Setback for Biden as Republican's Youngkin wins Virginia governorship election

APTOPIX Election 2021 Virginia Governor

Glenn Youngkin (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Agency Report

Glenn Youngkin of the Republican has won the governorship election in Virginia, which represents a major upset for the Democrats.

Already, Democratic former Governor Terry McAuliffe conceded to Youngkin, a former private equity executive, following Tuesday’s vote.

Youngkin had distanced himself just enough from former President Donald Trump to win back moderates who had supported Biden just a year ago, according to Reuters.

The ballot has been widely seen as a referendum on Joe Biden’s presidency, and defeat will unnerve the Democrats.

The BBC reports that Biden won by 10 points in Virginia in the presidential election just a year ago.

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But rising inflation, a slow economic recovery, a deadlocked legislative agenda and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan have hit his popularity.

Youngkin promised to get to work straight away to transform the state.

According to him, “We work in real people time, not government time.”

The results could also further complicate Biden’s hopes of passing twin bills worth a combined $2.75 trillion to rebuild the nation’s roads and bridges, as well as bolster the social safety net and fight climate change.

They have already been held up by months of infighting between Democrats’ progressive and moderate wings and the election defeat could leave some moderates less willing to back the big-ticket bills.

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