Youngkin’s Victory May Threaten Earle-Sears in Virginia Governor Race
Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin holds a 50 percent approval rating in Virginia, a state that leaned Democratic in the 2024 presidential election. However, his popularity does not seem to bolster his chosen successor in the upcoming gubernatorial race. Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears currently trails former Democratic Representative Abigail Spanberger by 10 points, according to a Roanoke College poll released on October 30.
Implications of Youngkin’s Victory on Earle-Sears’ Campaign
The 2025 election cycle is crucial for Virginia and New Jersey, as both states host competitive gubernatorial races. These elections serve as early indicators of the current presidential administration’s popularity. Despite Virginia’s Republican leanings relative to New Jersey, Spanberger maintains a significant lead in polling, while the New Jersey race is quite close.
Challenges Facing Earle-Sears
- Subpar fundraising efforts.
- Missing President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
- Concerns over the data center industry, which Youngkin has promoted.
The expansion of data centers under Youngkin’s administration has raised various concerns among Virginia voters. Mar Hicks, a professor at the University of Virginia School of Data Science, noted that residents are worried about the impact of these centers on energy costs, water quality, and noise pollution. Monthly electricity costs in regions with significant data center activity have surged, increasing by up to 267 percent over the past five years, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
Economic Impact of Data Centers
Virginia is home to the highest number of data centers in the nation. Youngkin has facilitated substantial investments in this sector, including:
- $35 billion from Amazon Web Services
- $17 billion from EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure
- $9 billion from Google
In May, Youngkin vetoed legislation that aimed to impose new regulations on data center land use. In contrast, Spanberger is focusing her campaign on reducing energy costs by ensuring that data centers contribute fairly to electricity expenses. She advocates for a statewide strategy tailored to local needs regarding data centers.
Campaign Debate and Responses
During a debate with Spanberger, Earle-Sears attributed rising energy costs to the Democratic Party’s clean energy policies. However, evidence supporting her claim remains elusive. As the demand for data centers grows, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and technology, the next governor will face significant challenges linked to energy management and economic sustainability.
Hicks emphasizes that the Republican Party stands to gain or lose the most in this transition. “Many Republicans are betting big on Big Tech right now,” she stated, framing the situation as a modern interpretation of ‘trickle-down economics.’
