Following the 2024 election when the Republicans took control of the White House, Senate and House, the 2025 general election was a particularly important one for the Democratic Party.
Highlighted elections included New York City mayor, New Jersey governor, Virginia governor and a California redistricting vote. Democrats came out on top in all of these elections.
“I’m very satisfied,” junior Emma Tulowitzky said. “I think it has been well-deserved and has been a long time coming.”
For many Valley students, the Virginia elections were the most important. The Virginia governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general seats were all filled by Democrats, flipping the Republicans’ previous gubernatorial hold on the state with Glenn Youngkin.
“I believe that she’s [Abigail Spanberger, Virginia governor-elect] going to make a difference in Virginia,” sophomore Addie Willits said. “I believe she will do a great job in office because I believe she will stay true to her word.”
Although Willits is supportive of Spanberger’s win, not all Valley students share the same sentiment.
“I am not entirely satisfied with the results of this recent election, as I am more supportive of the Republican party,” junior and Young Conservatives vice president Luke Bratrud said. “I do not agree with Abigail Spanberger on a lot of things. However, I think that she will do a good job doing the things that she said if elected she would do, despite whether I agree with them or not.”
Although Spanberger’s election didn’t come as much of a shock (polls showed a substantial lead), the attorney general was a different story. Democratic candidate Jay Jones was scrutinized for resurfaced texts referencing former Republican speaker for the House of Delegates Todd Gilbert. In these texts, Jones said that Gilbert should be shot and wished violence upon his children.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting Jay Jones to do great in the election,” Tulowitzky said. “I thought he was the only candidate that was more susceptible to not doing as well. I think it’s kind of unfortunate. We can only hope that he’s doing better.”
In spite of the texting scandal, Jones’ election means that Spanberger will be able to achieve her policy goals much easier, without worrying about an opposing party blocking legislation.
“I think that there will be more abortion options available to citizens in Virginia, thanks to the new leadership,” Bratrud said. “Housing may become more affordable as Abigail Spanberger made that one of her central themes. I would also expect other changes made for healthcare and taxes.”
This election doesn’t only affect Virginia citizens. It symbolizes a wider Democratic wave across the country.
“I really hope that Virginia being such an influential state, we can set an example and be a role model for other states,” Tulowitzky said. “Especially in human rights, women’s rights, you know, equality. I think we can really push for some good things. And I think that if Virginia starts, then other states will follow.”
Bratrud believes that the Virginia Democratic wins will carry implications for the future of their party.
“I think that if the new governor does a good enough job with what she has said in her campaign, people may gain more faith in the Democratic party and may elect more of them into office,” Bratrud said.
Willits thinks while the election is good news for the Democrats, it won’t eliminate Republican attempts at opposition.
“I think the Republicans will be angry,” Willits said. “I think that they’ll only have blinders on for their party. And I think the Democrats will have some trouble with managing that.”
Although Republican opposition will remain, the Democratic wins signify an upcoming change in the governance of Virginia.
“I think she [Spanberger] is such a wonderful person, and really cares about the people she’s representing,” Tulowitzky said. “So I think that she will really try and listen to the people and do what she thinks is best for them.”
