Youngkin leading McAuliffe among likely voters in Virginia gubernatorial race, poll shows

Forty-eight percent of likely voters back Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin, while 43% support former Democratic governor Terry McAuliffe.

By Colton Salaz

Published: September 22, 2021 5:29pm

Updated: September 22, 2021 10:28pm

Republican businessman Glenn Youngkin is leading among likely voters in the Virginia gubernatorial race over Democratic nominee and former Gov. Terry McAullife, a new poll shows.

The poll was conducted by the University of Mary Washington, and it found that 48% of likely voters back Youngkin, while 43% support McAuliffe. However, among total registered voters, 46% back McAuliffe, while 41% favor Youngkin.

According to Bloomberg news, this comes as bad news to Democrats, who hope to maintain momentum heading into the 2022 midterm election cycle. Historically, the Virginia gubernatorial election has been a bellwether for the mood of the country due to it being an off-year election.

Republicans haven't won statewide office in Virginia since 2009.

In the current campaign, McAullife has sought to tie Youngkin to former President Donald Trump in hopes of turning out the Democratic base. Youngkin, on the other hand, has sought to portray McAullife as soft on crime and pro-abortion.

Early voting has already begun in the state, with Election Day on Nov. 2.