The migration of critical race theory from cable news programming to the campaign trail proved its popularity and resonance with voters, said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. “It allowed people who were mad about a range of things about their local schools to connect with Youngkin’s desire for greater parental involvement," he said. "Some people might be mad about transgender issues, or some people might be mad about CRT or some people might be mad about COVID or masks. Whatever the issue, Youngkin’s got a ballot line where you can express your frustrations."

How critical race theory went from conservative battle cry to mainstream powder keg (USA Today)