What are the biggest issues on voters’ minds, and how are the statewide candidates faring? We hear from Stephen Farnsworth, a professor and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington.

The Politics Hour: October 15, 2021 (WAMU)

"Every gubernatorial election in Virginia is seen as a leading political indicator. How the parties do in Virginia's governor's race, the year after a presidential election, is seen as a harbinger of how the parties will do in the midterm elections," said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at University of Mary Washington in Virginia.

VA-Gov: Turns Out That Trump’s GOPer Actually Supported Critical Race Theory Before He Went Full MAGA (Daily Kos)

“It's yet another indication that this is a very, very, competitive election,” said Dr. Stephen J. Farnsworth, political scientist and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. “The fact that the Democratic strongholds are not coming in with comparable numbers in this election cycle still makes this a problem the McAuliffe campaign should take seriously.”

Northern Virginia early voting sends possible warning signs for Democrats, McAuliffe campaign (WUSA 9)

"As is often the case, the loudest voices in Virginia politics are not all that representative."

Stephen J. Farnsworth directs the University of Mary Washington Center for Leadership and Media Studies. Sally Burkley is a research associate at the center.

Opinion Column: Virginia school boards can dismiss the loud voices (The Washington Post)

"How the parties do in Virginia's governor's race, the year after a presidential election, is seen as a harbinger of how the parties will do in the midterm elections," said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at University of Mary Washington in Virginia.

Virginia’s gubernatorial election is more important than ever as a national barometer (CNN)