Biden Joins Virginia Democrats’ Fundraising Push with Abortion Restrictions at Stake
In an effort to support Democratic candidates and combat abortion restrictions, President Joe Biden has joined Virginia Democrats’ fundraising push ahead of Tuesday’s elections.
Biden emphasized the high stakes in Virginia, stating, “Governor Glenn Youngkin and extreme Republicans have made it clear that they’re trying to take our country back on issues like choice.” He conveyed this message through a fundraising email sent by the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.
This move by Biden reflects the national-level Democrats’ active involvement in the crucial elections in Virginia. The Democratic party is showing its support because Virginia is the only Southern state that hasn’t tightened abortion restrictions since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year.
If Republicans gain full control of the Legislature, Democrats fear that Youngkin will attempt to ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, with only a few exceptions. A previous effort to ban abortions was blocked by the Democratic-controlled Senate.
The president’s involvement in the final push for these legislative elections demonstrates the significant impact these races will have on the entire country, according to DLCC President Heather Williams. She adds that Biden’s fundraising for the DLCC showcases the unity of the Democratic party as they approach the finish line and prioritize voter turnout.
Virginia Democrats’ strategy to focus the election on Joe Biden versus Youngkin drew a response from Youngkin’s political adviser, Dave Rexrode. Rexrode suggests that Virginia Democrats should consider the poll numbers of their lead surrogate and welcomed the matchup between Youngkin and Biden at any time.
Former President Barack Obama has also become involved in the campaign by recording robocalls through the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, encouraging Virginia voters to participate in the elections.
Back in September, Biden instructed the Democratic National Committee to allocate $1.2 million in funding to counter Governor Glenn Youngkin’s fundraising efforts.
Chapman Rackaway, a professor and chair of political science at Radford University, explains that Democrats are playing defense in Virginia and are determined to prevent Governor Youngkin from attaining Republican majorities in both chambers. He points out that Democrats are fully invested in the Virginia legislative races.
Despite the Democrats’ fundraising advantage, Youngkin’s Spirit of Virginia political action committee has raised over $22 million since March to support Republican candidates, contributing to Youngkin’s historic fundraising success.
Democrats are hoping to regain control of the House of Delegates while maintaining their narrow majority in the state Senate. Meanwhile, Republicans aim to maintain their current majority in the House and obtain control of the Senate, enabling them to gain complete control of the General Assembly.
Overall, Biden’s participation in Virginia’s Democratic fundraising effort underscores the high stakes involved and the importance of these races to the country as a whole.
