Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s recent legislative setback has triggered a whirlwind of discord within the state’s Republican Party. According to The Washington Post, infighting has erupted over Youngkin’s failed $1.4 million anti-abortion TV campaign, financed by his Spirit of Virginia political action committee.
Delegate Terry Kilgore (R-Scott) is now challenging House Speaker Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah) for his leadership position, citing discontent with the handling of Youngkin’s PAC and its controversial campaign strategies. Sources reveal that GOP delegates felt blindsided by the PAC’s actions, which included hefty ad buys, an influx of mailers on abortion, and last-minute demands for appearances at Youngkin-led events, primarily seen as boosting his presidential aspirations.
This internal strife indicates a significant shift in Virginia’s Republican approach. Traditionally focusing on “kitchen table” topics like the economy and education, the party’s sudden pivot to a hot-button issue like abortion marks a departure from its usual electoral strategy. Youngkin, who downplayed abortion in the 2021 general election, adopted an aggressive stance post-election, proposing a 15-week abortion ban with limited exceptions.
Despite claims from two individuals close to the campaign that Kilgore was informed and supportive of the abortion-centric strategy, others within the party vehemently deny this. “This isn’t about the Governor,” Kilgore stated, emphasizing the need for renewed leadership in the House of Delegates to ensure long-term success for Virginians.
The current friction within the Virginia GOP underscores Youngkin’s challenges as he navigates a General Assembly controlled by Democrats, especially at the midpoint of his term. A Republican delegate expressed frustration over the campaign’s focus, saying, “We literally ran on one of the third rails of politics.”
Matthew Moran, executive director of the PAC, is set to address criticisms at a panel discussion, acknowledging the need for accountability. “Losing sucks, and I’m never afraid to wear anything on my chin,” Moran stated, preparing to delve into the strategy behind the abortion-centric campaign and the rationale for targeting specific races.
This unfolding drama in Virginia’s Republican Party showcases the complexities and consequences of political strategy, particularly when key issues like abortion take center stage, potentially alienating voters more concerned with day-to-day economic challenges.
