Posted on 11/08/2023 5:53:37 AM PST by Miami Rebel
The election in District 97 was widely seen as a competitive race that could determine party control of the House of Delegates, and ultimately, the General Assembly.
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Author: 13News Now Staff Published: 12:12 AM EST November 8, 2023 Updated: 7:41 AM EST November 8, 2023 Facebook Twitter VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Democrat Michael Feggans has won the election in Virginia's House District 97, unseating Republican Del. Karen Greenhalgh in a race covering parts of Virginia Beach.
As of 12 a.m. Wednesday, Feggans is leading the race, 54% over Greenhalgh's 46%.
The election in District 97 was widely seen as a competitive race that could determine party control of the Virginia House of Delegates, and ultimately, the General Assembly.
Feggans largely campaigned on protecting abortion rights and increasing funding for public schools. He is an Air Force veteran who served in the military for 20 years. He also interned with Democratic U.S. Senator Mark Warner and later became a small tech business owner.
"I am incredibly humbled to have been chosen to represent HD-97 in the Virginia House of Delegates by my neighbors in Virginia Beach," Feggans said in a statement declaring victory Tuesday night. "Virginia Beach has given me so much, whether it be the public education I received at Tallwood High School, or the relationships I have developed with fellow veterans in the military community here. I entered this race because I knew that the best way for me to give back to the community that raised me was by serving them in the General Assembly. To be selected to do just that is a dream come true for this kid from West Kempsville."
Feggans' victory marks a House seat flipping from Republican to Democratic control. Greenhalgh was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2021 and largely campaigned for re-election on addressing the cost of living.
Following the redistricting of Virginia, District 97 covers parts of Virginia Beach, such as the Kempsville, Princess Anne, Larkspur, and Pembroke areas.
The district is comprised of a more than 57% white demographic and about a 20% Black demographic, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.
VPAP reports voters in this district voted mainly for Democratic candidates in recent state and federal elections, except for when the people voted slightly in favor of Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2021.
Feggans will be sworn in on January 10, when the 2024 session of the Virginia General Assembly convenes.
>>Many women who would never consider having an abortion still believe that the decision should be left to the woman, her doctor, and her family.
Given the number of abortions so far, many women also know someone who has had an abortion and the circumstances that surrounded the decision. Men may not know anyone, but women talk to each other.
“Given the number of abortions so far, many women also know someone who has had an abortion and the circumstances that surrounded the decision. Men may not know anyone, but women talk to each other.”
This is a good point. I believe it’s the same with LGBTQ issues. Most people have a friend, family member, or personal acquaintance who is gay. This puts a human face on it and makes the issue more relatable on a personal level.
As you just pointed out, many women know someone who had an abortion. That puts a human face on the issue at a personal level.
I don’t think abstract arguments against abortion are going to change anything and, so far, passing anti-abortion laws, or promising to, has bitten Republicans in the ass.
>>Most people have a friend, family member, or personal acquaintance who is gay.
L, G, and B no longer have any bite as issues due to that. So the politics has moved on to T, which most still find a little creepy.
Actually, before the gay rights movement in the ‘70s, most people pretty much ignored the bachelor farmers and old maid teacher/nurses.
“L, G, and B no longer have any bite as issues due to that. So the politics has moved on to T, which most still find a little creepy.
Actually, before the gay rights movement in the ‘70s, most people pretty much ignored the bachelor farmers and old maid teacher/nurses.”
I think you are correct that T is the next fight. I think it’s a losing issue for Republicans. People seem to reject morality-based politics. The GOP did well with low taxes, low unemployment, and smaller government.
The culture wars have largely been losers.
I also believe that it’s not going to matter very much. As the Boomers and Gen X age out and die, the Millennials and especially Gen Z start voting in larger numbers.
It’s my contention that the culture wars have already cost Republicans the next several election cycles.
Many conservatives don’t acknowledge this because they don’t want it to be true. They spend a lot of time in echo chambers where almost everyone agrees with their views. Then they convince themselves that they are still the majority.
Sadly true. They are going to learn the hard way.
So a democrat winning District 97 in Virginia is a sign of democrats “winning big across the nation.”
Typical democrat flatulence from swallowing media propaganda.
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