(The Center Square) – Early voting began Friday in Virginia, and a new Wason Center poll shows Democrats leading in all three statewide races.
In the governor’s race, Abigail Spanberger leads Winsome Earle-Sears 52% to 40%. That margin has grown from January, when Spanberger led by five points and more voters were undecided. Only 8% remain undecided in the latest survey.
Democrats also hold advantages in the down-ballot races, according to the survey.
Sen. Ghazala Hashmi leads John Reid 48% to 37% in the lieutenant governor’s race, with 15% undecided. In the attorney general’s contest, former Del. Jay Jones leads incumbent Jason Miyares 48% to 41%, with 12% undecided.
Cost of living was the top issue for 21% of likely voters.
Threats to democracy followed at 18%, while education, immigration and crime each drew about 9%.
Both governor candidates pointed to early voting as a test of momentum.
Spanberger told supporters, “Starting tomorrow, we get to cast our ballots and make clear, it is time for a governor who will stand up for Virginians.”
Earle-Sears urged voters to turn out early, warning that Spanberger would “transform Virginia into something unrecognizable” while she would continue conservative policies.
The poll also found 87% of voters enthusiastic about casting ballots, with Democrats showing higher enthusiasm than Republicans.
Spanberger is viewed favorably by 43% of voters and unfavorably by 33%, while 26% said they do not have an opinion. Earle-Sears was rated 34% favorable and 37% unfavorable, with 29% undecided.
For the other statewide races, most voters said they are still getting to know the candidates.
Three out of four voters do not have an opinion yet on lieutenant governor candidates John Reid or Ghazala Hashmi, who each posted low favorability ratings at 13% and 15%.
Miyares is viewed more positively at 26% favorable to 18% unfavorable, while Jones is rated 23% favorable to 19% unfavorable. Even so, more than half of voters say they do not know enough about either candidate.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s job approval is 48% with 42% disapproval. President Donald Trump’s approval rating in Virginia is 39%, with 58% disapproving.
The poll surveyed 808 likely voters Sept. 8–14 and has a margin of error of about four points. Early in-person voting runs through Nov. 1. Election Day is Nov. 4.
