The nationally-watched gubernatorial race in Virginia took a turn on Friday, when the nonpartisan Cook Political Report moved the race into the “toss up” category. Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin has seen a major momentum boost over former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe (D), who is vying for his old job back.
Big ratings change this morning at @CookPolitical: As the national environment sours for Democrats and public & private polling shows an increasingly close race, we're moving our #VAGov rating to Toss Up: ($) https://t.co/XJHLn1d9zs pic.twitter.com/HALj6NSqIy
— Jessica Taylor (@JessicaTaylor) September 24, 2021
??The non-partisan @CookPolitical has moved the Virginia governor's race from "lean Democratic" to "toss-up" #vagov #vapol https://t.co/vwiog2vPQN
— Julia Manchester (@JuliaManch) September 24, 2021
Recent polls have also boosted Youngkin over McAuliffe in the final stretch of the race.
2021 #VAGov Poll:
— PollTracker (@PollTrackerUSA) September 17, 2021
Terry McAuliffe (D) 50% (+3)
Glenn Youngkin (R) 47%
@washingtonpost/GeorgeMasonU ~ 728 LV ~ 9/7-9/13https://t.co/EGOTwCOY5M
Another poll showing a close contest in the Virginia Governor’s race. A new University of Mary Washington survey shows Terry McAuliffe 43%, Glenn Youngkin 38% but among likely voters, it’s Youngkin 48%, McAuliffe 43%. @nbcwashington
— Julie Carey (@JulieCareyNBC) September 22, 2021
President Joe Biden, a long time ally of McAuliffe, is also seeing dismal approval ratings in Virginia as his favorability continues to decline. Youngkin and McAuliffe will face off in November in the first major test for the president electorally, while the administration oversees a host of crises domestically and globally.