In recent years, the state of Virginia has become increasingly divided between those who identify as Republicans and those who identify as Democrats. This division is most apparent when looking at the results of presidential elections; in 2016, Hillary Clinton won the state by a slim margin, while in 2020, Joe Biden won by a larger margin. However, despite this division, there are still many Virginians who consider themselves to be politically independent. So, what is the current political landscape in Virginia? Let’s take a closer look.
Red vs. Blue
As mentioned before, Virginia has become increasingly divided between red and blue voters in recent years. This divide can be seen when looking at voting patterns for presidential elections; in 2016, Hillary Clinton won the state by a slim margin of less than five percent, while in 2020, Joe Biden won by a larger margin of over ten percent. However, it’s important to note that not all of Virginia is solidly blue or red; there are still many Virginians who consider themselves to be politically independent. In fact, according to a 2019 poll from the Institute for Policy and Opinion Research at Christopher Newport University, nearly 30% of Virginians consider themselves to be independents.
The Political Landscape in Virginia
The political landscape in Virginia is complex and ever-changing. In recent years, the state has trended Democratic in presidential elections, but this is not always reflected down-ballot. For example, although Hillary Clinton won the state in 2016, Republicans maintained control of both the Virginia House of Delegates and the State Senate. However, this changed in 2019 when Democrats gained control of both chambers of the General Assembly for the first time in over 20 years.
Looking ahead to 2021 and beyond, it will be interesting to see how the political landscape in Virginia evolves. Will the state continue to trend Democratic? Or will Republicans make gains? Only time will tell.
Conclusion
Virginia is a complex and ever-changing state when it comes to politics. In recent years, it has trended Democratic in presidential elections but Republican down-ballot. However, this changed in 2019 when Democrats gained control of both chambers of the General Assembly for the first time in over 20 years. With 2021 right around the corner, it will be interesting to see how the political landscape evolves in Virginia. Will the state continue to trend Democratic? Or will Republicans make gains? Only time will tell.