Since 1969, the catchy “Virginia is for Lovers” slogan has come to define the Old Dominion State.
As our tourism bureau notes, “The phrase was considered bold and provocative, but it was also just plain smart from a marketing perspective. It planted a seed — a new image of a more exciting Virginia — with a generation that would become the most sought-after group of spenders ever to wield a credit card.”
Politically speaking, Virginia will be an exciting place to call home these next four years.
With Tuesday’s stunning electoral results, it could soon boast a new slogan: “Virginia is for Freedom Lovers.” Why? The incoming Youngkin administration is poised to undo eight years’ worth of damage in Richmond wrought by Democratic Party policies.
Virginians Repudiated Extremism in Both Richmond and D.C.
A historic number of Virginia voters - myself included - went to the ballot box to decisively reject far-left extremism in our state capital and President Biden’s Build Back Bankruptcy agenda, respectively.
Going into Election Day, the Republican candidates had favorable ratings compared to former Governor Terry McAuliffe and the Democratic ticket.
Like I noted in my Friday column, Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin contrasted McAuliffe by running a positive campaign centered on kitchen table issues Virginians care deeply about:
Alternatively, Youngkin traveled all over the Commonwealth to places far and wide, and often to places ignored by politicians—be it to SWVA, Hampton Roads, Piedmont, Shenandoah, and blue Northern Virginia—campaigning on kitchen table issues. He also listened to voters and pledged to repeal the grocery tax, reform education, protect right-to-work, safeguard life, and fight big government at every turn.
Due to their efforts, the winning ticket garnered the most recorded votes in state history thus far. All three candidates ran positive campaigns, boasted well-run operations, and built a true grassroots movement. Even Democrats concede they were outmatched by them.
Many political observers exaggerated Virginia’s blueward tilt, leaning too much on Northern Virginia’s vote share and downplaying turnout in the deep red southwestern portions of the state. Yet, as New York Times learned, Youngkin exceeded Trump 2020 election margins big time:
"In 2008, there were only four small Virginia counties where Republicans won 70 percent or more of the vote in that year’s presidential race. Nowhere was the party above 75 percent. This year, Mr. Youngkin was above 70 percent in 45 counties — and he surpassed 80 percent in 15 of them."
…
"Mr. Youngkin not only won less populated areas by record margins — he was outpacing former President Donald J. Trump’s 2020 showing in even the reddest counties, including by six percentage points in Bath County — but he also successfully rolled back Democratic gains in the bedroom communities outside Washington and Richmond, where many college-educated white voters had rejected Republicanism under Mr. Trump."
Much to the chagrin of Democrats and Never Trump Republicans, there’s more to the Commonwealth than the D.C., suburbs and exurbs. I recommend traveling outside the Beltway for a true glimpse into our beloved state.
Expect Lots of Changes on ‘Day One’
When Youngkin assumes office on January 15th, 2022, Virginians are to expect many great—and positive—changes in state government.
On the campaign trail, Youngkin pledged 70 commitments should he win. Among his top priorities are the following: “eliminate Virginia’s grocery tax,” “protect constitutional rights,” “cut income taxes by doubling the standard deduction,” “protect the right to work,” “rid political agendas from the classroom,” ““restore” photo ID laws,” “abortion: move forward with a pain threshold bill,” and much more.
If the Governor-elect follows through on his promises, there will be much to celebrate. More positively, he can set an example for other Republican politicians and reformers looking to be competitive in purple and blue states. Mind you, that’s a big “if.” However, I’m optimistic our new governor is greatly attuned to the concerns of his constituents. Hence, the mandate he has going into the Governor’s Mansion.
Now, we wait.
Conclusion
Starting January 15th, Virginia will appeal to freedom-lovers everywhere.
If you seek a mild climate, all four seasons, gun-friendly laws, Southern charm, delicious food and beverages, plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities, and a business-friendly climate, we’re open and ready to embrace you.
By all means, plant your roots here. I did nearly a decade ago and I love my adopted state very dearly. I can’t envision living anywhere else today.
While Virginia awaits your arrival, please heed this call: come here only if you bring sensible voting habits with you.
Happy trails!
