Category Archives: Gubernatorial

Virginia gubernatorial election, 2017

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Virginia gubernatorial election, 2017
Virginia
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Ralph Northam 2008-10-28.jpg Ed Gillespie by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg
Nominee Ralph Northam Ed Gillespie
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 1,405,007 1,172,533
Percentage 53.9% 45.0%

Virginia gubernatorial election results by county 2017.svg

County and Independent City Results
Governor before election
Terry McAuliffe
Democratic		 Elected Governor
Ralph Northam
Democratic
Elections in Virginia
Seal of Virginia.svg

The Virginia gubernatorial election of 2017 was held on November 7, 2017. The incumbent governor, Democrat Terry McAuliffe, was not eligible to run for re-election due to term limits established by the Virginia Constitution. Virginia is the only state that prohibits its governor from serving consecutive terms.

Primary elections took place on June 13, 2017. Virginia utilizes an open primary, in which registered voters are allowed to vote in either party’s primary election.[1] The Democratic Party nominated Ralph Northam and the Republican Party nominated Ed Gillespie. The Libertarian Party nominated Cliff Hyra by convention on May 6, 2017.[2]

In the general election on November 7, 2017, Democratic nominee Ralph Northam defeated Republican nominee Ed Gillespie winning by the largest margin for the Democrat since 1985. Northam will become the 73rd governor of Virginia, and take office on January 13, 2018.[3]

Democratic primary[edit]

Declared[edit]

Declined[edit]

Endorsements[edit]

Polling[edit]

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Ralph
Northam		 Tom
Perriello		 Other Undecided
CSP Polling June 8–11, 2017 1642 ± 2.1% 41% 46% — 13%
Change Research June 8–10, 2017 919 ± 3.1% 46% 54% — —
Hampton University June 1–6, 2017 750 ± 4.2% 21% 29% — 50%
HaystaqDNA (Internal Perriello Poll) June 1–6, 2017 455 — 36% 37% — 29%
Garin-Hart-Yang (Internal Northam Poll) May 15–17, 2017 601 ± 4.0% 50% 33% — 17%
Washington Post-Schar School May 9–14, 2017 351 ± 6.0% 38% 40% — 18%
Virginia Education Association/Public Policy Polling May 9–10, 2017 745 ± 3.6% 45% 35% — 21%
Virginia Education Association/Public Policy Polling April 13–14, 2017 586 ± 4.1% 42% 28% — 30%
Quinnipiac University April 6–10, 2017 483 ± 4.5% 20% 25% 1% 51%
Christopher Newport University March 16–26, 2017 391 ± 5.4% 26% 26% 3% 45%
Quinnipiac University February 10–15, 2017 462 ± 4.6% 19% 19% 3% 61%
Christopher Newport University January 15–28, 2017 464 ± 4.8% 15% 26% 1% 58%

Results[edit]

Results by county:

  Ralph Northam
  Tom Perriello
Democratic primary results[32]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Ralph Northam 303,846 55.92%
Democratic Tom Perriello 239,505 44.08%
Total votes 543,351 100.0%

Republican primary[edit]

Declared[edit]

Failed to qualify[edit]

  • Emmanuel Peter, bishop[36]

Withdrawn[edit]

Declined[edit]

Endorsements[edit]

Polling[edit]

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Ed
Gillespie		 Corey
Stewart		 Frank
Wagner		 Rob
Wittman		 Other Undecided
Change Research June 8–10, 2017 919 ± 3.1% 41% 42% 16% — — —
Washington Post-Schar School May 9–14, 2017 264 ± 7.0% 38% 18% 15% — — 24%
Quinnipiac University April 6–10, 2017 435 ± 4.7% 28% 12% 7% — 2% 51%
Christopher Newport University March 16–26, 2017 349 ± 5.7% 38% 11% 10% — 3% 38%
Quinnipiac University February 10–15, 2017 419 ± 4.8% 24% 7% 2% — 6% 59%
Christopher Newport University January 15–28, 2017 418 ± 5.0% 33% 7% 9% — 3% 48%
Quinnipiac University December 6–11, 2016 451 ± 4.6% 24% 4% 4% 10% — 57%
Public Opinion Strategies September 18–21, 2016 800 ± 3.5% 38% 5% 4% 12% — 40%
Public Policy Polling June 13–15, 2016 1,032 ± 3.1% 29% 13% — 16% — 41%

Results[edit]

Results by county:

  Ed Gillespie
  Corey Stewart
Republican primary results[32]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Ed Gillespie 160,100 43.7%
Republican Corey Stewart 155,780 42.5%
Republican Frank Wagner 50,394 13.8%
Total votes 366,274 100.0%

Libertarian convention[edit]

Candidates[edit]

Nominee[edit]

  • Cliff Hyra, attorney[64]

Withdrew[edit]

  • Jason Carrier

General election[edit]

The race has been closely watched by national observers. For Republicans, National Review wrote that Gillespie’s campaign was an important example of whether and how mainstream Republican politics can produce victories in a purple state in the “era of Trumpism“, and said that the outcome would affect Republican strategies in future races.[65] Democrats have stated a view that the election is a test of whether the party can find its way after losing the 2016 presidential election and several subsequent special elections.[66] NBC News reported that Northam was the “hand-picked” choice of outgoing Governor Terry McAuliffe, and that McAuliffe’s legacy and potential 2020 presidential aspirations depended on Northam winning the election.[citation needed]

Debates[edit]

After the primaries, Gillespie challenged Northam to ten debates, but only three were held.[67] The first debate was hosted by the Virginia Bar Association on July 22 in Hot Springs, Virginia.[68] The second was held on September 19, hosted by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce in Tysons Corner, Virginia, and televised statewide by NBC-affiliated TV stations.[69]The third and final debate was held on October 9 at University of Virginia’s College at Wise in Wise, Virginia.[70]

Endorsements[edit]

Polling[edit]

Polls for the general election have varied significantly, ranging from a 17-point lead for Ralph Northam on one end to an 8-point lead for Ed Gillespie on the other end, with most polls showing the race within or close to the margin of error. Politicoreported that the wide variation in polling numbers was likely due to differences in methodology among the polls.[203] Polls tightened significantly in the last two weeks of the campaign, with several showing the race tied or within the margin of error.[204][205][206]

Polls[edit]

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Ralph
Northam (D)		 Ed
Gillespie (R)		 Cliff
Hyra (L)		 Other Undecided
Google Consumer Surveys November 3–5, 2017 1,021 ± 3.8% 51% 49% – – 0%
FOX News November 2–5, 2017 1,239 LV ± 2.5% 48% 43% 3% 1% 7%
1,450 RV 45% 41% 3% 1% 9%
The Polling Company (R) November 2–5, 2017 800 ± 3.5% 45% 44% 3% – 4%
47% 46% – – 4%
Monmouth University November 2–5, 2017 713 ± 3.7% 47% 45% 3% 1% 5%
IMGE Insights (R) November 1–5, 2017 800 ± 3.5% 48% 47% — — —
Change Research November 1–5, 2017 3,648 ± 2.8% 52% 46% 2% – 0%
Quinnipiac University October 30 – November 5, 2017 1,056 ± 3.9% 51% 42% 3% – 4%
Emerson College November 2–4, 2017 810 ± 3.4% 49% 46% 1% – 4%
Christopher Newport University October 29 – November 4, 2017 839 ± 3.5% 51% 45% 2% – 2%
Rasmussen Reports October 31 – November 3, 2017 875 ± 3.5% 45% 45% 2% 2% 6%
Gravis Marketing October 30 – November 3, 2017 1,143 ± 2.9% 48% 43% 3% – 6%
0ptimus (R) November 1–2, 2017 1,600 ± 2.4% 37% 40% – – 23%
Trafalgar Group (R) October 31 – November 2, 2017 1,200 ± 3.3% 49% 48% 1% – 2%
The Polling Company (R) October 30 – November 2, 2017 800 ± 3.5% 43% 45% 2% – 7%
43% 46% – – 7%
Upshot/Siena College October 29 – November 2, 2017 985 ± 3.0% 43% 40% 2% – 14%
Roanoke College October 29 – November 2, 2017 781 ± 3.5% 47% 47% 3% – 3%
Suffolk University October 30 – November 1, 2017 500 ± 4.4% 47% 43% 2% – 6%
Washington Post/Schar School October 26–29, 2017 921 LV ± 4.0% 49% 44% 4% – 3%
1,000 RV ± 3.5% 46% 39% 5% – 5%
Quinnipiac University October 25–29, 2017 916 ± 4.2% 53% 36% 3% – 7%
The Polling Company (R) October 24–26, 2017 600 LV ± 4.0% 44% 44% 3% – 7%
October 23–26, 2017 800 LV ± 3.5% 43% 45% – – 9%
Christopher Newport University October 20–25, 2017 812 ± 3.8% 50% 43% 3% – 4%
Plural Vote October 15–25, 2017 397 ± 4.9% 49% 46% 5% – –
Hampton University October 18–22, 2017 750 ± 4.2% 33% 41% – – 27%
FOX News October 15–17, 2017 697 LV ± 3.5% 49% 42% 1% 2% 5%
815 RV ± 3.0% 45% 42% 2% 2% 6%
Quinnipiac University October 12–17, 2017 1,088 ± 3.7% 53% 39% 2% – 5%
Monmouth University October 12–16, 2017 408 ± 4.9% 47% 48% 3% – 3%
Christopher Newport University October 9–13, 2017 642 ± 4.2% 48% 44% 3% – 5%
Roanoke College October 8–13, 2017 607 ± 4.0% 50% 44% 2% – 4%
Emerson College October 5–7, 2017 318 ± 5.5% 49% 44% 2% – 5%
Christopher Newport University October 2–6, 2017 928 ± 4.3% 49% 42% 3% – 6%
Washington Post/Schar School September 28 – October 2, 2017 720 LV ± 4.5% 53% 40% 4% – 2%
1,000 RV ± 3.5% 48% 38% 5% – 5%
Victoria Research (D) September 24–28, 2017 631 ± 4.2% 46% 44% 3% – –
Monmouth University September 21–25, 2017 499 ± 4.4% 49% 44% 2% <1% 4%
Public Policy Polling September 21–23, 2017 849 ± 3.8% 43% 40% 4% – 13%
Roanoke College September 16–23, 2017 596 ± 4.0% 47% 43% 5% – 5%
Christopher Newport University September 12–22, 2017 776 ± 3.7% 47% 41% 4% – 8%
FOX News September 17–18, 2017 500 LV ± 4.5% 42% 41% 2% 2% 12%
507 RV ± 4.0% 42% 38% 2% 2% 13%
Quinnipiac University September 14–18, 2017 850 ± 4.2% 51% 41% 3% – 5%
IMGE Insights (R) September 12–18, 2017 1,000 ± 3.8% 45% 41% 4% – 10%
Suffolk University September 13–17, 2017 500 ± 4.4% 42% 42% 3% – 12%
Mason-Dixon September 10–15, 2017 625 ± 4% 44% 43% 2% – 11%
University of Mary Washington September 5–12, 2017 562 LV ± 5.2% 44% 39% 3% 1% 11%
867 RV ± 4.1% 40% 35% 5% – 16%
Roanoke College August 12–19, 2017 599 ± 4.0% 43% 36% 4% – 17%
Quinnipiac University August 3–8, 2017 1,082 ± 3.8% 44% 38% 4% 1% 11%
Virginia Commonwealth University July 17–25, 2017 538 LV ± 5.1% 42% 37% 6% – 13%
707 RV ± 4.5% 39% 33% 8% – 16%
Monmouth University July 20–23, 2017 502 ± 4.4% 44% 44% 3% <1% 9%
Quinnipiac University June 15–20, 2017 1,145 ± 3.8% 47% 39% – 2% 9%
Harper Polling June 14–16, 2017 500 ± 4.4% 46% 46% – – 8%
Public Opinion Strategies (R) June 6–8, 2017 600 ± 4.0% 45% 46% – – 9%
Washington Post/Schar School May 9–14, 2017 1,602 ± 3.0% 49% 38% – – 9%
Quinnipiac University April 6–10, 2017 1,115 ± 2.9% 44% 33% – 1% 19%
Christopher Newport University March 16–26, 2017 831 ± 3.7% 39% 40% – 2% 19%
Gravis Marketing March 14–19, 2017 3,097 ± 1.6% 40% 42% – – 18%
Quinnipiac University February 10–15, 2017 989 ± 3.1% 41% 35% – 3% 22%
Mason-Dixon January 5–10, 2017 625 ± 4.0% 41% 44% – – 15%
Public Opinion Strategies (R) December 11–13, 2016 500 ± 4.4% 43% 38% – – 17%
Quinnipiac University December 6–11, 2016 1,098 ± 3.0% 38% 34% – 1% 26%
University of Mary Washington September 6–12, 2016 685 LV ± 4.4% 36% 43% – 1% 16%
852 RV ± 3.9% 36% 41% – 1% 18%
Public Policy Polling September 9–11, 2016 878 ± 3.3% 37% 37% – – 26%
Public Policy Polling June 13–15, 2016 1,032 ± 3.1% 36% 37% – – 28%
Gravis Marketing May 24, 2016 1,728 ± 2.0% 38% 40% – – 22%
University of Mary Washington November 4–9, 2015 656 LV ± 4.3% 32% 44% – 1% 16%
814 RV ± 3.9% 33% 40% – 1% 18%
Public Policy Polling July 13–15, 2015 1,170 ± 2.9% 30% 40% – – 32%

Fundraising[edit]

Campaign finance reports as of October 26, 2017
Candidate Amount raised
Ralph Northam $33,787,580
Ed Gillespie $24,470,373
Cliff Hyra $74,472
Source: Virginia Public Access Project[207]

Virginia election laws allow for unlimited campaign contributions in state and local elections.

According to the Virginia Public Access Project, Northam’s top five donors are the Democratic Governors Association‘s super PAC DGA Action; Michael Bloomberg’s Everytown for Gun Safety group; the Virginia League of Conservation Voters; Michael D. Bills; and the Laborers’ International Union of North America.[208]

Gillespie’s top five donors are the Republican Governors Association; A Stronger Virginia; Let’s Grow Virginia; Marlene Ricketts; and Dwight Schar.[209]

Hyra’s top five donors are Michael Chastain; Hyra himself; the Libertarian Party of Virginia; Paradise Indian Restaurant; and nine donors who have given the same amount.[210]

Results[edit]

Virginia gubernatorial election, 2017 [211]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
Democratic Ralph Northam 1,405,097 53.87% +6.12%
Republican Ed Gillespie 1,172,533 44.95% −0.28%
Libertarian Cliff Hyra 29,303 1.12% −5.40%
Write-ins 1,392 0.05%
Majority 232,564 8.92% +6.40%
Turnout 2,608,325
Democratic hold Swing

See also