Virginia, Governor - Power Voter

The winner in this race was Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam (D). Virginia held an election for governor on November 7, 2017. Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) was term-limited and ineligible to run for re-election. Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam (D), former Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie (R), and patent attorney Cliff Hyra (L) ran for the open seat. The most recent overall race rating from five separate outlets was Lean Democrat. Virginia law requires that voters register 22 days in advance of an election, meaning that the final day to register to vote in this election was October 16, 2017.

As winner of the election, Northam will preside over the state's redistricting following the 2020 census and will have the ability to veto proposed district maps.

HIGHLIGHTS

Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) was ineligible for re-election due to term limits.
Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam (D) defeated former Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie (R) and patent attorney Cliff Hyra (Lib.) in the November general election.
Alongside Mark Herring's victory in the attorney general election, Northam's victory maintained the state's Democratic triplex.

Issues

The following tables provide side-by-side comparisons of policy statements taken from the policy pages of each candidate's campaign website and from various media appearances. Among Northam's major policy proposals were modifications to the state's criminal justice system and opposition to proposed policies of President Trump. Ed Gillespie's major proposals included modifications to the state's tax code and government operating policies.

*Position summaries for gubernatorial candidates - Budgetary and Government Management*
Issue	Ralph Northam	Ed Gillespie
Budgeting	Voted for $4.6 billion spending cut to ensure a balanced budget Voted in favor of tax reductions for homeowners Supports a complete audit of the state's spending	Supports the creation of a Commonwealth Solutions Center charged with identifying $200 million in savings over the course of four years Supports the signing of an executive order mandating the use of evidence-based policymaking Supports the implementation of a zero-based budgeting process, requiring all spending to be justified at least once every ten years Supports the implementation of a pay for success financing model, requiring the impact of programs to be measured before they are implemented at full scale Supports the creation of a high risk list of agencies that are prone to inefficient or improper spending
Rural broadband	Supports universal access to broadband Supports the consolidation of rural broadband initiatives under a single Cabinet agency	Supports increased funding for the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative Supports ordering the state Secretary of Technology to secure federal funding for the development of rural broadband Supports the consolidation of rural broadband development efforts under the joint leadership of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade and the Secretary of Technology Supports looser regulations for broadband providers
Redistricting	Voted in favor of redistricting reform Supports creating a nonpartisan commission to draw legislative and congressional districts Calls for a veto of any district maps which show signs of gerrymandering
Tax policy	Supports grocery tax exemptions for low-income families Supports the introduction of a two-year merchant's capital and Business, Professional, and Occupational Licensing tax exemption for small businesses in rural areas	Supports a 10% cut to the individual income tax over a three-year period Supports modifications to local tax structure: Supports a three-year phase-out of the Business and Professional Occupancy License Tax, the Machinery & Tools Tax, and the Merchant's Capital Tax Supports developing a selection of options for local governments to choose from, which would not include a local income tax Supports requiring tax changes on the part of local governments to be revenue-neutral Supports the convening of a September 2018 session of the Virginia General Assembly to determine a new tax structure Supports the establishment of a cabinet-level office to oversee changes to the state's tax structure
Government policies	Supports banning corporate contributions to campaigns Supports a $10,000 contribution limit which would apply to all except party committees Supports requiring that nonprofits operating in elections report their donors Calls for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to override the results of Citizens United v. FEC Supports barring candidates from using campaign funds for personal purposes Supports the elimination of unrecorded voice votes in the Virginia General Assembly Supports public access to video recordings and live streams of General Assembly proceedings	Supports prohibiting personal use of campaign funds, or use of campaign funds to run for a different office Supports increasing the length of time former officials must wait before becoming lobbyists Supports barring lobbyists from lobbying boards or commissions they are members of Supports the scheduling of office hours once per quarter Supports requiring agencies to produce plans to increase the access of watchdog organizations Supports the livestreaming of agency, board, commission, and Cabinet meetings Supports prohibitions on gifts to elected and appointed officials and to family members of the governor Supports increased use of automation in state government
State workforce		Supports a requirement that for every 100 retirements from state government, five positions must be consolidated or eliminated rather than refilled Supports a pilot program intended to bring millennials into state government
Licensing and business regulations		Supports overhauling the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs into an Office of Federalism, charged with proposing regulatory changes to the federal government Supports a policy requiring two regulations to be modified or eliminated for every one added Supports changes to the regulatory adoption process to require additional economic analysis and opportunities for public comment Supports comparison of the state's professional licensing procedures with other states' procedures Supports the establishment of a Small Business Cabinet

*Position summaries for gubernatorial candidates - Law enforcement*
Issue	Ralph Northam	Ed Gillespie
Firearms regulation	Voted against allowing concealed carry of firearms without a permit Voted against allowing firearms in bars Voted against allowing concealed carry by those convicted of DUIs in other states Voted to require background checks for all firearm sales Voted to continue limiting sales of handguns to one per month Supports universal background checks Supports a ban on assault weapons Supports requiring less ammunition capacity Voted to suspend concealed carry permits for gun owners "deemed by a judge as legally incompetent, mentally incapacitated, or who are involuntarily committed"	Opposes the expansion of firearms regulation Supports the reintroduction of Project Exile, which increased the rate of prosecution under federal rather than state firearms laws
Criminal justice	Supports changing sentencing practices and drug laws which he argues disproportionately impact minorities Supports abolishing the practice of suspending driver's licenses for inability to pay court fees Supports policies which would allow felons to vote after being released from prison Supports policies which would encourage alternatives to juvenile detention Supports moving prisoners requiring mental health treatment into treatment centers Supports increasing the threshold at which larceny is considered a felony from $200 to $500 Supports the decriminalization of marijuana	Opposes proposals to end the Truth in Sentencing program, which requires felons to serve at least 85% of their sentence Supports proposals which would increase access to restitution for victims of crime Supports the development of a strategy to combat human trafficking As of August 20, 2017, Gillespie had not yet released a full criminal justice plan, though his website indicated that one would soon be available.
Emergency responders		Supports increased compensation for law enforcement officers Supports the development of a recruitment program for state troopers from an institute of higher education, modeled after ROTC Supports increased funding for fire prevention programs Supports the development of a medical registry for first responders

*Position summaries for gubernatorial candidates - Education*
Issue	Ralph Northam	Ed Gillespie
Apprenticeships and trade schools	Supports increased access to further education Supports working with businesses and community colleges to promote and expand training programs Supports apprenticeships and job training in the last two years of high school for students not planning on attending college Supports the introduction of a Get Skilled - Get a Job - Give Back program, providing free community college to Virginians willing to commit to pursuing an associate degree in a specific needed area Matches participants with a mentor to guide them through the degree and graduation Requires participants to spend one year after graduation working in public servic	Supports the development of standards of achievement for technical education
Charter schools	Supports increasing state funding for charter schools on the condition that public schools do not lose funding as a result	Supports the expansion of charter schools with an emphasis on areas where public schools are performing below the state average Supports the establishment of Education Savings Accounts, providing parents whose children do not attend public school with access to funding to further their children's education
College costs	Supports taking action to ensure that all qualified Virginians can afford a college education
Educational standards	Supports reevaluating testing standards for elementary schoolers Supports increasing access to preschool Supports decreased reliance on standardized testing Supports increased STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education Supports the creation of a K-12 education policy advisory committee Supports increased development of virtual learning programs Supports the introduction of computer science standards for K-12 education Supports the creation of a statewide public education foundation to solicit donations and make grants to schools attempting new education methods Supports the introduction of school-based healthcare centers for children Supports a growth-based benchmarking system for schools	Supports reevaluating testing standards for public school students Supports standards of learning that account for both growth and achievement Supports increased STEM-H (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Health) education
Post-graduation opportunities	Supports increased funding for school counselors and Positive Behavior Intervention Services Supports investigating potential racial bias in students being referred to police Supports education programs intended to target students at risk of not graduating Supports limiting the use of long-term suspension and expulsion Supports the introduction of a rapid readiness program modeled after existing programs in Georgia and Louisiana that would model workforce training programs after the specific needs of businesses Supports the expansion of the University of Virginia campus at Wise	Supports increased funding for gang prevention programming in public schools Supports alternative educational programs for known gang members Supports continued funding for school resource officers
Teacher salaries	Supports increased teacher salaries Supports increased investment in professional development for educators Supports involving teachers in the creation of educational policy Supports increased investment in public-private partnerships for early childhood education Supports initiatives intended to encourage careers in early childhood education	Supports increased teacher salaries Supports modifications to teacher training programs to reflect current Standards of Learning Supports a modified teacher licensing program with an Adjunct Teacher license Supports incentives for teachers serving understaffed rural and urban districts, including the establishment of a teacher residency program

*Position summaries for gubernatorial candidates - Environment*
Issue	Ralph Northam	Ed Gillespie
Climate change	Serves on the governor's climate change commission Supports enforcing the standards of the Clean Power Plan Supports creating a Conservation Cabinet under the Secretary of Natural Resources Calls for increased funding for the Department of Environmental Quality
Chesapeake Bay	Voted in favor of creating a coastal flooding working group Voted in favor of protecting native oysters and funding conservation efforts Voted in favor of banning winter dredging of blue crabs Voted in favor of barring phosphorus from fertilizer to eliminate toxic runoff Supports allowing local regulation of fracking Supports maintaining the ban on uranium mining Supports maintaining the Total Maximum Daily Load pollution requirements Supports increased wetland and shoreline restoration Opposes the lifting of the offshore drilling ban	Supports the expansion of the Virginia Shoreline Resiliency Fund Supports the implementation of flooding plans that would cause insurers to lower flood insurance rates Supports flood-proofing military installations Supports the appointment of a Coastal Flooding Adaptation Officer
Natural gas pipelines	Supports thorough vetting of the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley Pipeline	Supports the construction of the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley Pipeline
Health and the environment	Supports the creation of an environmental task force that would focus on health impacts of pollution in impoverished communities Supports measures to regulate air quality, drinking water, and zoning for energy infrastructure
Renewable energy	Voted in favor of legislation to prevent energy companies from claiming tax credits by investing in out-of-state renewable energy Voted in favor of increased funding for development of solar and wind power Supports increasing investment in renewable energy Supports the introduction of additional infrastructure for electric vehicles and emissions reduction programs
Outdoor economy		Supports a marketing campaign and informational resource to promote the state's outdoor economy under the name The Outdoor Dominion Supports the establishment of Clinch River State Park Supports the establishment of 50 new river, stream, and water access points on state land Supports the development of partnerships with the private sector to promote the outdoor economy
Aquaculture, agriculture, and forestry	Calls for continued funding for the Virginia Farm Business Development Program Supports a plan to attract industrial hemp production when federal law changes Calls for continued promotion of agriculture, aquaculture, and agritourism industries Calls for continued funding of reforestation efforts Calls for continued funding for rural infrastructure projects Opposes proposals to allow uranium mining	Supports the appointment of a Joint Deputy Secretary for Rural Economic Development to coordinate between the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade Supports the promotion of agritourism and agriculture Supports the expansion of the state's industrial hemp sector Supports the inclusion of aquaculture in agriculture standards

*Position summaries for gubernatorial candidates - Healthcare*
Issue	Ralph Northam	Ed Gillespie
Substance abuse	Supported increased access to naloxone for overdose treatment Supports expanding access to new substance abuse treatments and drug courts	Supports increased funding for drug abuse programs in schools Supports reevaluation of opioid prescription standards Supports expansion of the state's Prescription Monitoring Program Supports expansion of the state's Safe Reporting Law to protect those who call 911 in cases of an overdose from a wider range of charges
Medicaid expansion	Supports expansion of Medicaid	Opposes expansion of Medicaid
Veterans' health	Voted in favor of new VA centers, as well as allowing VA treatment through community health centers Supports calling for VA reform at the federal level	Supports the construction of two additional veterans' care facilities Supports the appointment of a Virginia Women Veterans Services Coordinator
Women's health	Supports increased access to contraceptives and continued access to abortions Voted against mandated transvaginal ultrasounds Opposes measures barring abortion from being covered by health care plans sold on the state exchange Supports providing access to Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives to women who could not otherwise afford them

*Position summaries for gubernatorial candidates - Social issues*
Issue	Ralph Northam	Ed Gillespie
Childcare	Supports working alongside the private sector to develop a plan to increase access to early childhood education, health, and nutrition services
Domestic violence and sexual assault	Supports passing a law that would increase penalties for domestic violence when committed in front of a minor Supports requiring domestic abusers to pay for counseling	Supports the maintenance of domestic violence and sexual abuse victim services Supports the establishment of an annual convention of victim services organizations to coordinate efforts Supports expanded access to counseling for victims
Gender-neutral pay	Supports mandating transparent salary information to allow women to be better aware of pay discrepancies
Housing	Voted in favor of prohibiting housing discrimination against LGBT families Voted in favor of expanding access to housing vouchers Voted in favor of expanding access to information on fair housing laws
Immigration	Opposes measures that would limit entry to the state based on race, religion, or country of origin	Supports measures that would require local governments to comply with federal immigration law
Labor law	Opposes efforts to overturn Virginia's right-to-work legislation, suggesting that lawmakers should not "pick fights that we perhaps can't win right now"	Opposes efforts to overturn Virginia's right-to-work legislation
LGBT policy	Voted against a bill requiring transgender individuals to use the bathroom of their birth gender Voted in favor of protections for LGBT individuals facing discrimination in the workplace and adoption proceedings Opposes any measures that might be taken by the federal government that are potentially harmful to LGBT rights
Marijuana	Supports decriminalization of marijuana	Opposes decriminalization of marijuana Supports changes in sentencing practices towards marijuana offenders
Minimum wage	Supports raising the minimum wage
Paid family leave	Supports incentivizing businesses to provide paid family leave Supports providing small businesses with a tax credit in exchange for granting full-time employees eight weeks of paid family leave
Veterans' issues	Voted in favor of legislation which helped former medics find civilian employment by allowing them to qualify for EMT positions Supports extending similar legislation to other returning veterans	Supports the expansion of veterans' mental health dockets in the court system Supports the passage of legislation that would allow veterans qualified for specialized jobs to more easily receive the corresponding civilian qualification Supports a pilot program to test electronic absentee voting for servicemembers Supports the expansion of the Virginia War Memorial
Disability law	Supports the recreation of the office of Special Advisor to the Governor on Disability Issues Supports a state government hiring initiative targeting job seekers with disabilities Supports a system of tax credits for employers hiring disabled employees Supports an assessment of Virginia public schools' disability access and special education programs Supports a program which would modify the structure of the wait list for intellectual and developmental disability waivers with the eventual goal of eliminating the wait list entirely Supports a plan allowing Medicaid recipients with disabilities easier access to ridesharing services Supports modified standards for disability care
Voting law	Supports a repeal of Virginia's voter ID law Supports the introduction of same-day voter registration and universal access to early voting Supports naming Election Day a holiday for state workers Supports Virginia joining the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact

Noteworthy events

Latino Victory Fund advertisement

On October 30, 2017, the Latino Victory Fund aired a campaign advertisement on behalf of Ralph Northam. The advertisement depicted a pickup truck with a Confederate flag and an Ed Gillespie bumper sticker attempting to run over a group of minority children playing in the street. The advertisement was pulled from the air after the October 31, 2017, vehicular terrorism incident in New York City. The advertisement was criticized by Gillespie, who argued in an appearance on FOX News on October 31 that "it's an attack on all Virginians...the fact is that whether you disagree with people or not, in Virginia we respect civil discourse and this is a new low in politics here." The criticism was echoed by Gillespie campaign manager Chris Leavitt, who argued "This is an all-out attack on the people of Virginia...This latest ad gives us a clear indication of just what Ralph Northam and his national Democratic allies think of all of us, and it’s sickening."

Northam spokesmen David Turner countered that Gillespie's campaign had run negative advertisements in the past: "Ed Gillespie has spent upwards of $9 million making obvious racial appeals...The tone and tenor of Ed’s campaign has been nothing but division and fear mongering. We understand why they would feel this way after the millions spent on demonizing immigrants." Latino Victory Fund President Cristobal J. Alex argued that the advertisement was fair, stating that "We held a mirror up to the Republican Party, and they don’t like what they see...Given recent events, we will be placing other powerful ads into rotation that highlight the reasons we need to elect progressive leaders in Virginia."

In a November 2 press conference, Cliff Hyra (L) criticized the tone of advertisements that had been run on behalf of both Northam and Gillespie, arguing that "It's unbelievable to me that I had to be the grownup in the room, because these 60-year-old men, these establishment politicians, a sitting lieutenant governor and a [former] chairman of the Republican National Committee apparently think that the best strategy (for) getting elected to the highest position of the state is name-calling."

Candidate reactions to August 12, 2017, civil disorder in Charlottesville

On August 12, 2017, civil disorder broke out in Charlottesville, Virginia, following a demonstration against a local government proposal to remove a statue of General Robert E. Lee from a city park. Violence broke out between protesters opposed to the statue's removal and counter-protesters, leading to three deaths and 35 recorded injuries. In an article on the response to the unrest, the New York Times stated that the events in Charlottesville "thrust race and history to the forefront of this year’s campaign for governor in Virginia, a tradition-bound state whose identity has always been rooted in a past that is as proud for some residents as it is painful for others." Both Northam and Gillespie issued statements outlining their stance on monuments depicting figures associated with the Confederate States of America:

"I support City of Charlottesville's decision to remove the Robert E. Lee statue. I believe these statues should be taken down and moved into museums. As governor, I am going to be a vocal advocate for that approach and work with localities on this issue.

We should also do more to elevate the parts of our history that have all too often been underrepresented. That means memorializing civil rights advocates like Barbara Johns and Oliver Hill, who helped move our Commonwealth closer towards equality."

— Ralph Northam

"My opponent now says that he believes decisions about historical statues are best made at the local level, but that they should be removed. I believe that decisions about historical statues are best made at the local level, but they should stay and be placed in historical context. These are legitimate differences, and I know Virginians are engaging in an ongoing, thoughtful conversation about these sensitive issues, one marked by respect and understanding.

...

Our history is our history. Mostly for the better, but at times for the worse, our Commonwealth has been at the forefront of historic events, and Virginians central players in them. I know that for many of my fellow Virginians, statues of Confederate soldiers are offensive and should come down. I know that for many others, they are a reminder of heritage and we cannot erase history by taking them down. In my view, the approach underway in the city of Richmond is a good example for other cities and counties to follow. While not removing statues, they are weighing how to put them in proper historical context.

There is a balance that can be struck here, one that recognizes the outsized role Virginia has played in our history, while acknowledging that we have not always been on its right side. Rather than glorifying their objects, the statues should be instructional. While ensuring that Confederate statues are not exalting them but educating about them, we should do more to elevate Virginia's history in expanding freedom and equality by extolling the many Virginians who played critical roles in this regard."

— Ed Gillespie

On August 22, 2017, the Northam campaign released a campaign ad arguing that Gillespie should have released a statement opposing President Trump's response to the unrest.

On August 29, 2017, the Gillespie campaign circulated an email to supporters urging signatures on a petition opposed to the removal of statues associated with the Confederacy. The campaign also announced that it had hired pastor Jack Morgan to coordinate field efforts in southwestern Virginia. Morgan had worked on Donald Trump's 2016 campaign in Virginia and on Corey Stewart's bid for the Republican gubernatorial nomination earlier in 2017. Stewart, who had stated his opposition to the removal of monuments honoring figures associated with the Confederacy, held a rally at the statue of Robert E. Lee in Charlottesville in February 2017.

A Suffolk University poll of 500 likely Virginia voters released several days before the debate found that 32 percent of voters surveyed supported the removal of statues associated with the Confederate States while 57 percent of voters were opposed to their removal. A Fox News poll of 507 registered Virginia voters released shortly after found that 13 percent of voters had a positive reaction to the Confederate flag, while 33 percent reacted negatively and 51 percent did not have a strong reaction either way.

Debates

Three debates were held between Northam and Gillespie; a July 22 debate in Hot Springs, Virginia, a September 19 debate in Tysons, Virginia, and an October 9 debate in Wise, Virginia.

October 9

The third debate of the campaign was held on October 9, 2017, in Wise, Virginia. Northam and Gillespie agreed on several issues, including support for developing both coal and renewable energy, state funding for treatment for opioid addiction, and the use of public-private partnerships to develop broadband in rural areas of the state. The debate was advertised as exploring a mix of issues of interest to the state as a whole and issues of specific importance to southwestern Virginia. Both candidates discussed their rural development proposals, with Northam calling for free tuition for college students willing to commit to working in rural Virginia as well as promoting job growth in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health in rural areas. Gillespie countered by proposing the expansion of rural universities such as the University of Virginia at Wise and the promotion of industrial hemp production and the outdoor economy in rural areas. As in the previous two debates, both candidates referred to Gillespie's proposed tax cut, with Gillespie arguing that it would spur economic growth while Northam countered that it would endanger programs such as education and public safety.

September 19

The second debate of the campaign was held on September 19, 2017, in Tysons, Virgina. Ralph Northam and Ed Gillespie discussed a range of issues including immigration, the economy, and statues of figures associated with the Confederate States of America. Much of the discussion on the state's economy was centered around Ed Gillespie's proposal to cut the state's income tax across all brackets by 10 percent. While Northam argued that the plan would have a negative impact on the state's budget, Gillespie countered that it would boost the state's economy and lead to additional revenue. On immigration, Gillespie criticized Northam's vote against a bill that would have banned sanctuary jurisidictions in the state. Northam argued that the bill was not necessary since there were no sanctuary jurisdictions in the state.

The candidates also disagreed on the proper course of action regarding statues of figures associated with the Confederate States of America. While Northam called for localities to move their statues to museums, Gillespie argued that they should be left in place with additional historical context. Both candidates referred to the August 2017 civil disorder in Charlottesville as they outlined their positions:

"If these statues give individuals, white supremacists like that, an excuse to do what they did then we need to have a discussion about the statues."

— Ralph Northam

"We don't have to glorify the objects of the statues; we can educate about them...We have to learn from history, and that is a difference."

— Ed Gillespie

Libertarian candidate Cliff Hyra was not invited to participate in the September 19 debate, but did attend as a member of the audience. Hyra posted answers to questions posed to Northam and Gillespie on his Twitter account over the course of the debate.

July 22

The first debate of the campaign was held on July 22, 2017, in Hot Springs, Virginia. Ralph Northam and Ed Gillespie discussed a variety of issues, including the state government's level of coordination with President Trump. Ahead of the debate, both campaigns released statements concerning the President:

"A vote for Ed Gillespie is a vote for Donald Trump. Pure and simple."

— Virginia Democratic Party Chairwoman Susan Swecker

"Virginia needs a governor who is eager to work with President Trump, not be at odds with him...Lieutenant Governor Northam has not only made clear he is unwilling to work with President Trump, but his relentless name-calling and hyperpartisan rhetoric has all but assured any working relationship between Northam and the federal government would be inconceivable."

— State Sens. Frank Wagner and John Cosgrove

Other topics of discussion included healthcare, immigration, capital punishment, and the economy. Both candidates referred to issues that had come up in the primary elections. Northam, like Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair Corey Stewart (R), criticized Ed Gillespie's tax plan, contending that did not provide specific enough plans to cut government spending to justify a $1.3 billion decrease in revenue. Gillespie, like former Rep. Tom Perriello (D), asked how Northam explained not opposing a proposed natural gas pipeline that would be constructed in the state while criticizing the use of hydraulic fracturing techniques, a charge that had also been raised by a protester earlier in the debate.

The state's relationship with President Trump was also discussed, with Northam arguing that Gillespie should criticize proposed policies of the President that he argues would harm Americans. In response, Gillespie emphasized the importance of maintaining a working relationship with the president. A poll released by Quinnipiac University on June 21, 2017, found that 46 percent of Virginia voters would be less likely to vote for a gubernatorial candidate who supports President Trump, while 25 percent said they would be more likely to support such a candidate and 28 percent said it would not make a difference.

"I believe that our president is a dangerous man...I believe that he lacks empathy. You need to look no further than his mocking of the journalist. That's all that I needed to see. And he also has difficulty telling the truth. And it happens again and again. As we say on the Eastern Shore, he lies like a rug."

— Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam

"When you hear the lieutenant governor, he calls his campaign the resistance. Resistance 2017...What are you going to do as our governor? Call the White House and say please put me through to the narcissistic maniac?"

— Former Republican National Committee chairman Ed Gillespie

Libertarian candidate Cliff Hyra was not invited to the July 22 debate.

Endorsements

The following table outlines endorsements of Ralph Northam and Ed Gillespie by significant national, statewide, and local figures as well as advocacy groups.

Endorsements - Governor of Virginia
Endorsement	Northam	Gillespie
*National figures*
Gov. Matt Bevin (KY)		✔
Rep. Don Beyer (VA-8)	✔
Rep. Barbara Comstock (VA-10)		✔
Sen. Tom Cotton (AR)		✔
Sen. Ted Cruz (TX)		✔
Gov. Doug Ducey (AZ)		✔
Former presidential candidate Carly Fiorina (VA)		✔
Former Rep. Randy Forbes (VA-4)		✔
Former Rep. Newt Gingrich (GA-6)		✔
Rep. Bob Goodlatte (VA-6)		✔
Rep. Morgan Griffith (VA-9)		✔
Former Gov. Nikki Haley (SC)		✔
Former Rep. Robert Hurt (VA-5)		✔
Sen. Tim Kaine (VA)	✔
Rep. Donald McEachin (VA-4)	✔
Former Pres. Barack Obama (IL)	✔
Former Rep. L.F. Payne, Jr. (VA-5)	✔
Sen. Marco Rubio (FL)		✔
Gov. Chris Sununu (NH)		✔
Rep. Robert Scott (VA-3)	✔
Pres. Donald Trump		✔
Gov. Scott Walker (WI)		✔
Former Sen. John Warner (VA)		✔
Sen. Mark Warner (VA)	✔
Former Rep. Frank Wolf (VA-10)		✔
*State figures*
Former Gov. George Allen		✔
Activist Martha Boneta		✔
Activist Ward Burton		✔
Virginia Tea Party Patriots Federation President Rick Buchanan		✔
Attorney General Mark Herring	✔
Gov. Terry McAuliffe	✔
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell		✔
*Municipal figures*
Chesapeake Mayor Alan Krasnoff		✔
Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea	✔
Manasssas City Mayor Hal Parrish		✔
Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms		✔
Charlottesville Mayor Michael Signer	✔
Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg	✔
*Organizations*
American Muslim Women PAC	✔
Associated Builders and Contractors		✔
Bluefield Daily Telegraph		✔
Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions		✔
Daily Press	✔
EmgagePAC	✔
The Free Lance-Star		✔
InsideNoVa		✔
International Brotherhood of Police Officers	✔
Laborers' International Union of North America	✔
The Middle Resolution		✔
National Black Farmers Association	✔
National Federation of Independent Business		✔
National Review		✔
National Right to Life Committee		✔
NOVABIZPAC		✔
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia	✔
Pride Fund to End Gun Violence	✔
Richmond Crusade for Voters	✔
Richmond Times-Dispatch		✔
Virginia Education Association	✔
Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC		✔
Virginia Fraternal Order of Police		✔
Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance		✔
Virginia Police Benevolent Association		✔
Virginia Professional Fire Fighters	✔
Virginia Retail Merchants Association		✔
Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance	✔
The Virginian-Pilot	✔
The Washington Post	✔
The Winchester Star		✔

Historical context

Gubernatorial elections in Virginia, 1977-2017

*Election results (Governor of Virginia), 1977-2017*
Year	First-place candidate	First-place candidate votes (%)	Second-place candidate	Second-place candidate votes (%)	Margin of victory (%)
2017	Ralph Northam	53.9%	Ed Gillespie	45.0%	8.9%
2013	Terry McAuliffe	47.7%	Ken Cuccinelli	45.2%	2.5%
2009	Bob McDonnell	58.6%	Creigh Deeds	41.3%	17.3%
2009	Bob McDonnell	58.6%	Creigh Deeds	41.3%	17.3%
2005	Tim Kaine	51.7%	Jerry Kilgore	46.0%	5.7%
2001	Mark Warner	52.2%	Mark Earley	47.0%	5.2%
1997	Jim Gilmore	55.8%	Don Beyer	42.6%	13.2%
1993	George Allen	58.3%	Mary Sue Terry	40.9%	17.4%
1989	Douglas Wilder	50.2%	Marshall Coleman	49.8%	0.4%
1985	Gerald Baliles	55.2%	Wyatt Durrette	44.8%	10.4%
1981	Chuck Robb	53.5%	Marshall Coleman	46.4%	7.1%
1977	John Dalton	55.9%	Henry Howell	43.3%	12.6%

Virginia is the only state to prohibit governors from seeking re-election, meaning that every gubernatorial election has been for an open seat. In the ten elections preceding the 2017 race, the Democratic candidate won six times, while the Republican won four times. However, all winning Republican candidates received double-digit margins of victory. Out of the past ten electoral cycles, the only Democratic candidate to win with a double-digit margin of victory was Gerald Baliles in 1985. Baliles' 10.4 percent margin of victory was lower than that of any of the four winning Republican candidates. Northam's margin of victory in the 2017 election was the second-widest of any Democratic candidate during this period. The best performance of any third-party candidate in the ten previous election cycles was Libertarian Robert Sarvis' 6.5 percent share of the vote in 2013.

Gubernatorial elections in Virginia tend to favor the candidate whose party does not currently hold the presidency. With the exception of Terry McAuliffe's victory in the 2013 election, the last time the candidate from the president's party won a gubernatorial election in Virginia was Mills Godwin's defeat of independent candidate Henry Howell in the 1973 election, held during the presidency of Richard Nixon.