The 2017 Virginia gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 2017. Incumbent Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe was unable to run for reelection, as the Constitution of Virginia prohibits the officeholder from serving consecutive terms; he later ran unsuccessfully for a second term in 2021.
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Turnout | 47.6% 4.6[1] | ||||||||||||||||
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Northam: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% 90–100% Gillespie: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% 90–100% Tie: 40–50% No votes | |||||||||||||||||
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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.[2] Democrats nominated incumbent Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam and Republicans nominated former RNC Chair Ed Gillespie. Libertarians nominated Clifford Hyra by convention on May 6, 2017.[3]
In the general election on November 7, 2017, Northam defeated Republican Gillespie, winning by the largest margin for a Democrat since 1985. Northam assumed office as the 73rd Governor of Virginia on January 13, 2018.[4] The election had the highest voter turnout percentage in a Virginia gubernatorial election in twenty years, with over 47% of registered voters casting their ballot.[5]
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Ralph Northam |
Tom Perriello |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Change Research | June 8–10, 2017 | 919 | ± 3.1% | 46% | 54% | — | — |
Hampton University | June 1–6, 2017 | 750 | ± 4.2% | 21% | 29% | — | 50% |
HaystaqDNA (D-Perriello) | June 1–6, 2017 | 455 | — | 36% | 37% | — | 29% |
Garin-Hart-Yang (D-Northam) | May 15–17, 2017 | 601 | ± 4.0% | 50% | 33% | — | 17% |
Washington Post-Schar School | May 9–14, 2017 | 351 | ± 6.0% | 38% | 40% | — | 18% |
Public Policy Polling (D) | May 9–10, 2017 | 745 | ± 3.6% | 45% | 35% | — | 21% |
Public Policy Polling (D) | 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 Archived February 17, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | 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% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Mark Herring |
Ralph Northam |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Policy Polling | July 13–15, 2015 | 409 | ± 4.9% | 33% | 9% | — | 58% |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Ralph Northam | 303,846 | 55.9% | |
Democratic | Tom Perriello | 239,505 | 44.1% | |
Total votes | 543,351 | 100 |
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 Archived February 17, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | 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 Archived December 20, 2016, at the Wayback Machine | 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 (D) | June 13–15, 2016 | 1,032 | ± 3.1% | 29% | 13% | — | 16% | — | 41% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Bill Bolling |
Eric Cantor |
Ken Cuccinelli |
Ed Gillespie |
Mark Obenshain |
Pete Snyder |
Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Policy Polling | July 13–15, 2015 | 502 | 4.4% | 8% | 16% | 37% | 8% | 7% | 1% | 23% |
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% |
The race had 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.[67] Many Democrats believed that the election was a test of whether the party could find its way after losing the 2016 presidential election and several subsequent special elections.[68] 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]
After the primaries, Gillespie challenged Northam to ten debates, but only three were held.[69] The first debate was hosted by the Virginia Bar Association on July 22 in Hot Springs, Virginia.[70] 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.[71] The third and final debate was held on October 9 at University of Virginia's College at Wise in Wise, Virginia.[72]
Dates | Location | Northam | Gillespie | Link |
---|---|---|---|---|
September 19, 2017 | Tysons, Virginia | Participant | Participant | Full debate - C-SPAN |
October 9, 2017 | Wise, Virginia | Participant | Participant | Full debate - C-SPAN |
Source | Ranking | As of |
---|---|---|
The Cook Political Report[197] | Lean D | October 6, 2017 |
Rothenberg Political Report[198] | Tilt D | October 27, 2017 |
Sabato's Crystal Ball[199] | Lean D | October 13, 2017 |
Polls for the general election 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, with most polls showing the race within or close to the margin of error. Politico reported that the wide variation in polling numbers was likely due to differences in methodology among the polls.[200] Polls tightened significantly in the last two weeks of the campaign with several showing the race tied or within the margin of error.[201][202][203]
Source of poll aggregation |
Dates administered |
Dates updated |
Ralph Northam (D) |
Ed Gillespie (R) |
Other/Undecided [a] |
Margin |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Real Clear Politics | October 29 – November 5, 2017 | November 5, 2017 | 47.7% | 44.4% | 7.9% | Northam +3.3% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Ralph Northam (D) |
Ed Gillespie (R) |
Cliff Hyra (L) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 Archived November 6, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | 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 Archived November 6, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | 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 Archived November 15, 2018, at the Wayback Machine | October 30 – November 1, 2017 | 500 | ± 4.4% | 47% | 43% | 2% | – | 6% |
Washington Post/Schar School Archived October 31, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | 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 Archived October 27, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | 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 Archived October 19, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | 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 Archived October 9, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | October 2–6, 2017 | 928 | ± 4.3% | 49% | 42% | 3% | – | 6% |
Washington Post/Schar School Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine | 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 Archived November 12, 2020, at the Wayback Machine | 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 Archived September 25, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | 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 Archived September 19, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | 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 Archived September 27, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | 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 Archived August 9, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | August 3–8, 2017 | 1,082 | ± 3.8% | 44% | 38% | 4% | 1% | 11% |
Virginia Commonwealth University Archived August 9, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | 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 Archived June 30, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | June 15–20, 2017 | 1,145 | ± 3.8% | 47% | 39% | – | 2% | 9% |
Harper Polling Archived July 21, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | 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 Archived March 25, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | March 14–19, 2017 | 3,097 | ± 1.6% | 40% | 42% | – | – | 18% |
Quinnipiac University Archived February 17, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | 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 Archived December 20, 2016, at the Wayback Machine | 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% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Tom Perriello (D) |
Ed Gillespie (R) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington Post/Schar School | May 9–14, 2017 | 1,602 | ± 3.0% | 50% | 37% | – | 9% |
Quinnipiac University | April 6–10, 2017 | 1,115 | ± 2.9% | 46% | 33% | 1% | 18% |
Christopher Newport University | March 16–26, 2017 | 831 | ± 3.7% | 39% | 39% | 2% | 20% |
Gravis Marketing Archived March 25, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | March 14–19, 2017 | 3,097 | ± 1.6% | 42% | 41% | – | 18% |
Quinnipiac University Archived February 17, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | February 10–15, 2017 | 989 | ± 3.1% | 43% | 36% | 1% | 20% |
Mason-Dixon | January 5–10, 2017 | 625 | ± 4.0% | 36% | 45% | – | 19% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Ralph Northam (D) |
Corey Stewart (R) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quinnipiac University | April 6–10, 2017 | 1,115 | ± 2.9% | 43% | 30% | 1% | 23% |
Christopher Newport University | March 16–26, 2017 | 831 | ± 3.7% | 41% | 33% | 2% | 24% |
Quinnipiac University Archived February 17, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | February 10–15, 2017 | 989 | ± 3.1% | 42% | 31% | 2% | 24% |
Mason-Dixon | January 5–10, 2017 | 625 | ± 4.0% | 45% | 37% | – | 18% |
Public Opinion Strategies (R) | December 11–13, 2016 | 500 | ± 4.4% | 42% | 35% | – | 22% |
Quinnipiac University Archived December 20, 2016, at the Wayback Machine | December 6–11, 2016 | 1,098 | ± 3.0% | 38% | 29% | 1% | 30% |
University of Mary Washington | September 6–12, 2016 | 685 LV | ± 4.4% | 39% | 39% | 1% | 18% |
852 RV | ± 3.9% | 39% | 37% | 1% | 19% | ||
Public Policy Polling | September 9–11, 2016 | 878 | ± 3.3% | 39% | 31% | – | 30% |
Public Policy Polling | June 13–15, 2016 | 1,032 | ± 3.1% | 34% | 32% | – | 34% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Tom Perriello (D) |
Corey Stewart (R) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quinnipiac University | April 6–10, 2017 | 1,115 | ± 2.9% | 45% | 31% | 1% | 20% |
Christopher Newport University | March 16–26, 2017 | 831 | ± 3.7% | 40% | 34% | 2% | 25% |
Quinnipiac University Archived February 17, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | February 10–15, 2017 | 989 | ± 3.1% | 44% | 31% | 3% | 22% |
Mason-Dixon | January 5–10, 2017 | 625 | ± 4.0% | 40% | 38% | – | 22% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Ralph Northam (D) |
Frank Wagner (R) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quinnipiac University | April 6–10, 2017 | 1,115 | ± 2.9% | 43% | 30% | 1% | 24% |
Christopher Newport University | March 16–26, 2017 | 831 | ± 3.7% | 40% | 34% | 2% | 25% |
Quinnipiac University Archived February 17, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | February 10–15, 2017 | 989 | ± 3.1% | 41% | 33% | 3% | 24% |
Public Opinion Strategies (R) | December 11–13, 2016 | 500 | ± 4.4% | 43% | 37% | – | 19% |
Quinnipiac University Archived December 20, 2016, at the Wayback Machine | December 6–11, 2016 | 1,098 | ± 3.0% | 39% | 30% | 1% | 28% |
University of Mary Washington | September 6–12, 2016 | 685 LV | ± 4.4% | 39% | 40% | 1% | 17% |
852 RV | ± 3.9% | 39% | 39% | 1% | 18% | ||
Public Policy Polling | September 9–11, 2016 | 878 | ± 3.3% | 37% | 32% | – | 32% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Tom Perriello (D) |
Frank Wagner (R) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quinnipiac University | April 6–10, 2017 | 1,115 | ± 2.9% | 43% | 32% | 1% | 21% |
Christopher Newport University | March 16–26, 2017 | 831 | ± 3.7% | 38% | 35% | 2% | 25% |
Quinnipiac University Archived February 17, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | February 10–15, 2017 | 989 | ± 3.1% | 43% | 32% | 2% | 23% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Ralph Northam (D) |
Denver Riggleman (R) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quinnipiac University Archived February 17, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | February 10–15, 2017 | 989 | ± 3.1% | 42% | 31% | 2% | 25% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Tom Perriello (D) |
Denver Riggleman (R) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quinnipiac University Archived February 17, 2017, at the Wayback Machine | February 10–15, 2017 | 989 | ± 3.1% | 43% | 30% | 2% | 24% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Ralph Northam (D) |
Rob Wittman (R) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quinnipiac University Archived December 20, 2016, at the Wayback Machine | December 6–11, 2016 | 1,098 | ± 3.0% | 39% | 30% | 1% | 29% |
University of Mary Washington | September 6–12, 2016 | 685 LV | ± 4.4% | 38% | 38% | 1% | 18% |
852 RV | ± 3.9% | 39% | 37% | 1% | 19% | ||
Public Policy Polling | September 9–11, 2016 | 878 | ± 3.3% | 38% | 33% | – | 29% |
Public Policy Polling | June 13–15, 2016 | 1,032 | ± 3.1% | 34% | 34% | – | 32% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Ralph Northam (D) |
Ken Cuccinelli (R) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Policy Polling | July 13–15, 2015 | 1,170 | ± 2.9% | 35% | 37% | – | 28% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Ralph Northam (D) |
Eric Cantor (R) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Policy Polling | July 13–15, 2015 | 1,170 | ± 2.9% | 33% | 35% | – | 32% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Mark Herring (D) |
Eric Cantor (R) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Policy Polling | July 13–15, 2015 | 1,170 | ± 2.9% | 36% | 33% | – | 31% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Mark Herring (D) |
Ken Cuccinelli (R) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Policy Polling | July 13–15, 2015 | 1,170 | ± 2.9% | 38% | 38% | – | 24% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Mark Herring (D) |
Ed Gillespie (R) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Policy Polling | July 13–15, 2015 | 1,170 | ± 2.9% | 34% | 38% | – | 28% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Mark Herring (D) |
Mark Obenshain (R) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Policy Polling | July 13–15, 2015 | 1,170 | ± 2.9% | 34% | 34% | – | 31% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Ralph Northam (D) |
Mark Obenshain (R) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Policy Polling | July 13–15, 2015 | 1,170 | ± 2.9% | 32% | 36% | – | 32% |
Campaign finance reports as of November 30, 2017 | |
---|---|
Candidate | Amount raised |
Ralph Northam | $36,708,929 |
Ed Gillespie | $29,344,226 |
Cliff Hyra | $77,370 |
Source: Virginia Public Access Project[204] |
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 were 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.[205]
Gillespie's top five donors were the Republican Governors Association; A Stronger Virginia; Let's Grow Virginia; Marlene Ricketts; and Dwight Schar.[206]
Hyra's top five donors were Michael Chastain; Hyra himself; the Libertarian Party of Virginia; Paradise Indian Restaurant; and nine donors who have given the same amount.[207]
Even though polls in the weeks before the election considered Northam to be the narrow favorite, Northam won by a larger margin than expected, about nine percent, and more than 200,000 votes. Gillespie was unable to come back from the large margins in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and Virginia Beach, and he conceded to Northam at 8:56 pm EST.[208] Northam's wider than expected margin of victory is often attributed to Trump's unpopularity in Virginia and claims that Gillespie was using fear-mongering which repelled more voters than it obtained.
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Ralph Northam | 1,409,175 | 53.9% | +6.2% | |
Republican | Ed Gillespie | 1,175,731 | 45.0% | -0.3% | |
Libertarian | Cliff Hyra | 27,987 | 1.1% | -5.5% | |
Write-in | 1,389 | 0.1% | -0.4% | ||
Total votes | 2,614,282 | 100% | N/A | ||
Democratic hold |
County[209] | Northam | Votes | Gillespie | Votes | Hyra | Votes | Others | Votes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Accomack | 45.7% | 4,876 | 53.7% | 5,736 | 0.5% | 54 | 0.0% | 0 |
Albemarle | 63.8% | 26,969 | 35.1% | 14,857 | 1.1% | 458 | 0.1% | 24 |
Alexandria | 78.4% | 40,896 | 20.7% | 10,822 | 0.8% | 434 | 0.1% | 37 |
Alleghany | 33.6% | 1,478 | 65.6% | 2,888 | 0.8% | 36 | 0.0% | 1 |
Amelia | 30.4% | 1,403 | 68.7% | 3,170 | 0.9% | 40 | 0.0% | 1 |
Amherst | 35.7% | 3,616 | 63.5% | 6,431 | 0.8% | 83 | 0.1% | 14 |
Appomattox | 23.7% | 1,227 | 75.3% | 3,894 | 1.0% | 50 | 0.0% | 1 |
Arlington | 79.9% | 68,093 | 19.1% | 16,268 | 0.9% | 801 | 0.1% | 52 |
Augusta | 25.6% | 6,030 | 73.0% | 17,217 | 1.3% | 311 | 0.1% | 16 |
Bath | 30.4% | 450 | 68.4% | 1,013 | 1.1% | 16 | 0.2% | 3 |
Bedford | 25.1% | 6,985 | 74.0% | 20,573 | 0.9% | 243 | 0.0% | 6 |
Bland | 18.6% | 388 | 80.4% | 1,676 | 1.0% | 20 | 0.0% | 1 |
Botetourt | 27.3% | 3,409 | 71.7% | 8,965 | 1.0% | 122 | 0.0% | 6 |
Bristol | 28.9% | 1,242 | 70.0% | 3,006 | 1.0% | 43 | 0.1% | 3 |
Brunswick | 57.3% | 2,728 | 42.3% | 2,010 | 0.4% | 19 | 0.0% | 0 |
Buchanan | 23.4% | 1,062 | 75.9% | 3,449 | 0.6% | 28 | 0.1% | 3 |
Buckingham | 41.8% | 1,924 | 57.3% | 2,638 | 0.8% | 36 | 0.1% | 4 |
Buena Vista | 32.0% | 529 | 65.9% | 1,090 | 2.0% | 33 | 0.2% | 3 |
Campbell | 25.4% | 4,415 | 73.6% | 12,791 | 0.9% | 156 | 0.1% | 11 |
Caroline | 49.4% | 4,126 | 49.5% | 4,135 | 1.1% | 96 | 0.0% | 3 |
Carroll | 22.2% | 1,838 | 76.9% | 6,363 | 0.9% | 74 | 0.0% | 2 |
Charles City | 62.6% | 1,699 | 36.8% | 1,000 | 0.6% | 17 | 0.0% | 0 |
Charlotte | 35.4% | 1,419 | 63.8% | 2,559 | 0.8% | 31 | 0.1% | 5 |
Charlottesville | 84.8% | 13,943 | 14.1% | 2,315 | 1.0% | 172 | 0.1% | 18 |
Chesapeake | 53.1% | 38,459 | 45.7% | 33,108 | 1.2% | 849 | 0.0% | 31 |
Chesterfield | 49.7% | 58,991 | 49.1% | 58,297 | 1.1% | 1,323 | 0.0% | 58 |
Clarke | 43.1% | 2,400 | 55.7% | 3,102 | 1.2% | 65 | 0.1% | 5 |
Colonial Heights | 26.9% | 1,389 | 71.8% | 3,710 | 1.2% | 63 | 0.0% | 2 |
Covington | 40.6% | 545 | 58.4% | 784 | 0.9% | 12 | 0.1% | 1 |
Craig | 22.4% | 413 | 75.9% | 1,398 | 1.5% | 28 | 0.1% | 2 |
Culpeper | 36.7% | 4,990 | 62.0% | 8,423 | 1.2% | 162 | 0.1% | 12 |
Cumberland | 41.2% | 1,292 | 57.7% | 1,810 | 1.1% | 33 | 0.0% | 0 |
Danville | 57.2% | 6,304 | 42.3% | 4,664 | 0.5% | 53 | 0.1% | 7 |
Dickenson | 27.8% | 959 | 71.3% | 2,458 | 0.7% | 25 | 0.1% | 3 |
Dinwiddie | 44.5% | 3,712 | 54.8% | 4,565 | 0.7% | 56 | 0.0% | 2 |
Emporia | 55.7% | 909 | 43.0% | 702 | 1.3% | 22 | 0.0% | 0 |
Essex | 46.5% | 1,730 | 52.7% | 1,963 | 0.7% | 26 | 0.1% | 4 |
Fairfax County | 67.9% | 255,200 | 31.2% | 117,141 | 0.9% | 3,423 | 0.1% | 240 |
Fairfax | 64.8% | 5,380 | 34.0% | 2,822 | 1.1% | 92 | 0.1% | 6 |
Falls Church | 79.0% | 4,781 | 19.7% | 1,195 | 1.3% | 76 | 0.0% | 2 |
Fauquier | 39.2% | 9,430 | 59.6% | 14,332 | 1.1% | 270 | 0.0% | 7 |
Floyd | 35.4% | 1,946 | 63.2% | 3,468 | 1.3% | 72 | 0.1% | 5 |
Fluvanna | 46.3% | 4,267 | 52.7% | 4,864 | 1.0% | 89 | 0.1% | 5 |
Franklin County | 30.2% | 5,315 | 68.6% | 12,062 | 1.1% | 201 | 0.1% | 10 |
Franklin | 60.2% | 1,539 | 39.2% | 1,002 | 0.6% | 15 | 0.0% | 0 |
Frederick | 34.4% | 8,363 | 64.4% | 15,656 | 1.1% | 278 | 0.1% | 18 |
Fredericksburg | 64.4% | 4,649 | 34.1% | 2,463 | 1.5% | 107 | 0.0% | 2 |
Galax | 30.2% | 409 | 68.6% | 930 | 1.0% | 13 | 0.2% | 3 |
Giles | 27.5% | 1,604 | 71.3% | 4,161 | 1.1% | 66 | 0.1% | 3 |
Gloucester | 34.4% | 4,356 | 64.5% | 8,159 | 1.1% | 140 | 0.0% | 4 |
Goochland | 37.1% | 3,911 | 61.9% | 6,520 | 1.0% | 104 | 0.1% | 6 |
Grayson | 22.7% | 1,029 | 76.7% | 3,478 | 0.6% | 28 | 0.0% | 2 |
Greene | 35.2% | 2,219 | 63.4% | 4,000 | 1.4% | 86 | 0.1% | 4 |
Greensville | 56.8% | 1,643 | 42.6% | 1,232 | 0.6% | 18 | 0.0% | 0 |
Halifax | 38.8% | 4,037 | 60.4% | 6,291 | 0.8% | 79 | 0.1% | 7 |
Hampton | 71.6% | 28,906 | 27.4% | 11,050 | 1.0% | 399 | 0.1% | 29 |
Hanover | 34.2% | 14,755 | 64.4% | 27,779 | 1.4% | 599 | 0.1% | 24 |
Harrisonburg | 63.6% | 6,555 | 34.9% | 3,596 | 1.5% | 154 | 0.1% | 7 |
Henrico | 60.8% | 69,969 | 38.0% | 43,747 | 1.1% | 1,268 | 0.0% | 53 |
Henry | 34.8% | 4,895 | 64.4% | 9,046 | 0.8% | 113 | 0.0% | 3 |
Highland | 30.7% | 317 | 67.6% | 699 | 1.7% | 18 | 0.0% | 0 |
Hopewell | 50.0% | 2,728 | 48.4% | 2,641 | 1.5% | 81 | 0.2% | 9 |
Isle of Wight | 42.2% | 5,957 | 56.9% | 8,039 | 0.9% | 124 | 0.0% | 3 |
James City | 48.9% | 15,561 | 50.1% | 15,937 | 0.9% | 290 | 0.0% | 13 |
King and Queen | 42.0% | 1,039 | 56.8% | 1,404 | 1.1% | 28 | 0.0% | 1 |
King George | 37.2% | 2,658 | 61.5% | 4,396 | 1.3% | 90 | 0.1% | 5 |
King William | 33.7% | 2,017 | 65.1% | 3,889 | 1.1% | 65 | 0.1% | 6 |
Lancaster | 43.6% | 2,098 | 55.7% | 2,680 | 0.6% | 27 | 0.1% | 3 |
Lee | 19.5% | 1,304 | 79.2% | 5,289 | 1.2% | 82 | 0.0% | 3 |
Lexington | 66.5% | 1,161 | 32.7% | 572 | 0.7% | 13 | 0.1% | 1 |
Loudoun | 59.4% | 69,778 | 39.5% | 46,396 | 1.1% | 1,258 | 0.0% | 54 |
Louisa | 38.0% | 4,481 | 60.6% | 7,153 | 1.4% | 163 | 0.1% | 6 |
Lunenburg | 40.2% | 1,468 | 59.1% | 2,158 | 0.6% | 23 | 0.0% | 1 |
Lynchburg | 47.2% | 10,047 | 51.4% | 10,959 | 1.3% | 284 | 0.1% | 17 |
Madison | 36.3% | 1,789 | 62.5% | 3,082 | 1.2% | 59 | 0.0% | 1 |
Manassas | 56.9% | 5,295 | 41.9% | 3,899 | 1.2% | 112 | 0.1% | 6 |
Manassas Park | 63.7% | 1,958 | 34.6% | 1,064 | 1.7% | 53 | 0.0% | 1 |
Martinsville | 58.6% | 2,187 | 39.9% | 1,489 | 1.5% | 57 | 0.1% | 2 |
Mathews | 35.1% | 1,386 | 64.1% | 2,531 | 0.8% | 31 | 0.1% | 2 |
Mecklenburg | 39.7% | 3,399 | 59.9% | 5,125 | 0.4% | 37 | 0.0% | 0 |
Middlesex | 37.2% | 1,606 | 61.9% | 2,673 | 0.9% | 41 | 0.0% | 0 |
Montgomery | 53.7% | 15,115 | 44.4% | 12,500 | 1.8% | 499 | 0.1% | 19 |
Nelson | 48.8% | 3,015 | 48.9% | 3,020 | 2.1% | 130 | 0.1% | 9 |
New Kent | 31.9% | 2,729 | 66.8% | 5,711 | 1.3% | 108 | 0.0% | 4 |
Newport News | 64.7% | 30,367 | 34.0% | 15,986 | 1.2% | 576 | 0.1% | 35 |
Norfolk | 73.5% | 39,453 | 25.1% | 13,490 | 1.3% | 676 | 0.1% | 51 |
Northampton | 56.9% | 2,492 | 42.4% | 1,855 | 0.6% | 28 | 0.1% | 3 |
Northumberland | 37.8% | 2,022 | 61.5% | 3,285 | 0.7% | 35 | 0.1% | 3 |
Norton | 33.4% | 287 | 65.2% | 561 | 1.3% | 11 | 0.1% | 1 |
Nottoway | 42.6% | 1,812 | 56.7% | 2,408 | 0.7% | 30 | 0.0% | 0 |
Orange | 38.1% | 4,160 | 61.0% | 6,653 | 0.9% | 97 | 0.0% | 5 |
Page | 26.9% | 1,809 | 72.1% | 4,850 | 0.9% | 62 | 0.1% | 5 |
Patrick | 22.4% | 1,259 | 76.7% | 4,320 | 1.0% | 54 | 0.0% | 0 |
Petersburg | 87.7% | 7,164 | 11.5% | 938 | 0.7% | 56 | 0.1% | 9 |
Pittsylvania | 29.4% | 5,759 | 70.0% | 13,701 | 0.6% | 109 | 0.0% | 4 |
Poquoson | 26.9% | 1,298 | 71.9% | 3,473 | 1.2% | 56 | 0.1% | 3 |
Portsmouth | 70.2% | 20,156 | 28.4% | 8,167 | 1.3% | 369 | 0.1% | 18 |
Powhatan | 27.0% | 3,109 | 71.8% | 8,256 | 1.2% | 137 | 0.0% | 4 |
Prince Edward | 51.0% | 2,881 | 47.9% | 2,708 | 1.1% | 63 | 0.0% | 2 |
Prince George | 40.3% | 4,150 | 58.6% | 6,044 | 1.0% | 108 | 0.0% | 4 |
Prince William | 61.1% | 74,932 | 37.8% | 46,454 | 1.0% | 1,247 | 0.1% | 99 |
Pulaski | 30.0% | 3,533 | 68.6% | 8,081 | 1.4% | 160 | 0.0% | 5 |
Radford | 54.9% | 2,163 | 43.3% | 1,707 | 1.6% | 65 | 0.1% | 5 |
Rappahannock | 45.3% | 1,488 | 53.9% | 1,772 | 0.8% | 25 | 0.1% | 2 |
Richmond County | 36.9% | 876 | 62.4% | 1,479 | 0.6% | 14 | 0.1% | 2 |
Richmond | 81.5% | 58,047 | 17.2% | 12,262 | 1.3% | 905 | 0.1% | 47 |
Roanoke County | 37.5% | 12,650 | 61.2% | 20,648 | 1.2% | 408 | 0.1% | 24 |
Roanoke | 62.0% | 15,099 | 36.5% | 8,890 | 1.4% | 337 | 0.1% | 18 |
Rockbridge | 37.5% | 2,974 | 61.4% | 4,873 | 1.0% | 77 | 0.1% | 9 |
Rockingham | 27.9% | 7,061 | 70.8% | 17,880 | 1.3% | 322 | 0.0% | 7 |
Russell | 22.4% | 1,506 | 76.7% | 5,144 | 0.9% | 60 | 0.0% | 1 |
Salem | 38.2% | 3,134 | 60.3% | 4,946 | 1.4% | 113 | 0.0% | 3 |
Scott | 17.7% | 1,089 | 81.4% | 4,997 | 0.8% | 51 | 0.0% | 2 |
Shenandoah | 29.5% | 3,932 | 69.2% | 9,220 | 1.2% | 157 | 0.0% | 6 |
Smyth | 22.0% | 1,747 | 76.9% | 6,107 | 1.0% | 78 | 0.1% | 7 |
Southampton | 41.1% | 2,529 | 57.9% | 3,564 | 1.0% | 60 | 0.0% | 2 |
Spotsylvania | 43.1% | 15,869 | 55.7% | 20,481 | 1.2% | 426 | 0.1% | 22 |
Stafford | 46.8% | 19,011 | 52.0% | 21,123 | 1.2% | 489 | 0.1% | 21 |
Staunton | 53.3% | 4,047 | 44.9% | 3,406 | 1.7% | 132 | 0.1% | 4 |
Suffolk | 58.3% | 16,621 | 40.7% | 11,623 | 1.0% | 278 | 0.0% | 10 |
Surry | 56.0% | 1,658 | 42.9% | 1,268 | 1.1% | 32 | 0.0% | 1 |
Sussex | 55.7% | 1,829 | 43.5% | 1,429 | 0.8% | 25 | 0.0% | 1 |
Tazewell | 16.4% | 1,657 | 82.9% | 8,373 | 0.6% | 57 | 0.1% | 9 |
Virginia Beach | 51.9% | 66,442 | 46.9% | 60,073 | 1.2% | 1,541 | 0.1% | 82 |
Warren | 34.0% | 3,531 | 64.7% | 6,711 | 1.2% | 127 | 0.0% | 4 |
Washington | 24.4% | 4,003 | 74.7% | 12,247 | 0.9% | 148 | 0.0% | 6 |
Waynesboro | 45.0% | 2,653 | 53.3% | 3,144 | 1.6% | 97 | 0.0% | 1 |
Westmoreland | 45.6% | 2,442 | 53.5% | 2,865 | 1.0% | 51 | 0.0% | 2 |
Williamsburg | 70.6% | 3,725 | 28.3% | 1,492 | 1.0% | 54 | 0.0% | 2 |
Winchester | 53.7% | 3,569 | 44.7% | 2,969 | 1.6% | 107 | 0.0% | 3 |
Wise | 22.1% | 1,910 | 76.8% | 6,630 | 1.0% | 84 | 0.0% | 4 |
Wythe | 24.8% | 2,114 | 74.2% | 6,321 | 0.8% | 71 | 0.1% | 8 |
York | 43.7% | 10,068 | 55.1% | 12,708 | 1.2% | 269 | 0.1% | 15 |
Northam won 6 of the 11 congressional districts, including two that were held by Republicans.
District | Northam | Gillespie | Representative |
---|---|---|---|
1st | 44.6% | 54.2% | Rob Wittman |
2nd | 51.4% | 47.4% | Scott Taylor |
3rd | 67.9% | 30.9% | Bobby Scott |
4th | 61.6% | 37.3% | Donald McEachin |
5th | 45.1% | 53.9% | Tom Garrett |
6th | 38.5% | 60.2% | Bob Goodlatte |
7th | 47.6% | 51.2% | Dave Brat |
8th | 75.9% | 23.1% | Don Beyer |
9th | 31.2% | 67.7% | Morgan Griffith |
10th | 55.6% | 43.3% | Barbara Comstock |
11th | 69.9% | 29.0% | Gerry Connolly |
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)