“This is a huge financial disparity,” said Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. “Republicans are going to have to step up in a big way to narrow the gap if they have any hope that Republicans can win the governor’s race this year.”
Author Archives: Steve
Virginia Democrat hunts for votes in rural pockets where MAGA has strengthened its grip (The Virginian Pilot)
If you look at the trade disputes and if you look at Trump’s tariffs, those things have a huge impact on the price of agricultural products,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. “The potential reduction in Medicaid, that’s another area where there’s going to be a disproportionate impact on rural areas.”
Virginia Democrats beat early primary voting record (WTVF)
University of Mary Washington Political Science professor Stephen Farnsworth told Radio IQ last month the increase in early votes shows excitement among Democrats across the Commonwealth. “The Washington narrative that Democrats are dispirited and the activists are hopeless,” he said. “That’s just not supported by these early voting numbers in Virginia.”
Youngkin to set special election for Connolly’s seat amid primary season juggle (Virginia Mercury)
Political analyst Stephen Farnsworth of the University of Mary Washington warned that delays in setting the election date can serve partisan ends. “One of the problems with vacant congressional seats is that some governors use the timing for partisan advantage,” he said. “Democrats are very likely to win the seat, and so as long as it remains vacant, that creates a slight advantage for the narrow Republican majority in Congress.”
Farnsworth Weighs in on Virginia Early Voting Trends for WHRO and WVTF
Professor of Political Science and International Affairs and Director of UMW’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies Stephen Farnsworth was quoted in recent coverage by WHRO and WVTF about record-breaking early voting among Virginia Democrats.
Farnsworth noted that the increase signals enthusiasm across the state, countering national perceptions. “The Washington narrative that Democrats are dispirited and narrative that Democrats are dispirited and the activists are hopeless,” he said. “That’s just not supported by these early voting numbers in Virginia.”
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Other recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:
How presidential elections impact governor’s races in Virginia (Virginia Dogwood News)
“Historically in Virginia, the governor’s race a year after the presidential race is an opportunity for the team that lost control of the white house to try to win back the governor’s mansion,” said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington.





