Despite Virginia’s history of supporting Democratic presidential candidates, Republicans are pointing to recent polling numbers and other signs that the state could be in play this election season. A Roanoke College poll conducted in mid-May found former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden tied in Virginia, a significant shift from the state’s 10-point Democratic margin in 2020.
A Fox News Voter Analysis poll of registered voters also found Biden and Trump tied, conducted from June 1-4. Republicans believe that if Virginia is competitive, it could spell trouble for Biden’s reelection chances in other battleground states.
“I’d rather be the Trump campaign right now,” said Zack Roday, a Republican strategist in Virginia. “If the polls hold in September and October, there will be spending here and it will be a problem for Democrats to have to spend in order to hold the Commonwealth.”
Governor Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, met with Trump to discuss the potential of turning the state red, focusing on areas where he won in 2021. While the state remains a Democratic stronghold, some believe Virginia Beach, Stafford, and western Fairfax County could be areas where Republicans could be viable.
“I’m in the camp of if it’s ever going to happen, this could be our year, solely because of Biden’s low approval numbers,” said Brian Kirwin, a Republican operative. “Every four years, someone says Virginia is in play right up until Election Day, but this is a referendum on Biden, and people are going to vote according to his performance.”
The state will hold its primary election on Tuesday, which could provide clues about the state’s political landscape come November.
