On this episode: Virginia may hold elections every year, but the 2025 contests are shaping up to be especially exciting. With races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and all 100 seats in the House of Delegates, the state is once again a key barometer for national political sentiment.

The Virginia Scope’s Brandon Jarvis joins Ballotpedia’s new host, Norm Leahy, to unpack why these elections matter beyond state lines—from Abigail Spanberger’s strategy and Winsome Sears’ fundraising blitz to the GOP's internal deliberations. They’ll also explore everything from the impact of redistricting and union politics to the controversy surrounding the Republican ticket and what Virginia voters’ choices might say about the national mood heading into 2026.

Virginia is one of two states — along with New Jersey — whose elections we’ll be following closely on the show throughout the rest of the year. You can expect Part 2 to come out sometime in mid-July.

• Learn more about Virginia’s Elections: https://ballotpedia.org/Virginia_elections,_2025
• Read Brandon’s reporting: https://www.virginiascope.com/

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*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of our guests and do not represent the views of the host or Ballotpedia.