Early voting is underway in Virginia’s high stakes governor’s race, which is drawing national attention.
Democratic , former Congresswoman for Virginia’s 7th District, has maintained a lead in several polls against Republican Lt. . Spanberger is also 7-to-1. No matter the outcome, Virginians will elect their first woman governor. The top of the ticket is also expected to shape down-ballot races, including the contest for lieutenant governor.
The lieutenant governor’s race is also poised to break barriers, regardless of the winner.
Democratic , a State Senator, would become the first Muslim and the first Indian-American woman to hold the office
Republican would be the first openly gay man to hold any statewide office.
The winner of the race would assume the following duties:
Presiding Officer of the Senate: Leads Senate sessions and is responsible for maintaining order and procedure during debates.
Tie-breaking Vote: In the event of a tied vote in the Senate, the Lieutenant Governor casts the deciding vote.
Succession to the Governorship: If the Governor is unable to fulfill their duties due to death, resignation, or removal, the Lieutenant Governor assumes the role of Governor.
Membership on State Boards and Commissions: Serves on several key state bodies, including the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and the Virginia Tourism Authority.
7News’ sister station, WSET in Lynchburg, spoke with both candidates about high-interest issues facing Virginia voters. Each day this week at 5 p.m., 7News will share their positions along with analysis from Gary Nordlinger, Professor of Political Science at George Washington University and Carah Ong Whaley, Ph.D., who is the Executive Director of “Better Choices for Democracy” and currently teaches in the Department of Politics at the University of Virginia.
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COVERAGE STARTS MONDAY, SEPT. 22 AT 5 P.M. ON 7NEWS.
Check back daily as 7News updates this story with more contrasts between Hashmi and Reid on the issues shaping Virginia’s future.
Early voting ends Nov. 1. Election Day is Nov. 4.
