After the 2019 House of Delegates and State Senate elections, Democrats gained control of both chambers in the State Legislature, with Ralph Northam having won the governorship two years prior. This newly established trifecta has passed several liberal policy initiatives, such as expanding background checks for firearms, expanding renewable energy programs and banning the death penalty. 

Democrats will have to defend both their state house majority and the Governor’s Mansion, which has been held by the party since 2014. Several contenders, most notably former Gov. Terry McCauliffe and current Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, have direct experience in Virginia’s executive branch. Meanwhile, other candidates such as State Delegate Lee Carter and State Senator Jennifer McClellan have cast themselves as progressive voices for the state’s future. 

As of April, Governor McAuliffe is the undisputed primary front-runner. His successful fundraising, along with several key endorsements from the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, have led to an early lead in hypothetical polling. The actual primary, however, is still two months away. 

Because of his current status, McCauliffe was sharply criticized by his fellow Democrats at their first televised debate April 6. Former Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy accused him of making a “back-room deal with the NRA” during his tenure as governor. 

Justin Fairfax criticized McCauliffe’s past demand that he resign over numerous misconduct allegations, accusing the former Governor of portraying to him the same kind of hostile treatment given to victims of racial violence. 

Del. Lee Carter attacked his entire opposition over their acceptance of corporate donations.

Despite all of the debate crossfire, the fact remains that most of the contenders agreed on the mainstream issues. The real question will be whether Democratic voters want to pave the way for newer names and ideas, or to rely on the presumed experience of a former governor.