The political pendulum swings back and forth and Tuesday it swung hard in
favor of the Democrat party. Democrats swept all three top spots in
Virginia, aligning with a historical pattern dating back to 1976, where the
Commonwealth votes for the opposition party to the party in the White House.
This year was no exception but we take comfort in the fact that God is in
control and we give Him praise in all situations.
Abigail Spanberger won 57% of the vote over Winsome Earle-Sears, marking the
highest margin for a Democratic governor since 1961. Spanberger outspent
Sears significantly, $65 million to $35 million. Yet, in her gracious
concession speech, Sears thanked God for calling her to serve and wished
Spanberger success. Spanberger’s name is already being floated as a
potential vice presidential candidate. That may encourage Spangerger to
moderate her positions, shifting from more radical stances to positions that
appeal broadly. For Virginians, this might just be the saving grace we need.
In the lieutenant governor’s race, Ghazala Hashmi secured 52.7% against John
Reid, becoming the first Muslim woman to win statewide office in the
country, defeating the first openly gay candidate in Virginia.
The Scandal and the Silence
The most controversial race of the night was between Democrat Jay Jones and
Republican incumbent, Attorney General Jason Miyares. Jones overcame a
historical scandal when his text messages were released showing him
advocating for putting two bullets in the head of an opponent, wishing he
could watch his children die in their mother’s arms and more. His crime of
driving 116 miles an hour came to light when it was discovered that his
“community service” was Jones simply working for his own campaign PAC.
Despite these and other scandals, not a single Democrat broke ranks and they
were rewarded with 52.7% of the vote going to Jones as the highest ranking
law enforcement officer in Virginia.
Prior to the election, the Washington Post Editorial Page published this
chilling reality, “If Jones rides Spanberger’s coattails to victory, it
would be a sad reflection of discomforting willingness among voters to
prioritize partisanship over human decency.” These chickens have come home
to roost for Virginians.
Democrats wisely avoided talking about social issues that are wildly
unpopular with voters such as boys competing in girls’ sports, boys in
girls’ locker rooms and pushing transgender surgery on children who cannot
understand the lifelong ramifications.
In fact, every candidate ran as if their opponent was President Trump,
tapping into discontent among the electorate. When the political pendulum
swings, it’s always easier to rally the furious than to mobilize the
satisfied. Enraged voters will brave hurricanes to cast a “revenge ballot”
but complacent, satisfied voters are harder to motivate so they often fall
asleep at the wheel.
Spending and A Silver Lining
Democrats outspent Republicans widely, which contributed to their gains in
the House of Delegates. Delegate Geary Higgins, the lone conservative voice
in Northern Virginia, raised an impressive $1 million but was outspent
3-to-1 by his opponent, and subsequently lost with 49% of the vote.
Similarly, Democrats targeted Delegate Carrie Coiner as soon as she released
the controversial Jay Jones text messages, leading to her defeat.
Ultimately, Democrats flipped 13 seats, creating a 64-36 super-majority,
with every district shifting leftward.
Amid the challenges, there was a silver lining as the Loudoun County School
Board picked up a Republican in the Sterling District. Conservative Amy
Riccardi edged out Arben Istrefi with 51.54% of the vote. This win speaks
volumes about the radical school policies, such as the Title IX
investigation into the two Christian Stone Bridge High School boys who dared
to say they were uncomfortable with a girl filming them in the locker room.
Beyond Virginia
Virginia’s results weren’t isolated. In New York City, 34-year-old Muslim
socialist Zohran Mamdani won the mayoral race, pledging free bus and grocery
services, higher taxes on the rich, and protections for illegal immigrants.
Socialist policies have failed wherever tried, they will fail in NYC too.
In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill claimed 56% in what was expected to
be a tight gubernatorial race. This government shutdown (now the longest in
America’s history) may have played a big role in the off-year election
results. The next 12 months, polling data will be endlessly scrutinized to
determine whether or not Democrats can take control of Congress.
Perseverance and Purpose
Politics ebbs and flows, and the best candidate doesn’t always win.
Sometimes we take our lumps, but we never give up. The American dream is
worth the fight. America remains the greatest country the world has ever
known and this republic only thrives if we put in the work.
As Charlie Kirk wisely said, “we must keep talking to people, because when
dialogue stops, violence starts. Let’s continue being salt and light in this
world. Salt and light are elements that transform everything they come in
contact with. Remember, this isn’t our home; we’re just passing through,
recruiting along the way.”
