In Tuesday’s elections, Democrats face the challenge of retaining their advantage in the nation’s biggest population centers despite the obstacles they currently face. Over the past two decades, geographic polarization has been a significant trend in American politics. Democrats have made gains in populous metropolitan areas, while Republicans have strengthened their position in smaller areas beyond them. This trend has accelerated since Donald Trump rose to prominence in 2016 and has intensified since the Supreme Court’s decision on abortion rights last year.
The GOP’s dominance in exurban, small-town, and rural areas played a crucial role in Trump’s victory in 2016 and has allowed the party to solidify its hold on interior states with large nonurban populations. However, Republicans’ retreat from the well-educated inner suburbs around major cities has been the main reason for their disappointing results in recent elections. These inner suburbs, where most voters oppose restrictions on abortion, have been a roadblock for the GOP.
Despite the traditional measures indicating a favorable political environment for Republicans in Tuesday’s elections, such as voter dissatisfaction with the economy and President Joe Biden’s job performance, Democrats have been able to resist in major population centers. The outcome of Tuesday’s key elections in states like Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania will largely depend on the performance of Democrats in the largest urban and suburban areas.
If Democrats perform well, it will confirm the message from the 2022 midterms that they can retain a critical segment of voters who feel their interests have not been prioritized by the party. They have portrayed Republicans as a threat to their rights and values, particularly on issues like abortion. This message is likely to resonate in the high-stakes battle for control of the Virginia legislature. While Republicans currently hold a slim edge in the state House of Delegates, Democrats have a narrow majority in the state Senate.
In Virginia, Republicans are well positioned despite Biden’s 10-point victory in 2020. Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who has been a prominent figure in the party’s legislative campaign, receives consistent majority approval from state voters. A recent poll showed Republicans with a double-digit advantage over Democrats on issues like the economy and crime, which are important concerns for families.
Despite these advantages, the Democratic Party is still leading in the polls when voters are asked which party they intend to support in the Virginia legislative contests. While translating this sentiment into individual race results is not straightforward, analysts believe that both chambers of the Virginia legislature are within reach of either party. However, it would be surprising if Republicans win control of both chambers, and a Democratic sweep would be less surprising.
Abortion rights have been a central focus for both parties in the Virginia elections. Democrats have a significant lead over Republicans when it comes to handling abortion, and the issue has become increasingly important for female voters. Democrats have heavily relied on warnings about Republican restrictions on abortion rights in their advertising campaigns.
While it is not unusual for Democrats to emphasize preserving abortion rights, it is noteworthy that Virginia Republicans have also prioritized this issue. Youngkin has expressed support for a 15-week abortion ban with exceptions for specific cases. Republicans believe that such restrictions can be seen as a “consensus” solution to a divisive issue. However, polls show that only about a quarter of Virginia voters want more restrictive abortion laws than the current standard.
Control of both chambers in Virginia will mainly be determined in well-educated suburban districts, particularly in Northern and Central Virginia. The outcome in these populous and prosperous suburbs will be critical for Republicans. Evidence from other recent elections suggests that if these areas break for Democrats due to abortion concerns, it will significantly impact the overall result. In ballot initiatives related to abortion rights in various states, the side favoring abortion rights consistently prevailed in the largest population centers.
In conclusion, Democrats face the challenge of maintaining their advantage in the biggest population centers despite current headwinds. The outcome of Tuesday’s elections will heavily depend on Democrats’ performance in urban and suburban areas, particularly in Virginia. Abortion rights have emerged as a central issue, with both parties prioritizing it in their campaigns. Democrats lead in polls on handling abortion, and Republicans’ focus on 15-week restrictions may work against them in areas where the majority supports more liberal abortion laws. Control of both chambers will be decided in well-educated suburban districts, and if Democrats manage to win in these areas due to abortion concerns, it could tilt the balance in their favor.
