achieved despite being outspent by 2:1, was the first election in which Republicans netted House seats in Virginia since 2013. House Democrats had netted a total of 22 seats over the last three election cycles.

The Republican State Leadership Committee and its affiliated groups led this historic effort by investing more in Virginia House races than any other Republican organization. These resources went to recruiting, training, and supporting strong candidates in battleground districts across the commonwealth, as well as multiple, innovative paid media campaigns run directly by RSLC PAC.
    “Tonight’s historic upset is proof that Virginians are ready to move closer to an optimistic vision for the commonwealth marked by the protection of individual freedoms and liberties, where parents are empowered, where businesses are allowed to do what’s best for them and their employees, and the safety of communities is a priority number one,” said RSLC President Dee Duncan. “This success was a culmination of months of hard work for the RSLC, as we supported the right candidates, developed the right messages, and executed the right strategies to overcome a 2:1 spending disadvantage driven by national liberals like Barack Obama, Eric Holder, Nancy Pelosi, and Stacey Abrams. Congratulations to Republican Leader Todd Gilbert and all our partners in the Old Dominion on this fantastic achievement. While we are proud of our efforts in Virginia, our remarkable success tonight will inherently motivate national Democrats to attack our razor-thin majorities across the country in 2022, and we know we will have to work harder than ever to protect them.”
Tonight’s results are a devastating blow to Virginia Democrats and the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC). The DLCC said holding their Democrat majority in the Virginia was its “number one priority this year” and that they would “do whatever it takes to keep it blue.”  Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn even told the Associated Press less than a week before the election, “the majority is safe” and WRIC-Richmond “it won’t be as close as people think on Election Day.”

RSLC PAC began its paid media efforts in Virginia in June with a digital ad campaign in 13 target districts highlighting how Richmond liberals were no different than the Democrats controlling Washington, D.C. The PAC then ramped up its spending in the state with hard hitting television advertising against 10 candidates on August 17. These were the first television ads run in Virginia’s House of Delegates races and even the Washington Post at the time noted how the spots came “unusually early in the district election cycle.”
###
Republican Jewish Coalition
Contact: Sam Markstein
November 2, 2021

RJC Congratulates Glenn Youngkin

Washington, DC (November 2, 2021) – The Republican Jewish Coalition congratulates Virginia Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin on his victory tonight.

Youngkin campaigned on the issues that matter most to the people of Virginia, including education, taxes, economic growth, supporting law enforcement, and honest governance. His message resonated with Virginia voters from all walks of life.

RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks said:

We congratulate Virginia Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin on his victory. The governor’s race in Virginia was an indicator of the kind of issues – and the kind of campaign – that will result in Republican victories in the 2022 midterm elections. The RJC is committed to helping the GOP win majorities in the US Senate and House in 2022. We are confident that strong Republican candidates across the country will win their races because they are fighting to provide the American people with economic opportunity, high-quality and affordable healthcare, school choice, less government interference in their lives, and safety for their families.

Glenn Youngkin showed that it can be done – even in a “blue” state that went Democrat by 10%+ just a year ago – and we look forward to seeing and supporting many, many more Republican victories next November as well.

###

The RJC is the national grassroots organization of Jewish Republicans and represents tens of thousands of Jewish Republicans across this country.

America First Policy Institute
November 2, 2021

STATEMENT: AFPI PRESIDENT AND CEO BROOKE ROLLINS CONGRATULATES VA GOV. ELECT YOUNGKIN

Upon learning of the victory of Glenn Youngkin along with the historic elections of Winsome Sears, the first Black woman to be elected to serve as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, and Jason Miyares, the first Hispanic to be elected to serve as attorney general, Brooke L. Rollins offered the following statement:

“Glenn Youngkin’s victory in Virginia is a tremendous moment for the Old Dominion — and a signpost on America’s road back to greatness. The Democrat, leftist, progressive, socialist machine threw everything they had at Youngkin — and they lost.

Remember this, as you go into 2022, 2024, and beyond: the other side left nothing on the table … and they were crushed. They were crushed because the people of Virginia — tired of their arrogance, tired of their disdain, tired of their loathing for everything they have been and meant — went to the polls, and exercised their freedom to say no.

No to their rejection of parental rights.

No to their crude attempts to introduce racism into civic discourse.

No to their belief that incompetent elites deserve to rule.

Nearly two and a half centuries ago, Americans at Lexington fired ‘the shot heard ‘round the world.’ Tonight, Virginians cast the vote heard ‘round the world.’ They voted for Glenn Youngkin, yes — and he deserves every bit of credit he receives in this tremendous victory.

But underlying the vote for a candidate is a vote for freedom. For opportunity. For America.

Tonight is the end of the Virginia gubernatorial race. For America, though — this is the beginning of an America First renewal.”

Learn more at AmericaFirstPolicy.com
DEMOCRATIC

Terry for Virginia
November 3, 2021

Statement from Terry McAuliffe

MCLEAN, VA – Terry McAuliffe today released the following statement regarding the results of the Virginia gubernatorial election:

"While last night we came up short, I am proud that we spent this campaign fighting for the values we so deeply believe in. We must protect Virginia's great public schools and invest in our students. We must protect affordable health care coverage, raise the minimum wage faster, and expand paid leave so working families have a fighting shot. We must protect voting rights, protect a woman's right to choose, and, above all else, we must protect our democracy. While there will be setbacks along the way, I am confident that the long term path of Virginia is toward inclusion, openness and tolerance for all. 

"Congratulations to Governor-Elect Glenn Youngkin on his victory. I hope Virginians will join me in wishing the best to him and his family.

"I would like to thank my wife Dorothy, my family, and my incredible campaign team for their tireless efforts and dedication over these past eleven months. And to all of my supporters across Virginia who knocked on millions of doors, made countless phone calls, and talked to their family, friends and neighbors: I am eternally grateful that you joined me on this journey to move Virginia forward.

"Serving as Virginia’s 72nd governor was the highest honor of my life, and I will never stop fighting to make our Commonwealth stronger and brighter for all."

###
Democratic National Committee
November 3, 2021

DNC Statement on Virginia Election Results

“Terry McAuliffe, Hala Ayala, Mark Herring and Democrats down the ballot ran a tireless campaign to move Virginia forward into a brighter future and while they came up short, families across the commonwealth are better off because of their service. Make no mistake, Democrats turned out in huge numbers last night, and while it did not get the job done, Democrats across the country will not be deterred. We will get right back to work. As we say in South Carolina: while we breathe, we hope. Starting today and every single day over the next year, Democrats will remain laser focused on delivering for working families and making our case directly to each and every voter. We will not rest until the polls close next year and we know that Democrats have won the House, Senate, and governors’ mansions across the country to continue delivering hope and progress for the American people.”
 
###
______________________

DNC Talkers' Toplines – November 3

1. Last Night’s Election Results
  • Democrats knew from the start this would be a tough election in Virginia -- historical trends demonstrate just how difficult it can be to capture the Virginia governor’s mansion. 
     
    • The incumbent president’s party has lost the Virginia governor’s race in ten of the previous 11 elections dating back to 1977. While McAuliffe was able to overcome that trend back in 2013, it has never happened in a president’s first term in over five decades.
    • No candidate has ever won two non-consecutive terms as Virginia governor without switching political parties.
    • This would’ve been the third straight election where Democrats would have swept all three statewide offices in Virginia, which was obviously a difficult task.
       
  • And while no New Jersey Democratic governor has been reelected in 44 years, we believe when all the votes are counted that Phil Murphy will be continuing his work to deliver for the Garden State. 
     
  • While there were some promising signs about the effectiveness of our investments and our programs in our side’s high turnout, this is not the night we hoped for. But Democrats across the country will not be deterred and we are not taking a day off. We know what we have to do next: get back to work delivering for the American people.
     
  • Now more than ever, it is urgent that we pass President Biden’s extremely popular Build Back Better agenda. And then spend every single day over the next year, making the case directly to each and every voter on how Democrats are delivering for them.
     
    • In a sign of how popular the president’s agenda is, Glenn Youngkin did not mention President Biden in a single TV ad over the closing months of the campaign.
    • A majority of voters support the Build Back Better Framework by a margin of 29 points and a poll of battleground congressional districts found a double-digit margin of support for the plan. 
       
  • Voters want to see us continue our progress on rebounding from the pandemic, growing the economy, cutting taxes for middle-class families, creating good-paying jobs, and lowering costs. We delivered with the American Rescue Plan, now it’s time to deliver with the Build Back Better Framework and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, which will do exactly that and rebuild the backbone of our country: the middle class.
     
  • We also know that we’ve got to make our case. While Democrats tirelessly work to improve the lives of Americans across the country, Republicans have sat on the sidelines, obstructed that progress, and lied directly to the American people. We won’t let them get away with it.
     
  • The DNC spent an unprecedented $6 million in Virginia and $1 million in New Jersey, and we have already made historic investments to prepare for next year's midterm elections, earlier than before -- and that’s just the start. We know what we have to do, now it’s time to get to work doing it.
     
  • We will not rest until the polls close next year and we know that Democrats have won the House, Senate, and governors’ mansions across the country to continue delivering hope and progress for the American people.
Democratic Governors Association
November 3, 2021

DGA Statement on the Results of the Virginia Gubernatorial Election

The following is a statement by DGA Executive Director Noam Lee on the results of the Virginia governor’s race:

“Terry McAuliffe ran a strong, positive campaign focused on the issues that matter most. The central goal of his campaign — to build a better Virginia that works for everyone — resonated with voters, and despite the outcome, we saw that reflected in last night’s close results.

“Unfortunately, Virginia’s long-standing trend of electing a governor from the opposite party of the president continues. Sidestepping the issues that mattered to voters, the GOP lied and schemed to hide their candidate’s extreme positions, and their far-right agenda won out.

“The DGA remains committed to advancing the optimistic vision that Terry McAuliffe championed — in Virginia and across the country. While this loss is a setback in moving forward, it will only energize the DGA to continue to fight to and expand our coalition of Democratic governors.”
Third Way
November 3, 2021

Third Way Statement on the Election Results in Virginia

“Third Way’s Bennett: “Democrats must heed the warning out of Virginia: stasis and schools could take down our majorities unless we change course.”

WASHINGTON — Third Way EVP Matt Bennett issued the following statement on the outcome in Virginia:

“Terry McAuliffe’s defeat is terrible news for the people of the Commonwealth. But it’s also a warning for the broader Democratic Party. McAuliffe’s loss can be attributed mainly to two things: stasis and schools. Unless we change course, these two issues could take down our majorities in the midterms.

“On stasis, the inability of Democrats – so far, at least – to deliver on the promises Joe Biden made last year is an unforced error. The months of in-fighting and sausage-making must come to an end. We must pass these two historic bills and then explain what they will do to create jobs, cut taxes, and help working families afford the essentials. As our latest public opinion research shows [see below], voters don’t know what’s in the bills, and what they think they know, they mostly don’t like. 

“In addition to the inertia problem, parents of school-age kids (who were breaking sharply against Democrats in pre-election polling) were clearly worried about losing control over what their kids are experiencing in schools, from COVID protocols to books in the library to debates over equity and race. Together, they seemed to create a stew of anxiety that Virginia schools were somehow hostile to parents.

“Republicans are intent on using the lessons they learned in Virginia, including the power of cynical distortion and outright lying about cultural and race issues, to try to take back Congress next year. The dangers of the anti-democratic, Trumpified GOP taking control are enormous. Democrats must show that they are the mainstream party of the Joe Biden who won the primary and the general election. That’s the only way back.”

Below is more on our recent research:

We partnered with ALG Research to understand voters' perceptions of Build Back Better. Our results showed that:

    • Voters do not believe they will receive a tax cut from BBB. Just 13% of base and swing voters believe BBB will lower their taxes, even after hearing a description of the bill that includes working- and middle-class tax cuts.
    • Swing voters worry the bill will be full of giveaways and keep people from returning to work. When asked what they “dislike” in a fully described BBB, 60% of swing voters reference too many “handouts.”
    • Swing voters also believe the bill will increase the deficit. More than 60% of swing voters erroneously think that the bill will increase the deficit, despite hearing that it will be paid for by taxes on the wealthy and corporations.
Please reach out to Imani Webb, Third Way's Press Advisor at iwebb@thirdway.org if you are interested in speaking with Matt Bennett, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs at Third Way, or if you have any questions about the research.
Human Rights Campaign
November 3, 2021

Human Rights Campaign Vows To Fight Against Youngkin’s Regressive Agenda

Last night, anti-equality extremist Glenn Youngkin won the race for Virginia Governor.

Human Rights Campaign Interim President Joni Madison issued the following statement in reaction:

    “Glenn Youngkin’s anti-equality, anti-choice, racist tactics sought to sow fear and confusion, turning Virginian against Virginian for political gain. His hateful policies and rhetoric will have a real, devastating impact on LGBTQ+ people, women, and people of color across the Commonwealth. This is particularly true for transgender young people and their parents, who have faced an onslaught of targeted attacks that have put them in danger in their schools and communities.

    “Anti-equality extremists will continue to use bigotry to score political points. But we know that history has proven hate-filled electoral strategies ultimately stir the conscience of the nation. And we know it is not the time to give up the fight. The Human Rights Campaign will fight alongside our members and partners to block anti-equality policies and overcome the forces that are trying to drag us backwards. The movement for equality is on the right side of history.

    “We’ve never backed down from a fight. We don’t intend to start now. Progress will prevail and our country will be stronger for it.”