Youngkin coalition

The upset victory of Glenn Youngkin in the 2021 Virginia gubernatorial election is attributed to the Youngkin coalition of largely Trump supporters, suburbanites and Hispanics which contributed to a Republican victory in a normally Democratic state.[1][2][3]

Youngkin talking with residents in Richmond, Virginia

The appeal to suburban voters, who have shifted away from the Republican Party as Donald Trump increasingly influenced it, was attributed to Youngkin's distancing from Trump and hesitancy to openly embrace him.[2] Youngkin's performance in the suburbs near Washington, D.C. were stronger than that of Trump's margins in the 2020 United States presidential election.[4] During the final days preceding the general election held on November 2, Youngkin campaigned in the suburban areas of northern Virginia.[5]

Cultural issues which were heavily emphasized during the campaign included critical race theory and a Loudoun County sexual assault coverup scandal.[6][7] In contrast to Terry McAuliffe's stressing on national issues, Youngkin's focus prioritized on local issues.[8] He did not take a position on the allegations of election fraud in the 2020 presidential race during the Republican primary though acknowledged the presidency of Joe Biden afterwards.[9]

Previous similar attempts to combine a coalition of Trump supporters and suburban voters, including Ed Gillespie's run for governor in 2017, were met with failure.[10]

References
  1. Fox News Voter Analysis. (November 2, 2021). FNVA-Virginia_as-of-10pm-results.pdf. Fox News. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  2. November 3, 2021. Glenn Youngkin’s Big Win. National Review. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  3. Shepard, Steven (October 30, 2021). The 5 key groups fueling Youngkin’s rise. Politico. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  4. Sargent, Greg (November 3, 2021). Opinion: Why did the Democratic coalition fracture so quickly?. The Washington Post. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  5. Merica, Dan; Bradner, Eric; McKend, Eva (October 29, 2021). As early voting nears its end, McAuliffe and Youngkin campaign in decidedly different ways. CNN. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  6. Beauchamp, Zack (November 4, 2021). Did critical race theory really swing the Virginia election?. Vox. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  7. Schorr, Isaac (October 19, 2021). At Campaign Event, Glenn Youngkin Blasts Loudoun County Cover-Up, McAuliffe. National Review. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  8. Watson, Kathryn; Linton, Caroline; Guinn, Melissa (November 4, 2021). 2021 Election Results: GOP celebrates Youngkin's win in Virginia. CBS News. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  9. Graham, David A. (September 2, 2021). Tonight Is a Test of What Trumpism Could Be Without Trump. The Atlantic. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  10. Geraghty, Jim (November 2, 2021). What Happens If Glenn Youngkin Comes Close?. National Review. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
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