Youngkin’s Strategy for Virginia’s Republicans

Governor Glenn Youngkin appears to have found a formula that resonates with Virginia’s politically mixed electorate. The state hasn’t elected a Republican governor in over a decade, nor has it sent a Republican to the Senate since 2009.

Dave Bratt, a former Congressman and member of the House Freedom Caucus, believes he has insights that could help. Bratt, known for his unexpected victory over House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in a primary ten years ago, thinks there’s a path for Earl Sears as she prepares to challenge Democrat Abigail Spanberger.

Back in 2014, Bratt was teaching economics at Randolph-Macon College and hadn’t planned on entering the political fray—but he did. He faced an uphill battle with a 40-to-1 funding disadvantage, but his grassroots message focused on limited government and opposition to what he termed Washington’s excesses. To many’s surprise, he won his primary by over ten points and went on to secure the general election, a clear sign that Republicans can exceed preconceived expectations in Virginia.

In a recent conversation, Bratt emphasized the importance of strategically selecting issues that resonate with voters. He noted that Youngkin, a newcomer to politics, faced a challenging battle against former governor Terry McAuliffe in 2021. He believes Sears might have a similar fighting chance in the upcoming November election.

Bratt shared critiques regarding the Democratic focus on Trump and alternative media’s handling of issues. He noted that the attention on social issues, especially conflicts surrounding schools and parental rights, is still very relevant.

However, he didn’t shy away from calling out his own party, suggesting that Virginia Republicans have become too reliant on big donors instead of fostering grassroots support. Bratt remarked that there’s been a long-standing tendency within the party to favor financial contributors over regular supporters, something he believes must change.

In defense of their agenda, Virginia Republicans responded by affirming their commitment to families in the state. They plan to showcase the successes of the Youngkin administration while countering the policies proposed by Spanberger and Virginia’s Democrats.

Bratt also argued that voters often find Democratic proposals unpopular once they’re fully informed. He voiced concerns about issues like gender and parental rights, suggesting that clear communication on these subjects could sway public opinion.

While some might argue that economic issues should take precedence in campaigning, Bratt acknowledged the complexities involved—they’re not always so straightforward. He pointed to the sharp inflation rates under the Biden administration compared to the past and urged Sears to emphasize economic concerns over more divisive social issues.

Ultimately, Bratt believes that targeting suburban mothers could be pivotal for candidates like Sears, as their support could tip the scales in favor of the Republicans. “If we can connect with suburban moms, we’ll have a real shot at winning,” he stated, expressing optimism about Sears’ prospects.