All Eyes on the Race for Governor of Virginia

 Virginians will elect a new governor on November 2. Early voting has already begun. Pro-life advocates have a keen interest in the race, not only because of its potential impact on protections for unborn children in Virginia, but also because it could serve as a bellwether for the 2022 midterms.

Current Virginia Governor Ralph Northam (D) — a strong abortion supporter who is infamous for his pro-infanticide comments and blackface scandal — is term-limited. Running to succeed him are Democrat Terry McAuliffe, who served as Governor of Virginia from 2014 to 2018, and Republican Glenn Youngkin, a political outsider. 

McAuliffe compiled a terrible abortion record during his previous time in office. Among other things, he vetoed legislation to stop taxpayer subsidies of the abortion industry. This time around, he has pledged to be a “brick wall” against any abortion limits. Women Speak Out Virginia, a political action committee affiliated with the Susan B. Anthony List, has committed $1.4 million to defeat McAuliffe, while Students for Life Action has committed a “five-figure” sum and mobilized a significant door-knocking campaign. 

Youngkin is campaigning on a pro-life platform. In an open letter to pro-life advocates, he affirmed that life begins at conception and explicitly stated that his view was informed by science, not just faith. 

Recent polling shows McAuliffe with a slight lead, but Youngkin is within the margin of error.

[Photo credit: Youngkin for Governor website]