The views of candidates in Senate District 27 are not surprising when you consider their political parties. In a debate hosted by the University of Mary Washington, Republican Tara Durant said she would support a ban on abortion after 15 weeks – the position backed by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Democrat Joel Griffin disagreed.

Fredericksburg area to decide close legislative races (WVTF)

“What you see across the commonwealth is really very much a 50-50 contest,” said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, and a longtime Virginia state politics watcher.

In high-stakes election for control of Virginia General Assembly, what role will Northern Virginia play? (WTOP)

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, believes Republicans have steered clear of early voting in previous election cycles due to apprehension from former President Donald Trump. “Republicans are much better off with early voting than not, and we’re seeing, particularly in some of the early voting statistics, that Republicans are coming close to catching up to Democrats on early voting,” Farnsworth said.

With about two weeks left for early voting in Virginia, House District 71 race has most early votes, according to VPAP (The Virginian-Pilot)

"Well, I think the trip serves a couple of key purposes. Obviously, Israel is planning a pretty major counter offensive in the respect to the rocket attacks and the hostage taking and the murder of civilians in a border area, " said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington.

Biden’s Trip to Israel (CTV News Canada)