Stephen Farnsworth, a political-science professor at the University of Mary Washington, said the candidates’ spat over gender identity will probably appeal only to their bases in an election that will likely be decided by voters from the middle of the political spectrum.
“The most appealing argument that one can make to swing voters is a very local, policy-driven argument,” Farnsworth said. “Transportation in Northern Virginia, the quality of schools. These are the sorts of issues that are going to persuade voters who haven’t reflexively made up their mind to vote for the Republican or the Democrat.”
