FOX News contributor Dr. Marc Siegel recently interviewed Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, discussing his efforts to lower young girls’ suicide rates, address the fentanyl crisis, and protect parents’ rights. However, Youngkin’s current focus is on conducting a 2024 litmus test on abortion. He is urging state Republicans to support a 15-week ban ahead of next month’s legislative elections in Virginia.
Youngkin aims to align GOP candidates with a 15-week abortion limit that includes exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the pregnant woman. This approach is seen as “reasonable” and “common,” according to The Washington Post. To promote this policy, Youngkin’s Spirit of Virginia group has funded a $1.4 million ad blitz. The ads emphasize that there is no complete ban on abortion.
The upcoming Virginia election on November 7th is the only major race in the country before the 2024 presidential and congressional elections. Therefore, Youngkin’s strategy is viewed as a critical test for national Republicans. The party has struggled to establish a unified pro-life message since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
Despite Democrats out-raising Republicans in September for Virginia’s General Assembly, Youngkin has tapped into his national fundraising efforts. These efforts have seen a surge due to speculation about his own potential presidential run. Youngkin aims to support the state GOP in maintaining control of the House of Delegates and flipping the Democratic-controlled Senate.
If Youngkin succeeds, he will have more leeway to push a conservative agenda. This agenda includes not only limits on abortions but also tax cuts, stricter criminal justice laws, and more lenient environmental restrictions. The 2022 elections exposed the Republican Party’s lack of response to the abortion issue, resulting in tough outcomes for them. Youngkin’s spokesman, Zack Roday, admits this failure and emphasizes the need for a Republican response.
Youngkin’s strategy has faced criticism from some pro-life groups. Even former President Donald Trump expressed concern that a lack of consensus on abortion could be detrimental to the Republican Party in 2024. Trump specifically criticized Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ support for a 6-week abortion ban.
However, Youngkin’s approach could prove risky for his own national prospects. Few Republican candidates running in Virginia have embraced the 15-week abortion restriction ahead of the November elections. Data from the media tracking firm AdImpact shows that abortion is mentioned in 42% of ads aired by Democratic House and Senate candidates in Virginia, compared to only 3% in ads aired by Republicans.
Virginia Democrats have seized on Youngkin’s strategy, framing it as a “ban” on abortion. Democratic Party of Virginia chairwoman Susan Swecker praised Youngkin’s ad campaign, as protecting access to abortion resonates in all social, economic, and diverse communities across the commonwealth.
In conclusion, Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s push for a 15-week abortion ban in Virginia’s upcoming elections represents a crucial test for national Republicans. Youngkin’s strategy aims to establish a unified pro-life message and secure conservative policy changes if he succeeds. However, his approach is not without risks, as few Republican candidates in Virginia have embraced the 15-week restriction. Democrats are countering with a strong campaign to protect abortion access, making the election a significant battleground for both parties.
