Local Republicans are not blaming Donald Trump for Tuesday’s Democratic sweep. Rather, they say not enough Republicans turned out, and they did not have the millions to put into advertising that Democrats used to flip the Historic Triangle’s two house of delegates seats.
Exit polls of Virginia voters told a different story, showing voters were reacting to Trump’s administration in supporting Democrats Tuesday.
CBS exit polls found 54% of Virginia voters said Trump was a factor in their vote for Abigail Spanberger as governor. Virginia independents, who hold the key to victory, swung 59% in Spanberger’s favor. Williamsburg Watch’s unscientific reader poll showed 88% of the 232 people who had responded as of Thursday afternoon said the election showed dissatisfaction with Trump.
Republican strategist Jeff Ryer told Williamsburg Watch that voter turnout was the key. Although our area had a large voter turnout – 66% in James City County – he said Republican voters were not as motivated to tu…