On Wednesday, Democrat nominee and former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe conceded in his battle against Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin. This happened in a closely followed gubernatorial showdown that has national implications.
McAuliffe admitted defeat against Youngkin, stating he “came up short”
In a statement made by McAuliffe, he admitted he “came up short.” The Democrat then congratulated Governor-elect Youngkin in his recent victory, adding he hopes Virginians will join him in wishing the best for Youngkin and his family.
Democrat candidate for Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe dances at the end of his speech. He lost the election in a shocking & humiliating defeat to Republican newcomer, Glenn Youngkin. McAuliffe campaigned in support of leftist racial grievance politics. pic.twitter.com/1uN88lX00n
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) November 3, 2021
Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin is a former CEO of private equity who narrowly defeated the long-time former Virginia governor in the gubernatorial race.
At 1 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Youngkin told his supporters they won the race. He then vowed they will come together and change the trajectory of the nation.
Youngkin is a first-time nominee who ran a disciplined campaign as he focused on crime, taxes, and making public schools responsible to parents. On the other hand, McAuliffe spent the last couple of months linking Youngkin to former President Trump.
In addition to this, McAuliffe likewise persisted to nationalize the Virginia election. During the final weeks before the election, McAuliffe campaigned with big names, including President Biden, former President Obama, Vice President Harris, and other prominent Democrats.
However, they too were unsuccessful in boosting his luck.
Kamala Harris four days ago: "What happens in Virginia will in large part determine what happens in 2022, 2024, and on." pic.twitter.com/332NEATsF2
— Caleb Smith (@CalebJSmith) November 3, 2021
It can be noted two months ago, McAuliffe had a single-digit lead in Virginia, a state where Biden won 10 points against Trump merely a year ago. However, Youngkin wiped out the advantage of the former governor near the end of the campaign period.
On the other hand, the defeat of McAuliffe in the first major election under the Biden administration serves as a significant political setback for the president who’s already on an unstable platform since late summer.
Virginia gubernatorial election is a “bellwether” for the 2022 election
Meanwhile, analysts were calling the race in Virginia a “bellwether” for the midterm elections in 2022. They suggested the win of the Republican nominee foretells the faith of the Republican Party next year in Congress and in the 2024 presidential election.
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel stated Virginians and Americans are “fed up” with the policies of the Biden administration. The people are tired of failed leadership by the president as leftist programs continue to hurt the working class.
McDaniel then added the “red wave” is coming and results in the gubernatorial election in Virginia are merely the beginning.
Meanwhile, Jon Favreau, a left-wing activist, made comments voicing out his disbelief on how McAuliffe lost the state Biden won by 10 points merely a year ago.
He then admitted the outcome is “not great” for leftists and acknowledged that the Democrats have some preparations to make for the 2022 midterm elections.
