In 2021, Republicans successfully flipped the Virginia governorship by focusing on parents’ concerns about school closures and race-based curricula. Now, as they aim to retain the office, they are retooling their campaign around education and parents’ rights in a post-Covid era. Their strategy includes targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, as well as preventing transgender students from competing in girls’ sports. The issue of parents’ rights is expected to be a major focus of the upcoming governor’s race, which will serve as a bellwether for the broader political environment.
Republican candidates in other states have also embraced the parents’ rights campaign, emphasizing issues like critical race theory and curriculum fears. Democrats, however, believe they have the advantage when it comes to public education, emphasizing stronger funding and support for teachers. They argue that Republicans have failed to win on such divisive culture war issues in recent gubernatorial campaigns.
In Virginia, the upcoming race is set to feature Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears as the Republican front-runner and former Rep. Abigail Spanberger as the Democratic candidate. Earle-Sears is emphasizing parents’ rights and education, while Spanberger is focusing on stronger public education funding and her experience as a public school mom. Democrats also believe they have an advantage on issues like reproductive rights and federal policies impacting workers.
Overall, the 2021 victory in Virginia has provided momentum for Republicans, who are looking to continue Youngkin’s successes into the next election. The issue of parents’ rights is likely to remain a key focus throughout the campaign, as parents’ involvement in education continues to be a priority for both parties.
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