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| Polls open in Virginia, balance of power in state government is at stake | Polls open in Virginia, balance of power in state government is at stake |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Voters are casting ballots across Virginia in what could be the most consequential legislative election in a generation, with control of the state government at stake. | Voters are casting ballots across Virginia in what could be the most consequential legislative election in a generation, with control of the state government at stake. |
| Both national parties are closely watching the outcome in Virginia, the only state in which the legislature could change hands, for clues about the 2020 presidential contest. An unprecedented amount of cash has flooded the commonwealth, which has no limits on campaign donations. | Both national parties are closely watching the outcome in Virginia, the only state in which the legislature could change hands, for clues about the 2020 presidential contest. An unprecedented amount of cash has flooded the commonwealth, which has no limits on campaign donations. |
| ‘This is unprecedented’: Last-minute money floods Virginia campaigns ahead of Nov. 5 | ‘This is unprecedented’: Last-minute money floods Virginia campaigns ahead of Nov. 5 |
| All 140 seats in the General Assembly are on the ballot, but much of the battle is focused on suburban districts in Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads. | All 140 seats in the General Assembly are on the ballot, but much of the battle is focused on suburban districts in Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads. |
| Republicans are defending thin majorities of 20 to 19 in the state Senate and 51 to 48 in the House of Delegates, with one vacancy in each chamber. If Democrats can take control, they could consolidate power for the first time in 26 years and work with Gov. Ralph Northam to pass measures long blocked by Republicans. | Republicans are defending thin majorities of 20 to 19 in the state Senate and 51 to 48 in the House of Delegates, with one vacancy in each chamber. If Democrats can take control, they could consolidate power for the first time in 26 years and work with Gov. Ralph Northam to pass measures long blocked by Republicans. |
| Democrats promise a new Virginia if they take control of the legislature. And that’s exactly what worries Republicans. | Democrats promise a new Virginia if they take control of the legislature. And that’s exactly what worries Republicans. |
| Those include gun control, protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, a higher minimum wage and passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. What’s more, the party that controls the General Assembly will oversee redistricting after next year’s census — influencing politics for a decade to come. | Those include gun control, protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, a higher minimum wage and passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. What’s more, the party that controls the General Assembly will oversee redistricting after next year’s census — influencing politics for a decade to come. |
| That’s exactly what motivated John Grimsley, 78, to roll out of bed in Fairfax County earlier than usual, skip breakfast and head to the Clifton Community Center to vote for Del. Tim Hugo, the last Republican state lawmaker from the Virginia suburbs closest to Washington. | That’s exactly what motivated John Grimsley, 78, to roll out of bed in Fairfax County earlier than usual, skip breakfast and head to the Clifton Community Center to vote for Del. Tim Hugo, the last Republican state lawmaker from the Virginia suburbs closest to Washington. |
| Grimsley, a retired moving services worker who served in the Air Force, said his Christian faith makes him a Republican by default. He said he can’t stomach what he called liberals’ dangerous ideas. Hugo is facing a tough race against Democrat Dan Helmer. | |
| “Partly, it’s that I don’t like the guy he’s running against,” Grimsley said. “I’ve got 12 signs in my yard: one for every Republican I’m voting for today.” | “Partly, it’s that I don’t like the guy he’s running against,” Grimsley said. “I’ve got 12 signs in my yard: one for every Republican I’m voting for today.” |
| But at the same polling place, David Shonka, a 78-year-old attorney and lifelong Democrat, said he was voting a straight Democratic ticket to protest the behavior of President Trump and the Republican party. | But at the same polling place, David Shonka, a 78-year-old attorney and lifelong Democrat, said he was voting a straight Democratic ticket to protest the behavior of President Trump and the Republican party. |
| “It really begins at the top, then it flows into the Senate, then it flows into the House, and then — yes — to issues at a more local level,” said Shonka, who cast a ballot for Helmer. “The Republicans have lost the right to govern.” | “It really begins at the top, then it flows into the Senate, then it flows into the House, and then — yes — to issues at a more local level,” said Shonka, who cast a ballot for Helmer. “The Republicans have lost the right to govern.” |
| Voters will also decide a host of local races, electing successors to outgoing Board of Supervisors Chairmen Sharon Bulova (D-Fairfax) and Corey Stewart (R-Prince William), among others; choosing supervisors, prosecutors, schools board members and sheriffs across the state; and endorsing or rejecting millions in bond issues for schools, transportation and public safety projects. | Voters will also decide a host of local races, electing successors to outgoing Board of Supervisors Chairmen Sharon Bulova (D-Fairfax) and Corey Stewart (R-Prince William), among others; choosing supervisors, prosecutors, schools board members and sheriffs across the state; and endorsing or rejecting millions in bond issues for schools, transportation and public safety projects. |
| At Langley High School, Anita LaSalle, 77 voted for Democrats up and down the ballot, including Jeff McKay for chairman of the Fairfax County Board. She said she used to split her vote between Republicans and Democrats, but in recent years started backing mostly Democrats because she thought the Republican Party was becoming more conservative at the national and local levels. | At Langley High School, Anita LaSalle, 77 voted for Democrats up and down the ballot, including Jeff McKay for chairman of the Fairfax County Board. She said she used to split her vote between Republicans and Democrats, but in recent years started backing mostly Democrats because she thought the Republican Party was becoming more conservative at the national and local levels. |
| “Their views are just antiquated,” she said. | “Their views are just antiquated,” she said. |
| LaSalle, a retired federal employee and professor said she worried about overdevelopment in Fairfax County. She and her husband said they’re concerned about the seemingly ever-increasing amount of traffic on Route 123 and that some neighborhood children can’t wait for the school bus because sidewalks haven’t been built. | LaSalle, a retired federal employee and professor said she worried about overdevelopment in Fairfax County. She and her husband said they’re concerned about the seemingly ever-increasing amount of traffic on Route 123 and that some neighborhood children can’t wait for the school bus because sidewalks haven’t been built. |
| LaSalle said she was also astounded by the poor planning of Tysons. | LaSalle said she was also astounded by the poor planning of Tysons. |
| “They built a city with no roads,” she said after casting her ballot. “It’s unmanageable.” | “They built a city with no roads,” she said after casting her ballot. “It’s unmanageable.” |
| McLean resident Richard Stark, 71, who is retired, said he voted straight Democratic because he thinks the Republican Party has “abandoned the principles for which it stood when I was growing up.” | McLean resident Richard Stark, 71, who is retired, said he voted straight Democratic because he thinks the Republican Party has “abandoned the principles for which it stood when I was growing up.” |
| Stark, who described himself as socially liberal and fiscally conservative, said he thinks changes in the national Republican Party have trickled down to the local level. | Stark, who described himself as socially liberal and fiscally conservative, said he thinks changes in the national Republican Party have trickled down to the local level. |
| Glory Fox Dierker, 73, also voted for a straight Democratic ticket. Dierker, who described herself as “a lifelong hippie,” said she was unconcerned about allegations that McKay got a sweetheart deal on his family’s house. | Glory Fox Dierker, 73, also voted for a straight Democratic ticket. Dierker, who described herself as “a lifelong hippie,” said she was unconcerned about allegations that McKay got a sweetheart deal on his family’s house. |
| “I don’t think Republicans have any place talking about quid pro quos,” she said. | “I don’t think Republicans have any place talking about quid pro quos,” she said. |
| This Va. House race should be an easy pickup for Democrats. It’s not shaping up that way. | This Va. House race should be an easy pickup for Democrats. It’s not shaping up that way. |
| GOP candidates around the state warned during campaigning that progressive Democrats are out of step with traditional Virginia values and will ruin the state’s business-friendly climate. | GOP candidates around the state warned during campaigning that progressive Democrats are out of step with traditional Virginia values and will ruin the state’s business-friendly climate. |
| Many suburban Republican candidates have attempted a difficult balancing act, posing almost like centrist Democrats for much of the summer — including blue campaign signs and literature that emphasized gun safety and health care without mentioning party affiliation — but lashing out against “socialists” and abortionists in the final weeks. | Many suburban Republican candidates have attempted a difficult balancing act, posing almost like centrist Democrats for much of the summer — including blue campaign signs and literature that emphasized gun safety and health care without mentioning party affiliation — but lashing out against “socialists” and abortionists in the final weeks. |
| Days before Nov. 5 elections, Virginia Republicans take hard right turn | Days before Nov. 5 elections, Virginia Republicans take hard right turn |
| Gun policy has dominated this election cycle, following a May 31 mass shooting in Virginia Beach where a gunman killed 12. Amid a public outcry for action, Democrats rallied around Northam, who summoned the General Assembly to a special legislative session in July to consider gun restrictions. | Gun policy has dominated this election cycle, following a May 31 mass shooting in Virginia Beach where a gunman killed 12. Amid a public outcry for action, Democrats rallied around Northam, who summoned the General Assembly to a special legislative session in July to consider gun restrictions. |
| Republicans who control the legislature accused Democrats of cynical politics, and adjourned the session after 90 minutes without debating a single bill. Instead, they referred all legislation to a state crime commission that would report back after the election. | |
| That was a risky move for Republicans — a recent Washington Post-Schar School poll found that gun policy is the top issue for a majority of Virginia voters. Although those voters split evenly among Democrats and Republicans, even bigger majorities said they favor some form of gun control legislation. | That was a risky move for Republicans — a recent Washington Post-Schar School poll found that gun policy is the top issue for a majority of Virginia voters. Although those voters split evenly among Democrats and Republicans, even bigger majorities said they favor some form of gun control legislation. |
| Poll finds Virginia voters focused on gun policy ahead of pivotal election | Poll finds Virginia voters focused on gun policy ahead of pivotal election |
| The potency of gun politics will be tested in Virginia Beach, where several close races could be pivotal in determining the balance of power in Richmond. | |
| In the Senate Distict 8, Republican Sen. William DeSteph (R-Va. Beach) is trying to turn back a well-funded challenge by Democrat Missy Cotter Smasal. | In the Senate Distict 8, Republican Sen. William DeSteph (R-Va. Beach) is trying to turn back a well-funded challenge by Democrat Missy Cotter Smasal. |
| Susan and George Okaty are both gun owners but said they voted for Smasal because of her stand on the environment and guns. | Susan and George Okaty are both gun owners but said they voted for Smasal because of her stand on the environment and guns. |
| “She’s willing to talk about gun control and not give lip service.” George Okaty said, 69, a retired security director for a community college and former Chief of Police at Trinity University in Texas. | “She’s willing to talk about gun control and not give lip service.” George Okaty said, 69, a retired security director for a community college and former Chief of Police at Trinity University in Texas. |
| He said DeSteph is a part of the Republican party that is not even willing to discuss gun issues, even after the Virginia Beach shooting. “That is an insult to the people of Virginia Beach and DeSteph is part of that insult,” George said. “It’s not an emotional issue. Let’s look at the facts.” | He said DeSteph is a part of the Republican party that is not even willing to discuss gun issues, even after the Virginia Beach shooting. “That is an insult to the people of Virginia Beach and DeSteph is part of that insult,” George said. “It’s not an emotional issue. Let’s look at the facts.” |
| Rhianna Lawson, 25, graduate student in speech pathology at Old Dominion University, also voted for Smasal because she wants stronger gun control. “I think gun violence is really important to the younger generation,” said Lawson, who spoke in the rain at the Norfolk Christian Lower School on Laskin Road in Virginia Beach. | Rhianna Lawson, 25, graduate student in speech pathology at Old Dominion University, also voted for Smasal because she wants stronger gun control. “I think gun violence is really important to the younger generation,” said Lawson, who spoke in the rain at the Norfolk Christian Lower School on Laskin Road in Virginia Beach. |
| But at the same polling place, Gregory Jepson, a 48-year-old Defense Department employee, cast his vote for DeSteph because it’s “a brand name around here.” | But at the same polling place, Gregory Jepson, a 48-year-old Defense Department employee, cast his vote for DeSteph because it’s “a brand name around here.” |
| He said Smasal made herself “the worst candidate” with ads that included the Virginia Beach mass shooting. | He said Smasal made herself “the worst candidate” with ads that included the Virginia Beach mass shooting. |
| “Her take was over the top,” he said. | “Her take was over the top,” he said. |
| Although he said gun policy wasn’t a deciding factor, Jepson added, “I do own a gun. But I’m not pro-pro-I-need-all-the-guns-in-the-world. I’m a Second Amendment fan. Don’t take my stuff away.” | Although he said gun policy wasn’t a deciding factor, Jepson added, “I do own a gun. But I’m not pro-pro-I-need-all-the-guns-in-the-world. I’m a Second Amendment fan. Don’t take my stuff away.” |
| Terry McAuliffe stepped up when Virginia Dems looked doomed. They bounced back, but he’s not quitting. | Terry McAuliffe stepped up when Virginia Dems looked doomed. They bounced back, but he’s not quitting. |
| Turnout is the most crucial factor on Tuesday. This is an “off-off year,” without statewide or federal races on the ballot to stir up voter interest. Turnout in such years in Virginia is typically very low — usually under 30 percent. Democrats are hoping that anti-Trump fervor will get their numbers up, as it has done ever since 2016, and have cranked up celebrity endorsements for good measure, including visits from actors Alec Baldwin and Kerry Washington. | Turnout is the most crucial factor on Tuesday. This is an “off-off year,” without statewide or federal races on the ballot to stir up voter interest. Turnout in such years in Virginia is typically very low — usually under 30 percent. Democrats are hoping that anti-Trump fervor will get their numbers up, as it has done ever since 2016, and have cranked up celebrity endorsements for good measure, including visits from actors Alec Baldwin and Kerry Washington. |
| In Northern Virginia, Democrats see their best pickup opportunity in the state Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Richard H. Black (R-Loudoun), a social conservative who was able to hang on despite a changing district. Del. John Bell (D-Loudoun) has raised $2.6 million for that open seat, compared with $1.4 million by Republican Geary Higgins. Democrats also have targeted Hugo. | In Northern Virginia, Democrats see their best pickup opportunity in the state Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Richard H. Black (R-Loudoun), a social conservative who was able to hang on despite a changing district. Del. John Bell (D-Loudoun) has raised $2.6 million for that open seat, compared with $1.4 million by Republican Geary Higgins. Democrats also have targeted Hugo. |
| The lonely battle of the last Republican lawmaker from Northern Virginia | The lonely battle of the last Republican lawmaker from Northern Virginia |
| In Prince William County Tuesday afternoon, Rick Kashurba, 72, voted for Higgins for state senate, saying he disliked that Bell “is running on the fear factor with guns.” | |
| “He doesn’t seem to have any real ideas,” Kashurba said about Bell, adding that he had received more mailers and phone calls from both candidates than he ever had previously. | |
| Kashurba, a retiree from Gainesville, said he wants the ability to own a gun, and has exercised it, although he said he isn’t as conservative as some NRA members. | |
| For Spencer Brown, a retired State Department employee who cast his ballot at Buckland Mills Elementary shortly after Kashurba, gun control was also a top issue — but he wants to see assault-style weapons removed from the streets and buy back programs instituted. | |
| “We want more than record checks,” said Brown, a political independent who said he’s voted mostly for Democrats in recent years. “We want the legislature to convene for more than 90 minutes.” | |
| Republicans, meanwhile, focused on unseating several Prince William delegates swept into office two years ago on an anti-Trump wave, including the state’s first two Latina legislators, Hala Ayala and Elizabeth Guzman, and Danica Roem, Virginia’s first transgender elected official. But fundraising in those races has heavily favored Democrats. | Republicans, meanwhile, focused on unseating several Prince William delegates swept into office two years ago on an anti-Trump wave, including the state’s first two Latina legislators, Hala Ayala and Elizabeth Guzman, and Danica Roem, Virginia’s first transgender elected official. But fundraising in those races has heavily favored Democrats. |
| One of the most competitive House races is a rematch — Del. Wendy Gooditis (D-Clarke) vs. Republican former delegate Randy Minchew. She unseated him in 2017, when Minchew’s own sister-in-law voted against him to demonstrate her disdain for Trump. | One of the most competitive House races is a rematch — Del. Wendy Gooditis (D-Clarke) vs. Republican former delegate Randy Minchew. She unseated him in 2017, when Minchew’s own sister-in-law voted against him to demonstrate her disdain for Trump. |
| In the Richmond suburbs, two freshman Republican state senators are trying to fend off Democratic challengers in districts Clinton carried in 2016 that have tilted ever-bluer since. Sen. Glen Sturtevant (R-Richmond) faces Democrat Ghazala Hashmi, while Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant (R-Henrico) is trying to fend off Del. Debra Rodman (D-Henrico). | In the Richmond suburbs, two freshman Republican state senators are trying to fend off Democratic challengers in districts Clinton carried in 2016 that have tilted ever-bluer since. Sen. Glen Sturtevant (R-Richmond) faces Democrat Ghazala Hashmi, while Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant (R-Henrico) is trying to fend off Del. Debra Rodman (D-Henrico). |
| In Virginia, redrawn districts test Republicans — including House Speaker Kirk Cox | In Virginia, redrawn districts test Republicans — including House Speaker Kirk Cox |
| The Dunnavant-Rodman contest is on track to be the state’s most expensive, with Dunnavant raising $2.5 million and Rodman $2.8 million. | The Dunnavant-Rodman contest is on track to be the state’s most expensive, with Dunnavant raising $2.5 million and Rodman $2.8 million. |
| In a rural-suburban district that has remained red under Trump, Democrat Amanda Pohl hopes to capitalize on a string of election-year controversies surrounding freshman Sen. Amanda Chase (R-Chesterfield), who wore a gun on her hip on the Senate floor, cussed out a Capitol police officer over a parking space and was ousted from her local GOP committee. But both parties say Chase’s poll numbers rose after all the attention. | In a rural-suburban district that has remained red under Trump, Democrat Amanda Pohl hopes to capitalize on a string of election-year controversies surrounding freshman Sen. Amanda Chase (R-Chesterfield), who wore a gun on her hip on the Senate floor, cussed out a Capitol police officer over a parking space and was ousted from her local GOP committee. But both parties say Chase’s poll numbers rose after all the attention. |
| With Trump-style bravado, suburban state senator alienates her own party | With Trump-style bravado, suburban state senator alienates her own party |
| The most prominent House race in the region pits House Speaker M. Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights) against Sheila Bynum-Coleman (D). The speaker, the state’s most powerful Republican, must compete in a district redrawn under court order to remedy racial gerrymandering. The map swung from heavily favoring Republicans to tilting slightly blue. The symbolic value of the race has helped Bynum-Coleman nearly keep pace with Cox’s fundraising, $1.4 million to his $1.8 million. | The most prominent House race in the region pits House Speaker M. Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights) against Sheila Bynum-Coleman (D). The speaker, the state’s most powerful Republican, must compete in a district redrawn under court order to remedy racial gerrymandering. The map swung from heavily favoring Republicans to tilting slightly blue. The symbolic value of the race has helped Bynum-Coleman nearly keep pace with Cox’s fundraising, $1.4 million to his $1.8 million. |
| Other hard-fought races in the region pit Del. Schuyler VanValkenburg (D-Henrico) against Republican GayDonna Vandergriff; Democrat Rodney Willett vs. Republican Mary Margaret Kastelberg; and Del. Roxann Robinson (R-Chesterfield) vs. Democrat Larry Barnett. Two years ago, Barnett lost to Robinson by 128 votes. | Other hard-fought races in the region pit Del. Schuyler VanValkenburg (D-Henrico) against Republican GayDonna Vandergriff; Democrat Rodney Willett vs. Republican Mary Margaret Kastelberg; and Del. Roxann Robinson (R-Chesterfield) vs. Democrat Larry Barnett. Two years ago, Barnett lost to Robinson by 128 votes. |
| In Hampton Roads, the most-watched race is a rerun: Del. David Yancey (R-Newport News) faces Democrat Shelly Simonds (D) two years after their 2017 contest resulted in a tie, which was decided by a random drawing on live national television. | In Hampton Roads, the most-watched race is a rerun: Del. David Yancey (R-Newport News) faces Democrat Shelly Simonds (D) two years after their 2017 contest resulted in a tie, which was decided by a random drawing on live national television. |
| Del. Chris Jones (R-Suffolk), chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, is trying to fend off Democrat Clinton Jenkins in a redrawn district that heavily favors Democrats. | Del. Chris Jones (R-Suffolk), chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, is trying to fend off Democrat Clinton Jenkins in a redrawn district that heavily favors Democrats. |
| Hannah Natanson, Rachel Chason, Jim Morrison and Dana Hedgpeth contributed to this report. | Hannah Natanson, Rachel Chason, Jim Morrison and Dana Hedgpeth contributed to this report. |
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