"Judging from the judge's comments this morning, it does seem as if there is going to be another rounds of sanctions," said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington.

Trump Back In New York Court (CTV News)

“Sen. Hashmi enters the race as a serious candidate for LG,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. “She has an effective track record as a legislator in Richmond. Her focus on health concerns provides a specific appeal to the many Democratic primary voters concerned about the affordability and availability of health care.”

State Sen. Hashmi of Chesterfield enters 2025 lieutenant governor’s race (Virginia Dogwood)

“A lot of Virginia Democrats like Vindman because he has a national security background that can connect with the prominent military presence in the district,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor and director of the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. “His huge fundraising advantage creates a very difficult environment for other Democrats in the race.”

Vindman has huge fundraising lead in 7th District race (Prince William Times)

Political scientist Stephen Farnsworth, professor at the University of Mary Washington, points to the abortion situation in the United States as a key factor for Biden's improved standing in recent polls. “Voters are beginning to see that Trump and the justices he put on the Supreme Court are responsible for the state-by-state chaos over abortion laws.”

Biden clings to the economy: The rebound in the polls ahead of his clash with Trump (La Tercera, Chile)

For Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, young women may be more strongly motivated to vote for Biden because of Trump’s anti-abortion stance. “The chaos in many states regarding abortion and the fear that there may be a national ban if Trump becomes president again is a key issue that motivates women to turn away from Trump and other Republican candidates,” Farnsworth said. “Even Republicans are starting to see the issue as a political loser for the GOP and are trying to minimize the damage.”

Biden clings to support among voters under 30: Harvard Youth poll (Courthouse News)

Even as Youngkin struck a more conciliatory tone in budget talks with the General Assembly, “significant daylight” remains between the two sides, which have a history of contentious debate going back to the Youngkin’s first days in office, Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, said in an interview. “The governor has offered an olive branch, but it’s a relatively small olive branch,” Farnsworth said. “My guess is the Democrats are going to want more from what they’ve seen from the governor so far.” 

After vetoes, Youngkin’s budget “olive branch” unlikely to persuade Democrats (Virginia Dogwood)