The field is now set for all 100 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates following Tuesday’s primaries, setting up one of the most consequential election battles of the year. Riding now-Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s coattails in 2021, Republicans brought an end to a brief two-year period of Democratic control, but the 52-48 majority they secured is anything but secure heading into November.
That’s why the governor has launched a well-funded campaign to protect his party’s edge in the lower chamber at the same time he’s trying to flip the state Senate, where Democrats are sitting on a similarly skinny 22-18 advantage. Youngkin, who is limited to just a single term as governor but still hasn’t ruled out a presidential bid, is counting on Republicans winning complete control of state government in order to pass his stalled priorities, like limits on abortion access. Democrats, likewise, are hoping to weaken him by retaking the House and holding their small majority in the Senate.
We previously took a look at the contests that will decide control of the Senate; in this post, we'll analyze the House battleground. Members of the House of Delegates serve two-year terms, so the winners will next be up in 2025, the same year the governorship will once again go before voters.
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