Virginia Public Radio

Democratic candidate, Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam, sports an “I Voted” sticker during a canvas kickoff. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)

For the first time in the same year the major parties in Virginia are using a primary to pick their nominees for governor. The Democratic primary between Ralph Northam and Tom Perriello has  been hotly contested, while Republicans Corey Stewart and Frank Wagner are hoping to upset front-runner Ed Gillespie. Despite the race being touted as an early indicator of President Donald Trump’s success, election watchers are still expecting a low turnout.

Democrats are closely divided between Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam and former Congressman Tom Perriello. Supporters for both campaigns are stationed at voting precincts across the state hoping to influence undecided voters.

As Michael Pope reports, some Democratic voters were still undecided at the polls.

While two Democrats have been locked in a heated battle, the Republican race has been a bit sleepier. Mallory Noe-Payne reports that state Republicans aren’t worried about a low turnout in the primary.

The low turnout numbers were expected across Virginia’s 2,500 precincts. Joe Staniunas talked to some voters in western Virginia.

Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber

The hotly contested Democratic primary for governor will be decided by turnout, who shows up to the polls and who stays home. Michael Pope has this preview.

Jill Vogel and Bryce Reeves (Credit: AP)

The final few days of a political campaign are always the most intense. And that’s certainly been the case in the hotly contested Republican primary for lieutenant governor. Michael Pope has the story.

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State Senator Frank Wagner is one of three Republicans running for governor in Virginia.  He doesn’t have the money or national party connections of Ed Gillespie, and he’s not as controversial as Corey Stewart, but he told reporter Sandy Hausman that he hopes voters will recognize more than 20 years in the state legislature as a plus – and agree that it might be time to raise the gas tax in Virginia.

Credit: facebook.com/coreystewartva/

Corey Stewart is the Chairman of the Board in Prince William County, the second largest county in Virginia. A Tea Party Republican, he’s a strong proponent of gun rights, a passionate opponent of abortion, and – in an election some view as a referendum on Donald Trump – Stewart told Sandy Hausman he’s definitely in the President’s corner.

Credit: facebook.com/edwardwgillespie

Today we hear from Ed Gillespie, former chairman of the Republican National Committee. Gillespie is one of three Republicans vying to replace Democrat Terry McAuliffe. Before a campaign event in Richmond, Gillespie sat down with reporter Mallory Noe-Payne. He laid out his plan to strengthen Virginia’s economy, beginning with a tax cut to individuals and small businesses.

Credit: join.tomforvirginia.com

Tom Perriello is one of two Democrats running for governor in Virginia. He’s running against current lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam. Perriello, a former Congressman from Charlottesville, is a relative outsider to state politics. But he’s been barnstorming the state, taking his pitch for progressive ideas like free community college and universal pre-K, straight to Virginians. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

Credit: ralphnortham.com

Ralph Northam is one of two Democrats running for governor in Virginia. He’s running against former Congressman Tom Perriello. Northam, who’s currently the lieutenant governor, is a pediatrician, veteran, and former state lawmaker. He’s hoping Virginian Democrats will recognize his experience in state politics as a valuable tool for governing.

Mallory Noe-Payne recently spoke with Northam about what he hopes to bring to Richmond.

Virginia does not have early voting. But more and more people are voting before election day using in-person absentee ballots. So what does that mean for politics in Virginia? Michael Pope reports.

Justin Fairfax, Gene Rossi, and Susan Platt

Three Democrats are vying to become the party’s nominee for Lieutenant Governor. Michael Pope talked to the candidates to get a sense of why they are running, and what they hope to bring to the job.

State Senator Jill Vogel, State Senator Bryce Reeves, and Delegate Glenn Davis. (Credit: Associated Press, Glenn Davis for LG Facebook)

Three Republicans are vying to become the party’s nominee for Lieutenant Governor. Michael Pope talked to each to get a sense of why they are running, and what they hope to bring to the job.