Posts Tagged Election 2025

‘This is what a mandate looks like’– Virginia House Democrats beam following historic win

Virginia House Speaker Don Scott speaks to the press following Tuesday’s historic legislative election. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

Democrats in Virginia’s House of Delegates picked up 13 seats in Tuesday’s election. During a news conference Wednesday morning, leadership in both parties offered their reasons for the dramatic gains. Brad Kutner has this story.

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Pope & Schapiro: A big night for Virginia Democrats

It was a very good night for Virginia Democrats in last night’s elections. Michael Pope and Radio IQ Politics Analyst Jeff Schapiro discuss the results.

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Democrats sweep Virginia statewide, keep House majority

Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger addressing a crowd of supporters as she claimed victory Tuesday night. (Credit: Spanberger campaign livestream)

Congresswoman Abigail Spangler will become the first female governor of Virginia after a resounding win in Tuesday’s statewide election. She’s led the rest of her ticket, and Democrats expanded their majority in the House of delegates as well. Brad Kutner was in Richmond where the governor-elect claimed victory. 

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Earle-Sears talks about core issues of her campaign in concession speech

Republican hopeful Winsome Earle-Sears giving her concession speech in Leesburg Tuesday night. (Credit: Michael Pope)

Republicans came up short in all three of their statewide races. Michael Pope has this look at how the ticker came up short.

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Early vote soars in Virginia’s 2025 election

An absentee ballot sent out by the City of Richmond’s Office of Elections. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

Virginians voted early in record numbers for a governor’s race this year. So, what impact might that have on Election Day? Brad Kutner spoke with Virginia politicos for their early voting takes ahead of Election Day. 

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RC poll: Significant lead for Spanberger, but the other statewide races are closer

As Election Day approaches, a new poll shows Democrats poised to win the election for governor. But Michael Pope reports the races for other statewide offices are less clear.

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Statewide candidates sidelined from the campaign trail by special session

Republican Lieutenant Governor — and gubernatorial hopeful — Winsome Earle-Sears presides over the Virginia Senate on October 29th, 2025. (Credit: Michael Pope / Virginia Public Radio)

Two statewide candidates are temporarily off the campaign trail and at the Capitol for a special session. Michael Pope reports.

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Fentanyl, overdoses and this year’s elections in Virginia

One of the issues that candidates are talking about on the campaign trail is overdose deaths from fentanyl. Michael Pope reports.

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Solar energy and the campaign trail

As power bills rise, the politics of energy are taking center stage in the race for governor. Michael Pope shines some light on the issue.

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Pope & Schapiro: Jones and Miyares spar in likely only debate of the AG campaign

Democrat Jay Jones and Republican Jason Miyares met for a debate in the race for attorney general last night. Michael Pope and Radio IQ Politics Analyst Jeff Schapiro were there and discuss the unusually anticipated debate and the week that was in state politics and government.

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The latest campaign finance numbers show a tightening race for governor

Credit: NPR

Candidates are raking in campaign cash up and down the ballot this year. Michael Pope is following the money.

Here’s a look at disclosure numbers for the “A Safer Virginia PAC” from the Virginia Public Access Project.

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President Trump still hasn’t endorsed Winsome Earle-Sears

President Donald Trump has yet to endorse Virginia’s Republican candidate for governor. Michael Pope asked what impact that might have.

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Some Virginia ballots this fall won’t have any candidates on them

In addition to statewide races, several local elections will be decided by Virginians this fall – including school boards. However, Michael Pope reports some of those ballots don’t have any candidates on them.

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Both gubernatorial candidates are in support of nuclear energy

One issue that is bringing together Republicans and Democrats is nuclear power. Michael Pope reports.

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New data: Democrats hold fundraising advantage in several key House districts

Credit: NPR

Democrats are outraising Republicans in key races for the House of Delegates. That’s according to a new analysis from the Virginia Public Access Project. Michael Pope reports.

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Virginia’s gubernatorial candidates will debate tonight; here’s what to expect

The candidates hoping to become Virginia’s next governor are set to meet for a high stakes debate Thursday night. Michael Pope has a preview.

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New donors are largely funding this year’s gubernatorial election in Virginia

Credit: Virginia Public Access Project

Political ads are flooding the airwaves now that campaign season is in full swing. And, as Michael Pope tells us, those commercials are funded by a lot of new donors.

Here’s the analysis from the Virginia Public Access Project.

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Have you received one of these “newspapers?”

An example of “The Virginia Independent.”

Election season isn’t just flooding the airwaves this year. Michael Pope tells us about the latest trend in direct mail.

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“Value Pack 27” and the effort to help Virginia Democrats in red districts

Credit: NPR

All 100 seats of the House of Delegates are on the ballot this year, although most of the money and attention are going to a dozen or so competitive races. Michael Pope has this report on some of the rural Democrats that are not receiving as much attention.

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The Virginia Clean Economy Act is a big talking point on the campaign trail this year

Credit: NPR

The politics of power are on the ballot this year as voters determine what approach Virginia will take to handling increased demand on the energy grid. Michael Pope reports about how that issue is playing out in one of the most competitive House races on the ballot this year.

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A look at where lieutenant governor candidates stand on fundraising

Credit: NPR

The latest round of campaign finance numbers are showing the state of the race so far. Michael Pope tells us about money in the race for lieutenant governor.

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New campaign finance numbers show a significant lead for Spanberger

Campaign finance numbers are revealing the shape of Virginia politics heading into this year’s election for governor. Michael Pope reports the latest disclosures show Democrat Abigail Spanberger has more than twice as much cash on hand heading into the fall election season.

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A look at Virginia’s lengthy early voting period

Credit: NPR

Early voting starts on Friday. Michael Pope has this preview.

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Virginians can register to vote all the way through Election Day

Credit: David Seidel / Radio IQ

Voters have more choices than ever in terms of when and how they cast their ballots. One of the recent changes is that voters can now register and cast a ballot on the same day. Michael Pope explains.

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How will turnout in Virginia’s college towns impact this year’s elections?

Credit: NPR

Democrats are targeting 14 seats in the House of Delegates, hoping to flip from red to blue. Michael Pope tells us that a handful of those districts have colleges and universities.

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Will 2025 be another “wave election” year for Virginia Democrats?

Credit: NPR

Will 2025 be a wave election for Democrats? Michael Pope reports on what that might mean.

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Spanberger won’t have a significant endorsement heading into the fall

Endorsements are an important part of the race for governor, and Michael Pope tells us about one significant endorsement that’s not happening.

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Reid, Hashmi make their pitches to the Virginia Association of Counties

Credit: NPR

The candidates for lieutenant governor are making their pitch to local leaders across Virginia. Michael Pope reports.

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New questions have emerged about Earle-Sears’ trips

Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears speaks at a rally in downtown Richmond. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

Democrats are saying Republican candidate for governor Winsome Earle-Sears is in violation of disclosure laws. Michael Pope has details.

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Leadership questions at Virginia’s colleges and universities are a campaign focal point

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ

All 100 seats of the Virginia House of Delegates are on the ballot this year, and candidates are talking about everything from environmental policy to immigration. One issue that has become important in districts with colleges and universities is higher ed. Michael Pope reports.

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Uncle Sam needs you: Election officials recognize Poll Worker Recruitment Day

Voters at a precinct in Richmond. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ)

Tuesday, August 12th is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, a day when Americans offer up their services to their local polling precincts ahead of election season. Virginia’s 45 days of early voting requires a lot of manpower, but as Brad Kutner found out, those involved say it’s a unique chance to serve your community and country. 

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Could 2025 be the “Year of the Woman” in Virginia?

Virginia will elect its first female governor this year, but many other women are also on the ballot this fall. Michael Pope reports.

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The debate over data centers is alive and well on the campaign trail

The rise of data centers is becoming one of the hottest issues on the campaign trail this year in the election for the House of Delegates. Michael Pope reports.

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Will President Trump weigh in on Virginia’s gubernatorial election?

Republican candidate for governor, Winsome Earle-Sears, speaks at a campaign appearance. (Credit: Michael Pope)

Will President Trump make an endorsement in Virginia’s race for governor? Michael Pope reports.

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The need for affordable housing is a key campaign issue this cycle

Affordable housing is on the ballot in Virginia this year, as candidates in battleground districts are taking a variety of approaches. Michael Pope reports.

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Virginia statewide candidates are passing on debates, at least for right now

Credit: NPR

Debates are a staple of every election cycle. But Michael Pope tells us that candidates are increasingly saying thanks but no thanks.

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The Virginia Clean Economy Act is a talking point on the campaign trail… and beyond

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ

The future of the Virginia Clean Economy Act is on the ballot this fall. And Michael Pope tells us it’s the top issue in several battleground districts.

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How much money is this year’s gubernatorial race bringing in?

A graphic showing how much money has flowed into this year’s gubernatorial contest compared to previous election cycles. (Credit: VPAP)

Campaign finance disclosures show this year’s race for governor is not attracting the kind of money that other recent elections have. Michael Pope has the numbers.

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“Project labor agreements” take center stage in gubernatorial race

Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / Radio IQ

Labor issues are on the ballot this year as voters select candidates for the statewide offices. Michael Pope reports.

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Some Virginia Republicans are facing off against familiar opponents this year

All 100 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates are on the ballot this year. That includes some Republican candidates facing off against familiar Democratic opponents. Michael Pope explains.

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Virginia’s gubernatorial candidates are taking different routes on campaign ads

The latest campaign finance numbers are showing how the candidates for governor are spending their campaign cash. Michael Pope has the numbers.

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New figures show AG Miyares outraising all statewide candidates

(Credit: Virginia Attorney General’s office)

The latest campaign finance numbers show one statewide candidate has raised more money than anybody else. Michael Pope tells us it’s not a candidate for governor.

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Sears, Spanberger offer their take on Virginia’s data center-driven future

Data centers, the massive, power-hungry facilities that make the internet and AI work, continue to pop up across the Commonwealth. They bring billions in revenue for Virginia and its localities, but they can also bring neighborhood complaints, development concerns and drains on natural resources.

Brad Kutner takes a look at the landscape and how Virginia’s candidates for governor say they’d shape the data center future.

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This year’s House of Delegates elections feature several “reruns”

Credit: NPR

All 100 seats of the Virginia House of Delegates will be on the ballot this year, although only a dozen or so are competitive. Michael Pope tells us three of the most competitive races are rematches between the same candidates that ran in the last election cycle.

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Some Democratic candidates may not receive as much donor support as others this election cycle

Credit: Sandy Hausman / Radio IQ

How many Republican-held seats will Democrats be contesting this year? Michael Pope is looking at the numbers.

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Pope & Schapiro: To reelection or to gubernatorial bid? That is the question…

Attorney General Jason Miyares is seeking a second term instead of making a run at the governor’s mansion. Michael Pope and Radio IQ politics analyst Jeff Schapiro take a look at the dynamics and history of statewide officials holding off on a gubernatorial campaign for a reelection one.

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Virginia Democrats are eyeing 13 potential seats that could flip blue this year

Credit: NPR

Democrats are targeting more than a dozen Republican-held seats in the Virginia House of Delegates this year. Michael Pope reports.

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Sears, Reid and Miyares show united front for the first time

Republican candidates appeared together for the first time at a unity event in Northern Virginia. (Credit: Michael Pope)

All three Republicans who are running statewide this fall appeared together for the first time Tuesday night in Northern Virginia. Michael Pope reports.

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The field is set for September’s special election in Virginia’s 11th District

Credit: NPR

Democrats and Republicans now have their candidates heading into a summertime special election to fill the seat vacated by the late Congressman Gerry Connolly. Michael Pope has this preview.

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Candidates for Virginia governor respond to the words of an immigrant mother with U.S. born children

Democrat Abigail Spanberger (left) and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears at respective campaign events. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ)

President Donald Trump is removing people in the country without authorization from the United States – and Virginia – at breakneck pace. 

It’s brought federal agents into communities across the Commonwealth. Brad Kutner spoke with the mother of three U.S. born children who entered the country illegally and lives outside of D.C., and shared her message with the state’s gubernatorial candidates.

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