November 19, 2023 / By mobanmarket
VIRGINIA — As Democrats gained a majority in both houses of the Virginia General Assembly, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin responded in a call for bipartisan collaboration but avoided the topic of abortion.
Speaking Wednesday in his first remarks after the election, Youngkin admitted he was “disappointed” in Tuesday’s results. Youngkin’s fundraising arm Spirit of Virginia had raised millions of dollars to support Republican candidates in an attempt to gain majorities in the Virginia House and Senate.
But instead, Tuesday’s elections saw Virginia Democrats keep their majority in the Senate and flip the House. One of the key talking points in the campaign, by both parties, was access to abortion.
“We step back and recognize that, boy, this was a razor-thin set of decisions that were made on both sides of a number of these races,” Youngkin said on Wednesday. “And I think it underpins the fact that Virginia is clearly a state that has historically moved back and forth. Control of one party in the legislature to control the others, the governor’s races with very, very thin margins.”
RESULTS: VA Democrats Win Full Control Of Statehouse In Setback For Youngkin
“Voters saw the good work of the Democratic majority in the Virginia Senate and have rewarded us with four more years,” said Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Mamie Locke in a statement. “Virginia voters said they want to keep Virginia a safe haven for abortion rights, voting rights, workers’ rights, justice reform, and LGBTQ rights, and that is exactly what they will get.”
Acknowledging Democrats’ upcoming legislative majority in 2024, the Republican governor called for both parties to work together on common issues.
“I look forward to working with the House and the Senate going forward just like we have in finding these most important areas of making sure we’re reining in the cost of living, that we are providing some tax relief, that we continue to stand up for excellent excellence in education and safe communities and transformation in behavioral health and a government that works for Virginians, and provide services and responsiveness that reflects the fact that we work for 8.7 million bosses,” Youngkin said.
One area not mentioned by the governor was abortion, a key issue in Virginia’s general election. Youngkin had banked on a 15-week ban on abortion being something most Virginians would support.
Virginia Democrats promised that abortion ban legislation wouldn’t be passed by the General Assembly and that they would focus on other priorities.
“Today is day 0 of this campaign and tomorrow is the first day of a new Virginia,” added Virginia House Democratic Leader Don Scott, who is expected to become the first Black Virginia House speaker. “The work begins to protect and defend the rights and freedoms of hardworking Virginia families and make this economy work for everybody.”
Youngkin said the parties were able to work together with a Republican governor and House majority and Democratic Senate majority during his term. One example was the recent amendments to the two-year state budget, a bipartisan deal providing $200 individual tax rebates and more support for public education and behavioral health, the Associated Press reported. However, the budget deal didn’t come without delay as the two parties tried to reach an agreement.
“I think [Virginians] know that in a state that is so purple that we do debate,” said Youngkin. “We do argue, but they expect us to find common ground on these most important topics and to press forward. And I am optimistic that we will find these most important areas to come together over and over again because that’s exactly what we have done.”
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