Fact Check: Virginia Shifted Politically to the Right in 2024, Kamala Harris Won by Six Points
What We Know
The claim states that Virginia shifted politically to the right in 2024, with Kamala Harris winning the state by six points in the presidential election. According to the 2024 United States presidential election in Virginia, Kamala Harris indeed won the state with approximately 51.83% of the vote, achieving a margin of victory of 5.78%. This was a notable decrease from Joe Biden's victory margin of 10 points in 2020, indicating a potential shift in voter sentiment.
Moreover, the election was characterized by significant Republican gains in various regions of Virginia. For instance, Trump flipped several counties that had not voted Republican in decades, such as Lynchburg City and Prince Edward County, suggesting a rightward trend in certain demographics and areas within the state (The New York Times, NBC News).
Analysis
The assertion that Virginia shifted politically to the right is supported by evidence of Republican gains in the 2024 election. Trump performed well in several regions, particularly in the Northern and Southside areas, where he reclaimed counties that had previously leaned Democratic (Wikipedia). This trend is further emphasized by the fact that both major party candidates received over 2 million votes, a first for Virginia, indicating increased voter engagement and a more competitive political landscape (The American Presidency Project).
However, the claim that Harris won by six points is misleading. While she won by a margin of 5.78%, it does not round up to six points, which is a critical distinction. Additionally, while the overall vote margin indicates a Democratic win, the substantial Republican gains in certain areas suggest that the political dynamics in Virginia are changing, potentially leaning more conservative in specific regions (Fox 5 DC, Politico).
The sources used are generally reliable, with major news organizations and official election data providing the information. However, the interpretation of "shifting to the right" can vary based on the metrics usedβstatewide margins versus local gains.
Conclusion
The claim is Partially True. While it accurately reflects that Kamala Harris won Virginia in 2024 and indicates a shift in certain areas towards Republican candidates, it inaccurately states the margin of victory as six points instead of the actual 5.78%. Additionally, the context of the election results shows a more nuanced political landscape in Virginia, with significant Republican gains that suggest a potential rightward shift in specific demographics and regions.
Sources
- 2024 United States presidential election in Virginia - Wikipedia
- 2024 | The American Presidency Project
- Virginia Presidential Election Results 2024 - The New York Times
- 2024 Virginia Election Results - AP News
- Virginia President Election 2024 Live Results: Harris Wins - NBC News
- Here's how Virginia voted by county for the 2024 Election - Fox 5 DC
- Virginia Election Results 2024: Live Map - POLITICO