The Brian Lehrer Show Virginia's Gubernatorial Race
Nov 4, 2025
Markus Schmidt, a senior Virginia politics reporter and deputy editor at The Virginia Mercury, dives into the dynamics of Virginia's gubernatorial race. He discusses how the election may serve as a referendum on Trump and analyzes the contrasting campaign messages focused on affordability and the economy. Schmidt breaks down the implications of Trump's late rally appearance and the divisive advertising strategies used by both candidates. He also sheds light on Spanberger's ambiguous stance on transgender issues and the fallout from the Attorney General scandal.
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Gubernatorial Races Mirror White House Party
- Virginia's gubernatorial elections typically swing against the party in the White House the next year.
- This historical pattern frames the race as a referendum on the sitting president.
Linking Local Pain To National Policy
- Democrats tie local affordability issues to national Trump policies to mobilize voters.
- Obama and Abigail Spanberger both framed costs and jobs as consequences of federal tax and tariff choices.
Trump's Praises Without Naming Her
- Donald Trump urged Virginia Republicans to vote the full ticket but often avoided naming the gubernatorial candidate.
- That omission highlights strained ties between Trump and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears.