The Focus Group Podcast S6 Ep9: Virginia: National Politics is Local (with Jeff Schapiro)
Nov 1, 2025
Jeff Schapiro, a former Richmond Times-Dispatch columnist and scholar at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, discusses the evolving political landscape in Virginia. He highlights how dissatisfaction with national politics is affecting local elections, specifically looking at Winsome Earle-Sears' challenges. The conversation dives into why voters are splitting their tickets, with Abigail Spanberger gaining support due to her appeal. Schapiro also examines the impact of data centers and potential consequences of presidential politics on voter behavior.
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Virginia's Political Transformation
- Virginia transformed from a conservative outlier into a nationalized, diverse state driven by cities and suburbs.
- Demographic shifts and suburban growth now favor Democrats but turnout still decides outcomes.
Data Centers Are A Local Flashpoint
- Local issues like data centers and electricity use cut across partisan lines and worry residents.
- These quality-of-life concerns often get overshadowed by nationalized campaign topics.
Big State Issues Behind The Headlines
- Major budget and policy issues — tax cuts, Medicaid shortfalls, higher-ed governance — matter but get little campaign airtime.
- The next governor will face significant fiscal and education challenges regardless of rhetoric.