also see: Dec. 12, 2017 Alabama U.S. Senate Special Election

Nov. 7, 2017 Off-Year Elections
New Jersey Governor






Phil Murphy (D)/S.Oliver
Kim Guadagno (R)/C.Rendo



(55.6%)
(42.3%)



n/a
Gina Genovese (I)
Pete Rohrman (L)
Seth Kaper-Dale (G)/L.Durden
Matt Riccardi (C)
Vincent Ross (I)
(0.6%) (0.5%) (0.5%)
(0.3%)
(0.2%)
Virginia Governor





Ralph Northam (D)
Ed Gillespie (R)
Cliff Hyra (L)


(53.9%)
(45.0%)
(1.1%)


Democrats Trumpet Successes

Democrats trumpeted their wins in the Nov. 7, 2017 off-year elections, pointing to successes up and down the ballot and across various demographic groups. Recalling analogous elections in 2009-10 following the election of President Obama in 2008, Democrats are predicting further successes in 2018.  The Republican response was decidedly muted.  Analysts debated the Trump effect on these state and local races; the fact that President Trump's job approval ratings are hovering in the mid-30s certainly did not help Republican candidates.

Nine press releases on the elections received from the DNC on Nov. 8 (plus a conf. call) and several more on Nov. 9:

Nov. 9
1:03 p.m. - Resounding Defeats Lead To More GOP Chaos

12:49 p.m. - DNC on Virginia Military Veterans Elected to Office

9:28 a.m. - DNC on LGBTQ Election Wins

Nov. 8
5:47 p.m. - DNC on Democratic Women Elected Across the Country

3:41 p.m. - DNC Statement on AAPI Candidate Victories Across The Country

3:35 p.m. - DNC on Historic Latino Victories

2:04 p.m. - Updated Memo: Democrats Are Back In A Big Way

1:56 p.m. - Trump Went All In On Virginia And Lost, Bigly

1:15 p.m. - Memo from Jess O'Connell, DNC CEO Rebuild + Organize + Modernize = Wins

12:37 p.m. - DNC: Investments in African-American Community Key to Historic Election Night

11:57 a.m. - DNC on Millennial Wins in Virginia and New Jersey

11:00 a.m. - Press Call w/ DNC Chair Tom Perez, DGA Chair Dannel Malloy and WA State Senator Elect Manka Dhingra

10:42 a.m. - Voters Believe Health Care Is A Right

Democratic National Committee
Nov. 9, 2017  1:03 p.m.

Resounding Defeats Lead To More GOP Chaos

Tuesday night’s resounding election defeats revealed the deep divides within the Republican Party. After a year of constant chaos and their failure to get anything done, things are only going to get worse for Republicans.

Steven Bannon called on Mitch McConnell to resign.
The Hill: “Former White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon on Wednesday said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) should immediately resign from his leadership position and make the move effective after Congress completes its push for tax reform.”

The Republican Party can’t stop fighting with itself.
NBC News: “Bad Night for Trump Sets the Stage for More GOP Infighting”
Washington Post: “A wave of Democratic victories ignited a ferocious debate across the Republican Party on Wednesday over whether President Trump’s un­or­tho­dox behavior and polarizing agenda are jeopardizing the GOP’s firm grip on power in Congress, governors’ mansions and state legislatures.”
McClatchy: “No Obamacare repeal, no meaningful tax reform, a Republican president who can’t stop attacking his own party and a party that can’t stop fighting itself.”
The Republican Party is filled with constant chaos.
Daily Beast: “One Year in, Trump-World Is Drowning in Regret and Chaos With Little to Show for It”
CNBC: “Yet, Republican unity has grown more difficult to sustain all year amid the chaos of the Trump White House, the rising danger from special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation and the erratic nature of the president's personal behavior.”

And now, as voter frustrations boil over, Republicans are beginning to panic.
ABC News: “A person familiar with Trump’s political operation said that ‘inaction in Washington is to blame’ for wins by Democrats. ‘These voters are frustrated by the lack of action from Congress,’ the person said. Many Republicans on Capitol Hill agreed with the assessment.”
CNN: “Ed Gillespie's resounding loss in Tuesday's Virginia governor's race -- coupled with a series of other losses in lower-profile races around the country -- will likely take what was bubbling concern among Republicans about their prospects in the 2018 midterms and transform it into a frothing cauldron of panic.”
Politico: “Virginia’s elections set off a wave of panic inside the House GOP on Tuesday night, increasing worries that the party's majority is in jeopardy in 2018 and that more incumbents may decide to retire rather than run for reelection next year.”


Democratic National Committee
Nov. 9, 2017  12:49 p.m.

DNC on Virginia Military Veterans Elected to Office

In celebration of several military veterans, including Governor-elect Ralph Northam, winning elections in Virginia on Tuesday, former U.S. Marine and DNC Deputy Press Secretary Brian Gabriel released the following statement:
 
"In addition to the historic Democratic victories on Tuesday, the DNC celebrates the several veterans who continued their service to country and were elected to public office in Virginia. We're encouraged to see Governor-elect Ralph Northam, Delegate-elect Lee Carter, and Delegate-elect David Reid continue to use the invaluable leadership experience gained during their military careers for the greater good. As former servicemembers themselves, these newly-elected leaders will no doubt have their fellow brothers- and sisters-in-arms in mind when crafting policy and making decisions that affect the Virginia veterans community.
 
"These men and women know that values like honor, courage, and commitment are not just words, but an ethos to be lived out every day. They know the necessity of putting duty ahead of ego and accomplishing the mission regardless of self-sacrifice.  And they know what it means to put everything on the line for both the person right next to you and the American people.
 
“Virginians should know that their commonwealth has a bright future with these leaders at the helm."

Democratic National Committee
Nov. 9, 2017  9:28 a.m.

DNC on LGBTQ Election Wins

In celebration of a number of impressive wins by LGBTQ candidates in Tuesday’s elections, DNC CEO Jess O’Connell and DNC LGBT Caucus Chair Earl Fowlkes released this statement:
 
“Tuesday night was a landmark moment in LGBTQ history. Democrats from our community, including Jenny Durkan, who made history as the first openly lesbian mayor of Seattle, claimed decisive wins all over the country.
 
“What made the night truly exceptional, however, was the triumph of a number of openly transgender candidates for office. In Virginia, first-time candidate Danica Roem dominated in a race against her proudly transphobic opponent, who even authored an anti-trans “bathroom bill” in the Virginia House of Delegates. In Minneapolis, Andrea Jenkins became the first openly trans person to be elected to the city council of a major U.S. city.
 
“For far too long, transgender Americans have been shoved to the sidelines, in government and even in the LGBTQ rights movement. That’s beginning to change, and Tuesday’s results were a giant step forward. But this is only the beginning. LGBTQ Democrats will be front and center in the elections going forward, especially in the most vital races of 2018. We look forward to a bright and inclusive future.”

Democratic National Committee
Nov. 8, 2017  5:47 p.m.

DNC on Democratic Women Elected Across the Country

DNC CEO Jess O’Connell issued the following statement on the Democratic women elected last night:
 
“Congratulations to the Democratic women leaders who won their hard-fought races in Virginia, New Jersey, and all across the country. Each of these newly-elected women – many of whom flipped critical seats from red to blue – is proof that Americans want progressive leaders who will work to build a brighter future for working families, stand up for the most vulnerable among us, and expand economic opportunities for future generations.
 
“Women are leading the resistance against President Trump, Vice President Pence, and Republican lawmakers across the country who are attacking women’s rights and working families like never before. But last night, voters rejected the Trump-Pence agenda and voted for Democratic values and leaders who understand that women need to have a seat at the table when crafting the policies that affect their lives.
 
“We made history – from Sheila Oliver, New Jersey’s first African-American lieutenant governor, to the diverse women who won mayor’s races in Charlotte, Manchester, and Topeka. Manka Dhingra turned the Washington state Senate from red to blue. And the overwhelming majority of the staggering number of flipped Virginia House of Delegates seats are newly-elected Democratic women. Progressive women are winning everywhere, and we’re just getting started.
 
“Women are the core of our Democratic Party, and the DNC is proud of the targeted investments we made in races across the country to help lift up women who will be strong progressive advocates for working families in their communities. This is just the beginning. Last night’s victories showed us that Democrats can win on our issues when we organize and invest in diverse communities, engage with coalitions, and lead with our values.”
 
###

Democratic National Committee
Nov. 8, 2017 3:41 p.m.

DNC Statement on AAPI Candidate Victories Across The Country

Democratic National Committee Vice Chair Grace Meng and Democratic National Committee AAPI Caucus Chair Bel Leong Hong released the following statement on the many victories for Asian American and Pacific Islander Candidates across the country:
 
“Last night we saw the victorious election of Asian American and Pacific Islander candidates – many of them running for the first time – in Virginia, New Jersey, Washington, and across America. The DNC knows that AAPIs are one of the fastest-growing communities in the country and last night their vote made all the difference. Investing in AAPI communities was crucial to November 7th’s tide-turning victories.”
 
“In Virginia, 100 percent of our investments went into doubling the number of organizers, putting boots in the ground, and upping our game in data and technology.  Since last summer, we’ve been committed to spending on a mail program that targets AAPI communities. AAPIs showed up – in Virginia, New Jersey, Washington and elsewhere and voted for leaders who will create new jobs, grow the economy, improve our schools, and ensure health care is a right for all Americans. They elected leaders like Virginia Delegate-Elect Kathy Tran, New Jersey State Senator-Elect Vin Gopal, and Washington State Senator-Elect Manka Dhingra, whose victory flipped control of the Washington state Senate to Democratic control, giving Democrats control of both legislative chambers and the governorship. Far and wide, the American people rejected a Trump-Pence agenda that would have only fueled division and bigotry.”
 
“Yesterday’s success is just the beginning. In 2018, and beyond the AAPI community is going to be crucial to victories in swing states and key races. The new DNC believes that every zip code counts, and we will organize 365 days a year around candidates who are reflective of our diverse nation and share our values of inclusion, justice, and opportunity. That’s how we will keep winning elections from the school board to the Oval Office.”
 
###

Nov. 8, 2017 3:35 p.m.

DNC on Historic Latino Victories

DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement on Democrats’ historic election of Latinos across the country:
 
“As the first Latino Chair of the DNC and the proud son of immigrants, I couldn’t be prouder of what we accomplished last night. These victories represent a triumph for American values, for the Latino community, and for the enduring promise of the American Dream. And they send a loud and clear message to Donald Trump: We will not live in fear. We will fight back. And we will win.
 
“In Virginia, we are proud to have helped Elizabeth Guzman and Hala Ayala make history by flipping red seats and becoming the first two Latinas elected to the House of Delegates. 
 
“Latinos were also elected in Georgia, where Deborah Gonzalez flipped a red seat in the state House, and in Massachusetts where Andy Vargas is becoming one of the youngest state representatives in the state’s history.
 
“I also want to congratulate Cathy Murillo and Michelle De La Isla, first Latina mayors of Santa Barbara, California and Topeka, Kansas respectively, and all the new Democratic Latino city council members in Aurora, Colorado; Seattle, Washington; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Boise, Idaho.”
 
###

TO:                 Interested Parties
FROM:          Jess O’Connell, DNC CEO
DATE:           November 8, 2017
RE:                 Democrats Are Back In A Big Way
 
We won. Over the last nine months, the DNC remained focused on one mission: winning elections up and down the ballot. What was the result? Democrats are back in a big way. Let’s take a look:
 
•      The DNC invested $1.5 million in Virginia to secure wins for Governor-elect Ralph Northam, the first African American Lt. Governor-elect Justin Fairfax, and Attorney General Mark Herring.
 
•      The DNC spent more than $500,000 in New Jersey to flip the seat from red to blue by electing Phil Murphy as governor, as well as making history by electing Sheila Oliver, the first African American woman to serve as New Jersey’s Lt. Governor.
 
•      The Democratic Party and countless grassroots organizations worked together to elect voters up and down the ticket.
 
•      We made history with the VA House of Delegates races. No party had picked up more than seven seats in a single House of Delegates election since 2001 and we have at least doubled that with a current count of 16 flipped delegate seats, including HD-13, where Danica Roem became the first transgender state legislator in Virginia.
 
•      Washington State officially flipped the state Senate from red to blue by electing Manka Dhingra.
 
•      We invested in mayoral and legislative races across the country, flipping five seats from red to blue, and securing wins in Charlotte and St. Petersburg.
 
•      Women led us to victory in Virginia and all across the country.
 
•      Voters showed us that they believe health care is a right and not a privilege for a few. We saw that in Virginia, where voters cited health care as the most important issue by a wide margin, and in Maine, where they overwhelmingly voted for Medicaid expansion.
 
 
HOW DID WE DO IT?
 
We organized. 100% of the money the DNC invested was used toward organizing and mobilizing voters with boots on the ground and data and technology; none was used on TV. The DNC put 40 diverse organizers (25 on or near college campuses) across Virginia and we organized our base, including millennials and the African American, Latino, and AAPI communities. We showed up for countless candidates up and down the ballot — making sure that their place on the ballot didn’t determine their level of support. We built a massive program to engage voters outside of Virginia — through the DNC’s Out-of-the-Commonwealth (OOCW) program, which was run by DNC staffer Ramsey Reid. Along with our coordinated partners, the work of a small, DNC-led team accounted for over 3,500,000 text messages to voters and volunteers, including over 1,500,000 in the month of November alone. This was in addition to the more than 262,050 door knocks delivered by the DNC-run OOCW program.
 
Over 100 of our DNC staff were deployed over the last several days and we knocked doors across the state. In total, through the collective effort of the DNC, the campaign, the amazing work and leadership of the Democratic Party of Virginia, and countless progressive partners and allies, we talked to record numbers of voters on the doors and phones — knocking on twice as many doors as in 2013. These efforts delivered wins, not just for Ralph Northam, Justin Fairfax, and Mark Herring, but for Democrats in the House of Delegates:
 
HD2: Jennifer Carroll Foy
HD67: Karrie Delaney
HD31: Elizabeth Guzman
HD12: Chris Hurst
HD13: Danica Roem
HD42: Kathy Tran
HD72: Schuyler VanValkenburg
HD51: Hala Ayala
HD21: Kelly Fowler
HD81: Kimberly Anne Tucker
HD10: Wendy Gooditis
HD32: David Reid
HD40: Donte Tanner
HD50: Lee Carter
HD62: Dawn Adams
HD85: Cheryl Turp

But we weren’t just in Virginia. The DNC made significant organizing investments in New Jersey, Washington State, New York, Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina, New Hampshire, and other places across the country. This wasn’t just one good night — Democrats have already started winning. The wins from last night were on top of the eight state legislative seats across the country that Democrats had already flipped this year — seven of which were in districts Donald Trump won in 2016. No longer will the DNC just organize one race every four years. We are removing “off year” from our lexicon, building lasting infrastructure, and demonstrating 365 days-a-year that Every ZIP Code Counts.
 
We modernized. For the first time in a VERY long time, the DNC used new tools and data to organize and get our voters to the polls. I’ll be honest, a lot of the credit goes to our CTO Raffi Krikorian. He’s never worked in politics, and that’s a good thing. We needed some fresh eyes and perspective to update our data, technology, and tools to become the party of the future. Raffi and our Chief Mobilization Officer, Caitlin Mitchell, tested new and innovative tools. Here is just a small sampling:
 
VIRGINIA:
 
•  Ginny/Grove AI is a Facebook chat bot hosted by the Democratic Party Facebook page. The bot was built by Grove AI + Vishal Disawar. Our Ginny bot drove thousands of conversations with volunteers interested in getting involved our Virginia digital and ground OOCW organizing program. When prompted, Ginny began a conversation on Facebook messages, asking prospective volunteers to make calls using a virtual dialer, send texts, or donate.
 
•    GroundGame is an opinionated technology platform for campaigns to organize their voters, volunteers, and donors. GroundGame was used in partnership with the Virginia Coordinated Campaign to drive millions of voter and volunteer contacts via 1-to-1 SMS in Virginia.
 
•    Qriously is a polling tool that we deployed in Virginia. It leverages the existing ad tech infrastructure that connects advertisers and smartphone apps to buy and sell ad banners in real time. By integrating with these exchanges, Qriously has access to 1.2B+ devices across 100+ countries in 50,000+ apps. These apps include game apps such as Solitaire, as well as fitness, weather, news, music, and many other types of apps, ensuring we can reach a wide cross-section of society.
 
•Voter Circle is a peer-to-peer messaging platform that we deployed through our OOCW program in Virginia. Users were prompted to upload their email address books and Voter Circle, then matched against the voter file that the DNC provided to ensure that users only contacted their Democratic connections. The volunteer could slightly customize the message and hit send.
 
NEW JERSEY:
 
•Resistbot is an SMS bot the Phil Murphy campaign distributed through their Facebook and Twitter accounts. When users opted-in, it prompted them to outline their plan to vote, including their polling location. After prompting the user to input their address, the program automatically integrated their polling location into the SMS conversation so users did not have to click a link to search where they needed to vote.
 
We were united. If there’s one thing to take away from Election Day, it’s that almost all of the progressive ecosystem was united around our values and worked in partnership to elect Ralph Northam, Phil Murphy, Manka Dhingra, and Democrats up and down the ballot in races all across the country. This ranges from groups like Planned Parenthood to newer organizations like Indivisible, and there was an unprecedented partnership between the DNC and our sister committees of the DGA, DAGA, and DLCC. To put a finer point on it, there were well over 30 progressive groups working in Virginia to get Democrats elected. Some of these partners include:
 
BlackPAC, PFAW, Everytown, CASA, Sierra Club, Giffords PAC, For Our Future, Military Families Mobilize, LiUNA, LCV, Flippable, Mobilize America, VEA, Let America Vote, IAFF, NARAL, NEA, Swing Left, New Virginia Majority, IBEW, NextGen, AFT, Planned Parenthood, Carpenters, Run For Something, SEIU, CWA, VA AFL-CIO, Painters, Working America, UA, Working Families, UAW, UFCW, AFSCME and Progress VA.
 
Now, that is what unity looks like. So while Steve Bannon tries to primary Republicans in 2018, the Democratic National Committee will be Winning with Partners in 2018 — working with state parties and progressive allies — to elect Democrats across America and ensuring Every ZIP Code Counts. Working together we accomplish great things, and both our party and country are better because of the work we do together.
 
That’s how we won yesterday. That’s how we will win in 2018.

Democratic National Committee
Nov. 8, 2017 1:56 p.m.

Trump Went All In On Virginia And Lost, Bigly

Trump “eagerly” supported Gillespie’s candidacy, and the RNC was “all in” on the race from the beginning.
 
Trump endorsed Ed Gillespie and repeatedly emphasized his support.
 
Politico: “Trump has eagerly endorsed Gillespie’s candidacy, posting multiple times to Twitter in support of the GOP candidate.”

Trump tweeted his support for Gillespie and attacked Ralph Northam numerous times.
 
Trump: “Ralph Northam, who is running for governor of Virginia, is fighting for the violent MS-13 killer gangs & sanctuary cities. Vote Ed Gillespie!”
 
Trump: “The Democrats in the Southwest part of Virginia have been abandoned by their party. Republican Ed Gillespie will never let you down!”
 
Trump: “Ed Gillespie will be a great governor of Virginia. His opponent doesn’t even show up to meetings/work, and will be VERY weak on crime!”
 
Trump: “Ed Gillespie will turn the really bad Virginia economy #’s around, and fast. Strong on crime, he might even save our great statues/heritage!”
 
Trump: “.@EdWGillespie will totally turn around the high crime and poor economic performance of VA. MS-13 and crime will be gone. Vote today, ASAP!”
 
Trump: “The state of Virginia economy, under Democrat rule, has been terrible. IF you vote Ed Gillespie tomorrow, it will come roaring back!”
 
Trump recorded a robo-call for Gillespie.
 
Politico: “President Donald Trump has released a late robo-call expressing his support for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Ed Gillespie, according to a Republican familiar with the move.  In the call, Trump praises Gillespie and trashes Democratic candidate Ralph Northam.”
 
Trump’s campaign sent multiple emails for Gillespie on election day.
 
11/7/17: “Missed this earlier, but Trump signed a fundraising email for Gillespie today. Subject: ‘We need Ed.’”
 
11/7/17: “Did you see this message from Newt Gingrich? The race in Virginia is down to the wire and we’re relying on the citizens of America to push Ed Gillespie over the finish line.  The Democrats have really shown their true colors during this campaign, and with terrorism on the rise, taxes higher than ever, and our immigration system in free-fall, it’s CRITICAL that we take back the great state of Virginia. We’ve established the Emergency Grassroots Victory Program to ENSURE Republican victory TODAY, but we need you to join this fight!” [Trump Campaign Email, 11/7/17]
 
Mike and Karen Pence campaigned and fundraised for Gillespie.
 
Politico: “Vice President Mike Pence appeared at a rally and fundraiser for Gillespie, but administration officials said the candidate never made a hard ask for Trump.”
 
Richmond Times-Dispatch: “Vice President Mike Pence attended a private fundraiser for GOP gubernatorial candidate Ed Gillespie in Northern Virginia on Wednesday. The event was closed to the press, and the Gillespie campaign did not release details.”
 
Washington Post: “Pence and his wife, Karen, have been friends for years with Gillespie and his wife, Cathy. Karen Pence appeared at a ‘Women for Ed’ fundraiser for Gillespie in Fairfax in September.
 
Trump’s RNC was “all in” on Virginia’s gubernatorial race.
 
McDaniel: “The RNC is heavily invested in Virginia, maybe unlike last time. We’re all in this time, I talked to Ed, regularly. We have 80 staff on the ground, we’ve knocked 1.5 million doors, it’s going to be a turnout game.” [Brian Kilmeade Show, Fox News Radio, 10/24/17]
 
Virginia GOP Chairman John Whitbeck: “‘The RNC has been all-in from the beginning,’ said John Whitbeck, chairman of the Virginia Republican Party. The assistance may have helped Mr. Gillespie narrow the polls with Democratic nominee Ralph Northam, who’s getting massive assistance from liberal advocacy groups but not as much from national Democratic committees, which are struggling financially. Flush with cash, the RNC has invested nearly $5 million in the race, and the RGA has ponied up $10 million.”
 
The RNC invested more than $5 million in Virginia, and took charge of Virginia field operations immediately after the primary.
 
Washington Times: “Flush with cash, the RNC has invested nearly $5 million in the race, and the RGA has ponied up $10 million.”
 
Washington Post: “The RNC has long played a part in field operations for various campaigns but is taking a more forceful role than usual in Virginia, calling shots more than collaborating, according to two people with direct knowledge of the arrangement. Garren Shipley, Virginia spokesman for the RNC, called the ground game ‘a collaborative effort’ among the RNC, the Republican Governors Association, the state party and the campaign. ‘Everyone quite literally has a seat at the table,’ he said.”


Democratic National Committee
Nov. 8, 2017 1:15 p.m.

TO:                 Interested Parties

FROM:           Jess O’Connell, DNC CEO
DATE:            November 7, 2017
RE:                Rebuild + Organize + Modernize = Wins
 
We won.  It took  consistency, perseverance, discipline, and a strategy that corrects the mistakes of the past, but that’s what we did over the last nine months. What was the result? We made history. Let’s take a look:

●        The DNC invested $1.5 million in Virginia to secure wins for Governor-elect Ralph Northam, the first African American Lt. Governor-elect Justin Fairfax, and Attorney General Mark Herring.

●        The DNC spent more than $500,000 in New Jersey to flip the seat from red to blue by electing Phil Murphy as governor, as well as making history by electing Sheila Oliver, the first African-American woman to serve as New Jersey’s Lt. Governor.

●        We made history with the VA House of Delegates races. No party had picked up more than 7 seats in a single House of Delegates election since 2001 and we have at least doubled that with a current count of 15 flipped delegate seats, including HD-13, where Danica Roem became the first transgender state legislator in Virginia.

●        Washington state officially flipped the state legislature from red to blue by electing Manka Dhingra to the state senate.

●        We invested in mayoral and legislative races across the country, flipping five seats from red to blue,  and securing wins in Charlotte and St. Petersburg.

●        And our new boots-on-the-ground strategy, investing in every zip code and in organizers, will help secure victories in 2018 and beyond.

 
How did we do it?
 
We organized. 100% of the money the DNC invested was used toward organizing and mobilizing voters, and data and technology; none was used on TV.  The DNC put 40 diverse organizers on the ground in Virginia and we organized our base, including millennials and the African-American, Latino, and AAPI communities. We showed up for countless candidates up and down the ballot - making sure that their place on the ballot didn’t determine their level of support. We built a massive program to engage voters outside of Virginia – through the DNC’s Out of Commonwealth (OOCW) program, which was run by DNC staffer Ramsey Reid. The work of a small team accounted for over 2,000,000 text messages and over 262,050 door knocks.
 
A majority of our DNC staff were deployed over the last several days and we knocked doors across the state. In total, through the collective effort of the DNC, the campaign, the amazing work and leadership of the Democratic Party of Virginia, and countless progressive partners and allies, we talked to record numbers of voters on the doors and phones – knocking on twice as many doors as in 2013. These efforts delivered wins, not just for Ralph Northam, Justin Fairfax, and Mark Herring, but for Democrats in the House of Delegates:
●        HD2: Jennifer Carroll Foy
●        HD10: Wendy Gooditis
●        HD12: Chris Hurst
●        HD13: Danica Roem
●        HD21: Kelly Fowler
●        HD31: Elizabeth Guzman
●        HD32: David Reid
●        HD40: Dante Tanner
●        HD42: Kathy Tran
●        HD50: Lee Carter
●        HD51: Hala Ayala
●        HD67: Karrie Delaney
●        HD68: Dawn Adams
●        HD72: Schuyler VanValkenburg
●        HD73: Debra Rodman
 
But we weren’t just in Virginia. The DNC made significant organizing investments in New Jersey, Washington state, New York, Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina, New Hampshire, and other places across the country.
 
No longer will the DNC just organize one race every four years.  We are removing “off year” from our lexicon, building lasting infrastructure and demonstrating 365 days-a-year that Every Zip Code Counts.
 
We modernized. For the first time in a VERY long time, the DNC used new tools and data to organize and get our voters to the polls. I’ll be honest, a lot of the credit goes to our CTO Raffi Krikorian. He’s never worked in politics, and that’s a good thing. We needed some fresh eyes and perspective to update our data, technology, and tools to become the party of the future. Raffi and his team tested new and innovative tools including:
 
Virginia:
●        Voter Circle is a peer-to-peer messaging platform that we deployed through our OOCW program in Virginia. Users were prompted to upload their email address books and Voter Circle then matched against the voter file that the DNC provided to ensure that users only contacted their Democrat connections. The volunteer can slightly customize the message and hit send.
●        Qriously is a polling tool that we deployed in Virginia. It leverages the existing ad tech infrastructure that connects advertisers and smartphone apps to buy and sell ad banners in real time. By integrating with these exchanges, Qriously has access to 1.2B+ devices across 100+ countries in 50,000+ apps. These apps include game apps such as Solitaire, as well as fitness, weather, news, music and many other types of apps, ensuring we can reach a wide cross-section of society.
●        Ginny is a Facebook chat bot that was distributed via the DNC’s email list. When prompted, Ginny began a conversation asking the prospective voter or volunteer to make calls, send texts, or donate.
 
New Jersey:
●        Resistbot is an SMS bot the Murphy campaign distributed through their Facebook and Twitter accounts. When users opted-in, it prompted them to outline their plan to vote, including their polling location. After prompting the user to input their address, the program automatically integrated their polling location into the SMS conversation so users did not have to click a link to search where they needed to vote.
 
These are the innovative tools we used to help Democrats, and there is much more happening in this space thanks to Raffi’s leadership.
 
We were united. If there’s one thing to take away from Election Day, it’s that the progressive ecosystem was united around our values and worked in partnership to elect Ralph Northam, Phil Murphy, Manka Dhingra, and Democrats up and down the ballot in races all across the country. This ranges from groups like Planned Parenthood to newer organizations like Indivisible. And there was an unprecedented partnership between the DNC and our sister committees of the DGA, DAGA and DLCC. To put a finer point on it, there were 33 progressive groups working in Virginia to get Democrats elected. These partners include:
 
BlackPAC, PFAW, Everytown, CASA, Sierra Club, Giffords PAC, For Our Future, Military Families Mobilize, LiUNA, LCV, Mobilize America, VEA, Let America Vote, IAFF, NARAL, NEA, New Virginia Majority, IBEW, NextGen, AFT, Planned Parenthood, Carpenters, SEIU, CWA, VA AFL-CIO, Painters, Working America, UA, Working Families, UAW, UFCW, AFSCME and Progress VA

 
Now, that is what unity looks like. So while Steve Bannon tries to primary Republicans in 2018, the Democratic National Committee will be Winning with Partners in 2018 – working with state parties and progressive allies – to elect Democrats across America and ensuring Every Zip Code Counts. Working together we accomplish great things, and both our party and country are better because of the work we do together.
 
That’s how we won today. That’s how we will win in 2018.
 
###

Democratic National Committee
Nov. 8, 2017 12:37 p.m.

DNC: Investments in African-American Community Key to Historic Election Night

In response to momentous black support and historic victories of African-American candidates up and down the ballot,  DNC Political and Organizing Director Amanda Brown Lierman released the following statement:
 
“The DNC knows that the victories we celebrate this morning would be impossible without the massive support from the African-American men and women who made up about a fifth of the commonwealth’s electorate.  Undoubtedly a cornerstone of our party, black voters continued to surge to the polls in a tremendous way, set the tone for future elections, and paved the way for government that truly represents them. That’s exactly why we will continue to engage black communities across the nation and fight to ensure every single eligible voter has the power to exercise their franchise.
 
“Without a shadow of a doubt, investing in communities of color was central to November 7th’s tide-turning victories. In Virginia, 100 percent of our investments went into doubling the number of organizers and putting boots in the ground.  Since last summer, we’ve been committed to spending on a mail program that targets and reaches out to black communities. We know that when we invest in the core of our party, we win. That’s why we invested in a black women’s mobilization program, InCharge. Yesterday in Virginia, over 90% of black women cast ballots for Governor Ralph Northam. These women are the reason we won last night’s elections, and they’re the reason we’ll win in 2018.
 
“Because of all this, we saw black voters turn a purple commonwealth to blue. We saw Virginia Lt. Governor-elect Justin Fairfax become only the second African American elected to statewide office. New Jersey voters elected their first female African-American lieutenant governor in Sheila Oliver. And now Charlotte has elected its first-ever African-American mayor in Vi Lyles.
 
“With their ballots, African-American communities across the nation sent a loud, resounding message to Republicans who stand with Donald Trump and try to use his hateful rhetoric as a vehicle for political success—you do not represent us.”
 
 
Black Democratic Victories
 
·         Justin Fairfax, Virginia lieutenant governor-elect
o   Second-ever African American elected to statewide office in Virginia
·         Sheila Oliver, New Jersey lieutenant governor-elect
o   First-ever female African-American lieutenant governor of New Jersey
·         Andrea Jenkins, Minneapolis City Council
o   First-ever openly transgender African-American woman elected to U.S. public office
·         Vi Lyles, Charlotte, North Carolina mayor-elect
o   First-ever female African-American mayor of Charlotte
·         Yvonne Spicer, Framingham, Massachusetts mayor-elect
o   First-ever mayor of the new city of Framingham
·         Wilmot Collins, Helena, Montana mayor-elect
o   First-ever African-American mayor in Montana
·         Melvin Carter, St. Paul, Minnesota mayor-elect
o   First-ever African-American mayor of St. Paul
·         Jonathan McCollar, Statesboro, Georgia mayor-elect
o   First-ever African-American mayor of Statesboro
·         Brendon Barber, Georgetown, South Carolina mayor-elect
o   First-ever African-American mayor of Georgetown
·         Mary Parham Copelan, Milledgeville, Georgia mayor-elect
o   First-ever female African-American mayor of Milledgeville
·         Booker Gainor, Cairo, Georgia mayor-elect
o   First-ever African-American mayor of Cairo
 
 
Black Turnout in Virginia
 
Washington Post: Exit poll results: How different groups of Virginians voted

Democratic National Committee
Nov. 8, 2017 11:57 a.m.

DNC on Millennial Wins in Virginia and New Jersey

DNC Vice Chair and New York Assemblymember Michael Blake and DNC Secretary Jason Rae issued the following statement on the Democratic millennials elected last night:
 
“We want to congratulate the Democratic millennial leaders who were elected to state legislature seats in Virginia and New Jersey last night, many of whom flipped critical seats from red to blue. Each of these progressive leaders is proof positive that when we stand up to Donald Trump’s divisive, hate-fueled politics and lead with our values and a vision focused on jobs, healthcare, and opportunity for all, we can accomplish anything. From Vin Gopal in New Jersey, who flipped New Jersey’s long-time Republican 11th district, to Danica Roem in Virginia, the transgender candidate who defeated a pioneer of the anti-transgender bathroom bill and flipped Virginia’s 13th district, millennials delivered blow after blow to the Trump agenda and win after win for progressive values. As millennial DNC officers, we understand firsthand that it is not easy to step up to run, but, when we win, we inspire others into public service to help people. The new DNC understands that millennials deserve a real voice in the DNC, on everything from training to organizing, not just a symbolic seat at the table. We can't wait to see what these new leaders accomplish. We are the ones we've been waiting for, and we are ready to lead.”
 
Millennial Leaders Elected on November 7, 2017:
 
Vin Gopal, New Jersey State Senate 11th District
Jennifer Carol Foy, Virginia House of Delegates 2nd District
Chris Hurst, Virginia House of Delegates 12th District
Danica Roem, Virginia House of Delegates 13th District
Schuyler Van Vulkenburg, Virginia House of Delegates 72nd District
Jerrauld Jones, Virginia House of Delegates 89th District
 
###

Democratic National Committee
Nov. 8, 2017 10:42 a.m.

Voters Believe Health Care Is A Right

Across the country, Americans are making their voices heard: They believe health care is a right and that it’s time for Trump and Republicans to end their sabotage.
 
Virginia voters identified health care as their top issue, helping to boost Democrats to a sweep of statewide races and a wave of pickups in the House of Delegates.
 
NBC News: “Health care is a priority for Virginia voters, according to early results from the NBC News exit poll, with 37 percent citing it as the most important issue to their vote.”
 
ABC News: “Relatedly, a surge in turnout by politically liberal voters boosted Virginia Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, as did a broad advantage on health care, which voters by a wide margin identified as the top issue in the vote.”
 
In Maine, voters resoundingly opposed Republican efforts to cut Medicaid and voted to become the first state to expand Medicaid by ballot initiative.
 
Washington Post: “Maine became the first state to expand Medicaid with a ballot initiative, voting to grant health care to some 70,000 low-income residents by a nearly 20-percentage point margin by the time the measure was called by election watchers. In other words, a sizable number of voters in Maine just voted to do the exact opposite of what the state's Republican governor and Republicans in Washington have been trying to do.”
 
Despite Trump’s health care enrollment sabotage, Obamacare open enrollment is off to a “booming start.”
 
Politico: “Obamacare’s open-enrollment season is off to a booming start despite widespread fears the Trump administration is seeking to sabotage the sign-up period. The number of individuals signing up for coverage through HealthCare.gov during the first week of open enrollment is ‘roughly double’ the pace of the previous year, according to an HHS source familiar with the enrollment data.”

Democratic National Committee
Nov. 7, 2017

A summary of Democratic wins across the country

Democrats won not just in New Jersey and Virginia but up and down the ticket across the country. Voters handily rejected the Trump-Pence agenda by electing Democrats in states and even districts that Donald Trump won last year. Democrats are moving forward, we (and voters) have put 2016 behind us. See the proof:
 
Virginia
Ralph Northam is the governor-elect, Justin Fairfax is lieutenant governor-elect, and Mark Herring was re-elected attorney general.
 
Democrats flipped at least 14 House of Delegate seats including:
·         Jennifer Carroll Foy (HD-02)
·         Wendy Goodits (HD-10)
·         Chris Hurst (HD-12)
·         Danica Roem (HD-13)
·         Kelly Fowler (HD-21)
·         Elizabeth Guzman (HD-31)
·         David Reid (HD-32)
·         Kathy Tran (HD-42)
·         Lee Carter (HD-50)
·         Hala Ayala (HD-51)
·         Karrie Delaney (HD-67)
·         Dawn Adams (HD-68)
·         Schuyler VanValkenberg (HD-72)
·         Deborah Rodman (HD-73)
 
New Jersey
Democrats flipped the governor’s seat from red to blue by electing Phil Murphy and Sheila Oliver.
 
Vin Gopal flipped New Jersey’s 11th Senate District from red to blue.
 
North Carolina
Democrats flipped 2 mayoral seats by electing Vi Lyles in Charlotte and Mitch Colvin in Fayetteville.
 
New Hampshire
Democrats flipped the Manchester mayoral seat by electing Joyce Craig.
 
Democrats flipped one seat in the New Hampshire House of Representatives by electing Erika Connors to the Hillsborough County District 15 and held the Sullivan County District 1 by electing Brian Sullivan.
 
Florida
Democrats re-elected Mayor Rick Kriseman to be the mayor of St. Petersburg.
 
Massachusetts
Democrats re-elected Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.
 
New York
Democrats re-elected New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
 
Georgia
Democrats flipped two House districts by electing Deborah Gonzalez (HD-117) and Jonathan Wallace (HD-119).
 
Michigan
Democrats held Michigan’s 109th House District by electing Sara Cambensy.
 
 
Sabrina Singh
Deputy Communications Director


Other Democratic Committees
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee

 In Democratic Wave, DLCC Celebrates Victories From Coast to Coast

Democrats pick up 16 seats in Virginia House, flip Washington State Senate, and break supermajority in the GA Senate

WASHINGTON -- Tonight DLCC Executive Director Jessica Post announced widespread Democratic victories in statehouses across the country:
 
"Voters turned out in droves in a direct rebuke of state Republicans and the Trump administration,” said Post. “Americans from coast to coast sent a clear message that when faced with adversity, we will step up and defend our values, safeguard the progress we have made, and push onward. As the major player in the state legislative space, the DLCC is thrilled by these results and looks forward to continuing to strengthen and rebuild the Democratic party from the ground up ahead of 2018 midterms and crucial 2020 redistricting."
 
The biggest race of the night was in Washington State where Democrat Manka Dhingra claimed victory in the special election for LD45, flipping the entire state Senate to Democratic control. The DLCC’s substantial contributions in this race on both the coordinated side and independent expenditure side -- including financial support totaling over $745,000, data access, paid communications, recruiting volunteers, and more -- were crucial in raising national awareness of this race and making sure Manka’s campaign had everything it needed to win.
 
State Democrats beat Republicans on their own maps in Virginia, tilting chamber control to 50 Democratic seats to Republicans’ 49 seats. Democrats had the most pickups in the House of Delegates since 1899. The DLCC’s early investments in Virginia ensured Democrats had the infrastructure and field programs in place to harness the influx of grassroots enthusiasm that made it possible for Virginians to set a new record by knocking on over one million doors and led to Democrats flipping 16 seats from red to blue.
 
While in New Jersey, Democrats expanded their already record high majorities in the Legislature, adding one new Democratic Senators and two new Democratic Assemblymembers.
 
In ruby-red Georgia, we saw three Republican-held seats flip to Democratic control. One of the seats, Senate district 6, will go to a runoff race in December between two Democrats and effectively break the supermajority in the state Senate. With HD-117 and HD-119 in the hands of Democrats, Georgia Democrats are one step closer to their goal of retaking the state’s lower chamber ahead of 2020 redistricting.
 
"Over the course of the 2017 cycle, the DLCC raised over $10 million to help strengthen Democratic control in statehouses nationwide," said Post. "The DLCC is proud of the successful programs, critical investments, and strategic actions it took during this cycle, and looks forward to supporting our legislators and candidates in upcoming special elections and throughout the 2018 midterm elections as Democrats prepare for 2020 redistricting."
 
VA Flips (16):
Jennifer Carroll Foy, HD-2
Wendy Gooditis, HD-10
Chris Hurst, HD-12,
Danica Roem, HD-13
Kelly Convirs-Fowler, HD-21
David Reid, HD-32
Elizabeth Guzman, HD-31
Donte Tanner, HD-40
Kathy Tran, HD-42
Lee Carter, HD-50
Hala Ayala, HD-51
Karrie Delaney, HD-67
Dawn Adams, HD-68
Schuyler VanValkenburg, HD-72
Debra Rodman, HD-73
 
Other VA wins:
Kathleen Murphy, HD-34
Jennifer Boysko, HD-86
John Bell, HD-87
Jay Jones, HD-89
Mike Mullin, HD-93
 
GA Flips:
Deborah Gonzalez, HD-117
Jonathan Wallace, HD-119
SD6 will see a runoff in December between two democrats - Jaha Howard and Jen Jordan, and will effectively break the Republican super Majority in the Senate.
 
NJ Flips:
Troy Singleton, LD-7
Vin Gopal, LD-11
 
NH Flip:
Erika Connors, NH HD Hillsborough-15
 
WA Flip:
Manka Dhingra, LD-45
 
Other wins:
John Armato, NJ AD-2
Roy Freiman, NJ AD-16
Sara Cambensy, MI HD-109
Marvin Pendarvis, SC HD-113
Brian Kavanagh, NY S-26
Daniel Rosenthal, NY AD-27
Alfred Taylor, AD-71
Brian Sullivan, NH Sullivan-1
John Barrett, MA – HD 1 Berkshire
 
For more information on this race or any of tonight's elections or to schedule an interview with the DLCC, please contact Mara Sloan at mara@dlcc.org. The DLCC will continue to send critical updates.
 
# # #

Democratic Governors Association
Nov. 8, 2017

DGA Statement on Ralph Northam’s Victory in VA

DGA Chair Governor Dan Malloy (D-CT) issued the following statement on Ralph Northam’s victory in Virginia’s gubernatorial race:

“Congratulations to Governor-elect Ralph Northam on his victory tonight in Virginia,” said Gov. Malloy. “Ralph ran a strong campaign and will continue the economic progress the Commonwealth has made over the last four years under Governor Terry McAuliffe. This was the top race of the year for the DGA and we are excited that Virginia will remain blue for four more years.

“This election sends a clear message to every Republican running in 2018 that the Trump playbook of race-baiting does not work. Ralph Northam had a message of bringing economic opportunity to all Virginians, while Ed Gillespie tried to divide Virginia communities. If Republicans choose to run on the divisive Trump playbook in 2018, they will be rejected by voters.”

“This is a major victory for the Democratic Governors Association. The DGA invested $7 million into this campaign and worked hand-in-hand with the Northam campaign on a record-setting GOTV effort. Tonight’s gubernatorial sweep of Virginia and New Jersey shows Democrats will be on offense heading into the 2018 races. President Trump’s deeply unpopular agenda combined with Republican candidates who refuse stand up to him, have Democrats poised for big gains next year.”

###
Democratic Governors Association
Nov. 8, 2017

DGA Statement on Phil Murphy’s Victory in New Jersey

DGA Chair Governor Dan Malloy (D-CT) issued the following statement on Phil Murphy’s victory in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race:

“Congratulations to Governor-Elect Phil Murphy. Phil ran an incredible campaign focused on his vision for an economy that works for all Garden State families, and I look forward to working with him.

“The DGA was proud to invest nearly $4 million and play a key role in picking up this critical seat. New Jersey voters made clear that they are ready to turn the page from 8 years of failed policies and failed leadership in New Jersey. This result points to larger problems for Republicans as they play defense in many open-seat races coming up next year.

“Today’s election was not just a victory for Governor-Elect Murphy. It was a victory for the nearly 9 million New Jersey residents who will now have a Governor looking out for them: for their education, for their health care, and for their jobs.”

Republicans raised and spent significant money in New Jersey despite Phil Murphy’s strong performance and polling throughout the campaign.  In November 2016, RGA Chairman Scott Walker laid a marker that Republicans expected to compete and win in New Jersey, saying “We think we can do well in both Virginia – where we have a chance for a pickup – and New Jersey in 2017.” This September, RGA Chairman Scott Walker and Governor Christie teamed up to host a fundraiser for Kim Guadagno that netted $2.1 million. On top of that, they’ve spent over $2 million on Guadagno’s behalf.

###

Democratic Governors Association
November 9, 2017

MEMORANDUM: Virginia and New Jersey Wins Show Democrats Poised for 2018 Victories

Tuesday’s victories for Governors-Elect Ralph Northam and Phil Murphy were a shot in the arm for the Democratic Party – the first major wins of the Trump era.

It’s no coincidence that those victories came in governors’ races. In 2009, Republicans set off a string of electoral victories with gubernatorial wins in New Jersey and Virginia. In 2017, the Democratic comeback began with wins in those same races.

The DGA was proud to invest majorly in the campaigns of Ralph Northam and Phil Murphy to the tune of $7 million in Virginia and $4 million in New Jersey. The DGA was the largest investor in the Virginia governor’s race – and accounted for more than 20% of the overall Democratic spending.

By investing big and early, the DGA was able to help Northam and Murphy build their campaign infrastructures and run an aggressive field operation to get out the vote.

Ralph Northam and Phil Murphy were exceptional candidates who communicated a positive message and connected with the people of Virginia and New Jersey. With more strong candidates, Democrats are poised to expand the map and notch many more wins in 2018.

This week’s sweeping victories can be traced to 3 main factors: Democratic enthusiasm, a divided Republican party, and independents moving towards Democrats.

These same factors, combined with a map that puts Democrats on the offensive, point to major pickup opportunities for Democratic governors in the critical 2018 cycle.

Tuesday’s elections put all Republican gubernatorial candidates on notice: If you have an R next to your name, you are in trouble in 2018.

Democratic Enthusiasm

Democrats saw a massive surge of enthusiasm in the first statewide electoral tests of the Trump era—Democrats showed up to volunteer, and they showed up at the polls.

Virginia Democrats knocked on more than 1 million doors during GOTV, far surpassing the previous record of 630,000. And those efforts drove the largest turnout for a gubernatorial election in Virginia history. Ralph Northam won the most votes in Virginia history and won with the largest margin for a Democrat since 1985.

[graphic]

While Northam did well in many regions, the turnout in traditionally Democratic regions, including college towns and suburbs, set records. Turnout in some Democratic strongholds surged significantly above 2013 marks: a 10 percent increase in Arlington, a 9 percent increase in Alexandria, and a 13 percent increase in Charlottesville.

[graphic]

In short, Democrats came out in record numbers for a gubernatorial year – a strong sign for Democratic turnout in the 2018 midterm.

Divided Republican Party

President Donald Trump became the first president since Richard Nixon in 1973 not to campaign with candidates in Virginia or New Jersey, highlighting the division within the party and its toxic brand in swing states.

Trump’s diehard supporters weren’t sold on Ed Gillespie, telling the media he’s a “wishy-washy” “typical politician.” And Corey Stewart, Gillespie’s primary opponent, said on the eve of the election, “[Gillespie’s] put the president at a distance, and he has offended a lot of the president’s supporters. And it could cost him the election.”

In fact, Gillespie underperformed Trump in 32 counties that Stewart had won in the primary.

The RNC, meanwhile, indicated this summer that it would not back Guadagno in New Jersey because she “hasn’t been loyal to the president.” And Guadagno ended up underperforming Trump in 8 counties while overall turnout fell from previous gubernatorial elections in the most Republican counties in the state.

Republicans in 2018 will be faced with a choice: Become Donald Trump to please the restive base, or try to save face with swing voters. As Ed Gillespie and Kim Guadagno showed, they can’t do both.

Independents Moving Towards Democrats

Both Gillespie and Guadagno ran Trumpish campaigns centered on fear-mongering—this strategy failed.

[graphic]

We see this clearly in internal polling: while Ralph Northam maintained high favorability throughout the campaign, Ed Gillespie’s favorability cratered after launching his fear-mongering MS-13 ads.

[graphic]

Two-thirds of Gillespie’s ads over the course of the campaign were negative, while the vast majority of Northam’s were positive. So, voters still felt very positively about Ralph Northam at the end of the campaign – while Gillespie tanked his own favorability with his over-the-top negativity.

Northam’s positive campaign is one reason that – counter to the prevailing media narrative – voters turned to Northam in the closing weeks. Virginia exit polling showed that of voters who decided their vote in the last week of the campaign, 61% went for Ralph Northam.

Meanwhile, the President himself is also dramatically unpopular and drove independent voters even further towards the Democrats.

This is reflected in the election data as both Murphy and Northam outperformed Clinton in key regions as suburban and exurban areas broke hard for Democrats.

[graphic]

Northam ran up huge victories in swing counties. Gillespie won swing Loudoun County in his 2014 Senate race; in 2017, he lost by 20%. In 2014, Gillespie narrowly lost Prince William County by 3%; in 2017, Gillespie lost it by 23%. And Northam flipped Trump counties in Hampton Roads, winning both Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.

These swing counties swung hard towards the Democrats – an ominous sign for Republicans on the ballot in 2018.

Looking Towards 2018

Next year’s gubernatorial races are incredibly important to the future of the Democratic party—and yesterday’s results were a highly positive indicator.

Exit polling shows Democrats in an even stronger position for future wins than Republicans were following their gubernatorial victories in 2009:

[graphic]

Republicans have to defend 26 gubernatorial seats next year, 13 in states that President Obama won. Tuesday indicated that they will have a hard time in these blue and purple states. The Democratic turnout surge and the cratering of swing voters also signal trouble for Republicans, even in traditionally red states.

With redistricting around the corner in 2021, the 2018 gubernatorial elections will shape the future of the Democratic Party and of the nation. Virginia and New Jersey’s results portend a strong Democratic year to come.

[graphic]

The implications of these elections stretch for generations as we prepare for the next census and round of redistricting. Many states’ governors have veto power in redistricting, so big wins here can secure more fair maps and put more Congressional and state legislature seats in Democratic hands.

The Democratic Governors Association is confident and feeling buoyed by momentum, quality candidates, and grassroots support heading into next year’s races.

Democratic Congressional Campaignn Committee
TO: Interested Parties
FR: Jacob Peters, Press Secretary
DT: November 9, 2017
RE: Impact of Virginia Statewide & Local Elections on 2018

Tuesday’s statewide and local results in Virginia made it clear that the enthusiasm behind Virginia Democrats is off the charts, while the establishment Republican brand is producing a powerful backlash at the polls across the Commonwealth.

Virginia is a true battlefield – a purple landscape with metropolitan areas, numerous suburbs and exurbs, and expansive rural areas. On Tuesday night, Governor-elect Ralph Northam and down-ballot candidates in every corner of the Commonwealth rode an overwhelming surge of Democratic grassroots energy to victory.

That’s because Virginia Democrats did not shy away from expanding the map and recruiting strong candidates, even where it was not obvious that they could win. From Loudon County, to the Tidewater, to Henrico County, Democrats stepped up to run, embraced the energy emanating from the grassroots, and won.

This is a key parallel to the DCCC strategy across the country and in the Commonwealth, where the decision to aggressively target and recruit in Virginia leaves candidates well prepared to ride this momentum into 2018.

And there is a lot of momentum to ride. Democratic turnout and support spiked, and in the right places. Ralph Northam outperformed the 2016 Democratic Presidential ticket in every single Congressional district, including DCCC-targeted districts. Thirteen of the fifteen delegate seats that Virginia Democrats flipped are in DCCC-targeted Congressional Districts, with two more too close to call. In Virginia’s Tenth Congressional District, they flipped seven, with the recount for one still underway.

The results should make Reps. Barbara Comstock, Scott Taylor, Thomas Garrett, and Dave Brat very nervous about their chances in 2018. The news is worst for Comstock, who woke up to headlines like this after Election Day: After Virginia blowout, Comstock’s road to reelection grows steeper.

Bottom line: The House is in play, Virginia is essential in House Democrats’ pursuit of the majority, and that path is even clearer after Virginia’s elections.

In an effort to quantify how Tuesday’s results translate from statewide and down ballot races to the 2018 congressional battlefield, we looked at voter turnout surges overall and in key areas. We then compared this to top of the ticket performances overall and in key areas, analyzed how Democratic pickups in House of Delegates races overlapped with targeted districts for  2018, and highlighted how Democrats are going to win on the issues that voters are most concerned about.

THE GRASSROOTS ENERGY BEHIND VIRGINIA DEMOCRATS IS REAL, AND IT TRANSLATED AT THE POLLS


Statewide turnout took a huge jump from comparable elections:

[graphic]

[Virginia Department of Elections, Unofficial Results, accessed 11/9/17]

Enthusiasm is highest in areas that delivered for Northam, and will deliver DCCC-targeted districts in 2018:

[graphic]

[Washington Post, 11/8/17]

Governor-elect Ralph Northam outperformed Hillary Clinton in EVERY Congressional district:

[graphic]

*DCCC targeted district

[Virginia Department of Elections, Unofficial Results, accessed 11/9/17]

 

THE SHIFT IN THE SUBURBS IS A TREND, NOT A BLIP


In suburban counties that are key to three DCCC-targeted Congressional races, the surge in Democratic turnout in 2016 did not go away, it accelerated. This is bad news for Reps. Scott Taylor and Dave Brat, whose suburban counties delivered with greater margins for Northam than they did for Clinton. And as always, the news is worst for Rep. Barbara Comstock’s district, where Loudon County looks more like a Democratic stronghold than a purple bellwether, and Fairfax County is now deep blue.

[graphic]

*CD= Congressional District

[Virginia Department of Elections, Unofficial Results, accessed 11/9/17]

 

HOUSE OF DELEGATES UPSETS ARE A ROADMAP TO FLIPPING CONGRESSIONAL SEATS


Democrats flipped thirteen House of Delegates districts within DCCC-targeted Congressional Districts, with two more too close to call. Of these fifteen possible pickups, twelve of them were delegate districts that Clinton carried in 2016, while three voted for President Trump.

In VA-02, the Democrats flipped two delegate seats, one that Clinton carried in 2016 and one that Trump carried.

In VA-05, HD 31 swung almost 16 percentage points from 2015 to deliver this Clinton-district for the Democrat.

In VA-07, Democrats flipped three Clinton delegate districts, and have one Trump seat too close to call.

And in Rep. Barbara Comstock’s VA-10, a whopping six Clinton delegate seats flipped to Democrats, with another too close to call. Democrats also flipped a delegate seat that Trump carried in 2016, for a total of seven delegate seats that went from Republican to Democratic hands.

The surge in Democratic support in these House of Delegates races is encouraging. It also mirrors the analysis of the suburban counties – areas that delivered for Democrats in 2016 are still delivering now, and in many cases even more so. If Democratic Congressional candidates can harness this energy and passion in the same way, they have a roadmap for flipping these DCCC-targeted House races in 2016.

[graphic]

*Too close to call      ^Trump District

[Virginia Department of Elections, Unofficial Results, accessed 11/9/17]

VOTERS HAVE SEEN THE REPUBLICAN AGENDA IN ACTION AND THEY ARE REJECTING IT OUTRIGHT.

The surge in turnout wasn’t random. A year into unified Republican control of D.C., the establishment Republican brand is toxic. Voters don’t trust them on the issues that matter most, and Republican attempts to use dog whistle politics backfired.

When voters were asked which policy issue mattered most in their vote for Governor, a massive 39% indicated that healthcare was a deciding factor in their vote, and an overwhelming 77% of those who voted on healthcare supported Northam. And we expect the environment to continue changing in our favor, especially if Washington Republicans follow through on their plan to hike middle class taxes in order to pay for cuts for millionaires and big corporations.



Republican Responses
Republican National Committee
Nov. 8, 2017 10:45 a.m.

ICYMI: RNC Chairwoman McDaniel: RNC In Strong Position Headed Into 2018 Midterms

Chairwoman McDaniel: We're getting ready for 2018

CHAIRWOMAN MCDANIEL: Listen Bill, we're back to status quo. Republicans won five special elections including Utah last night that they should have won and Democrats won two governorships that they should have won, so nothing really changed. They're going to try and create this big narrative. They should have won Virginia and New Jersey but what we're seeing is voters across this country want to see things get done in Washington and at the RNC we're seeing record fundraising in support of President Trump and his agenda, so as Republicans we need to keep working on behalf of the American people and accomplish the things we ran on and at the RNC we're already in these battleground states getting ready for 2018 and I think we're in a better position than we've ever been in the midterms.

 
###

  5:40 PM - 7 Nov 2017 18 hours ago

Ed Gillespie worked hard but did not embrace me or what I stand for. Don’t forget, Republicans won 4 out of 4 House seats, and with the economy doing record numbers, we will continue to win, even bigger than before!


Republican State Leadership Committee
November 8, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

David James

Enhanced Liberal Operations Result in Blue States Voting More Blue

RSLC Continues to Push Focus on State Races

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 8, 2017) –  Going into Election night, the Republican State Leadership Committee had helped to build ten Republican majorities across seven traditionally blue states including the Washington Senate and Virginia House.  Democrats and their liberal billionaire allies outspent Republicans by millions to achieve operational victories in already blue states.  For example, going into election night, Republicans held a 66-34 majority in Virginia’s House of Delegates, including 17 districts that Hillary Clinton won in 2016. Democrats knew they had to spend heavily this cycle to compete in districts that they won at the federal level in multiple cycles.

With most of the returns now reported, RSLC President Matt Walter released the following statement regarding Tuesday night’s election returns and what they mean for 2018:

“The numbers show Democrats spent millions more to fight in state and local races. Their money was invested in a network of over a dozen new and enhanced liberal, special interest groups, modeled after the RSLC’s successful 2010 REDMAP program. Virginia, Washington and New Jersey have been blue states, despite what some in the national media may try to suggest, and Republicans moved deep into their turf over the past eight years. Opposition to freedom, security and economic opportunity, led by Barack Obama and Eric Holder, is real and well-funded.  Blue state majorities in Washington, Virginia and other states will remain targets in the coming years, but the results from last night indicate an elevated threat level to more of the 2010 REDMAP successes.  We must be prepared for the Democrats’ enhanced organization and spending abilities.”

Initial data from Tuesday night tells us:

Virginia – What we know so far, as final results are still to be certified, as the HOD is still in play at this hour:

  • 96 of 100 state House Districts voted for the same Party as the 2016 presidential election results.
  • Of the 15 seats that appear to have flipped to Democrats, 14 of the 15 voted for Clinton in 2016.
  • Republicans still hold three Clinton districts (HD40, 94 and 100), while Democrats will hold only 1 Trump district (HD85).
Washington

  • In the special election for State Senate District 45, an area that stands in the shadow of the statue of Lenin in the Seattle area, initial returns show Republican Jinyoung Englund at 44.58%—nearly 18 points higher than previous federal Republican candidates.
New Jersey

  • In State Senate District 2, Republican Chris Brown defeated Democrat incumbent Colin Bell, 54% (24,170 votes) to 46% (20,528 votes), respectively.  This district had been carried by both Obama and Clinton by double digits.
About the RLCC

The Republican Legislative Campaign Committee (RLCC) is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to electing more Republicans to state legislatures. The RLCC’s primary mission is gaining Republican control of more state legislative chambers by targeting national resources to support winnable local races. Since its formation in 2003, the RLCC has assisted in bringing successes to numerous legislative chambers, and winning historic majorities in states nationwide. In the 2015-2016 cycle, Republicans retained an all-time high of 69 of 99 Republican-held chambers by defending 56 majorities and flipping an additional three chambers in Kentucky, Iowa and Minnesota, as well as bringing the Connecticut state Senate to a tie.

ABOUT THE RSLC

The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) is the largest caucus of Republican state leaders in the country and the only national organization whose mission is to elect Republicans to multiple down-ballot, state-level offices. Since 2002, the RSLC has been working to elect candidates to the offices of lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state legislator, the judiciary and other down-ticket races. In 2016, state-level Republicans maintained a record 69 of 99 legislative chamber majorities in red, purple and blue states, held 31 lieutenant governor seats, and grew to 31 secretaries of state. To learn more about the RSLC, please visit www.rslc.gop or follow @RSLC on Twitter.

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From Before Nov. 7
Republican State Leadership Committee
Nov. 3, 2017

TO:                   Interested Parties

FROM:             Justin Richards, RSLC Vice President, Political Affairs and Communications

DATE:              Friday, November 3, 2017

RE:                   Previewing Election Night in the States

Republican ranks in the states have never been stronger. Republicans control 69 of 99 legislative chambers plus split control in the Connecticut Senate. Combined with record number of Republican Governors, the number of state governments under Republican trifecta control stands at 26. Additionally, in North Carolina, Republican legislative supermajorities can override the Democrat governor’s veto. This unprecedented success means that Republicans have complete control over the legislature in nearly three times as many states as Democrats.

1) With record levels of success, the political battleground has moved primarily to Democrat-leaning districts in traditionally Democrat states.

Virginia

  • Republicans hold a 66-34 majority in the House of Delegates, including 17 districts that Hillary Clinton won in 2016. The races Democrats have heavily invested in this cycle are almost entirely on turf they won at the federal level in 2016.
  • The National Democratic Redistricting Committee, led by former Attorney General Eric Holder, has invested at least $1 million across Virginia state races, a state President Obama carried twice. Democrats, including Ralph Northam, designed and adopted the state Senate map to their advantage, yet they do not hold either majority.
  • Virginia Republicans have a track record of withstanding previous presidential electoral trends going back to 2013, when every GOP House incumbent outran the 2012 presidential numbers in their respective district the following fall.
  • Virginia Democratic House candidates have been on par with Republicans when it comes to fundraising, something we have not seen in previous cycles, with Democrat candidates outraising Republican candidates in 10 of the 20 most competitive Republican held seats.
  • State Senator Jill Vogel is positioned to be the first woman elected Lt. Governor in Virginia history as part of the Republican ticket aiming for its first statewide victories since 2009. The Lt. Governor breaks tie votes in the state Senate, where Republicans have a 21-19 majority.
  • Nationally, five Republican Lt. Governors have stepped into the Governor’s office in 2017 with a sixth pending the confirmation of Kansas Governor Sam Brownback to an appointment in the Trump Administration. Virginia Governors are limited to one term in office.

New Jersey

  • There are two battleground districts to watch on Election Night, Senate districts 2 and 11, in which $4 million has been spent by candidates and outside groups for both races.
  • SD-2 is currently held by Democrat Colin Bell. State Assemblyman Chris Brown is challenging him for this seat, which Clinton won by 12% in 2016 and President Obama carried by 20% in 2012. If Brown is successful it would represent the second state legislative seat to flip from Democrat to Republican control in 2017.
  • SD-11 is held by Republican Jennifer Beck, in a district specifically designed by Democrats on New Jersey’s redistricting commission to their advantage, yet Beck successfully won re-election in 2011 and 2013. President Obama and Hillary Clinton both carried this district the last two presidential elections.
  • Democrat campaigns and outside groups have outspent the Republican slate on television by at least a 4:1 margin.

Washington State

  • Highlighted by the RSLC’s Future Majority Project and Right Women, Right Now initiatives, Republicans have recruited an incredible candidate in Jinyoung Lee Englund, a third generation Washingtonian, an entrepreneur, and a Marine wife, who is running in the mold of the late Senator Andy Hill.
  • Englund has been endorsed by The Seattle Times who argued she would “preserve a balance of power between Democratic and Republican control in state government.”
  • Total spending on independent expenditures has nearly doubled when compared against a similar Washington Senate special in 2013, which had set the previous record.
  • Big liberal donors like Tom Steyer and Michael Bloomberg invested early in the race, cutting six-figure personal checks as early as August and September, respectively.
  • The Republican-held Senate has been the last break on Governor Jay Inslee’s progressive policy wish list including a capital gains tax, cap-and-trade, and other spending projects. Democrats in both chambers will have to answer for votes on these issues in 2018 elections.

2) Recruitment Matters

  • In the 2015 House of Delegate races, Democrats did not even file candidates in 4 Republican-held districts that Hillary Clinton ended up carrying in 2016.
  • This is not isolated to Virginia as Democrats failed to file candidates in five state House districts in Connecticut, a 2018 RSLC target to flip to Republican majority; and five state House districts in Georgia, a state where Democrats and former Attorney General Eric Holder now blame their lack of success on supposed “gerrymandering.”
  • Republicans have had success down ballot even in districts that Democrats win at the top of the ticket on the Presidential level. In 2012, Republican state legislators won 410 seats in districts that then-President Obama carried at the top of the ticket. In 2016, Republican legislators won 394 state legislative seats that Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton also won.

3) The Left is Reorganizing and Investing Heavily at the State Level Ahead of 2020 Redistricting Process

  • After years of ignoring state legislative races, Democrats are now realizing their importance in the redistricting process and are refocusing their efforts on state legislatures ahead of 2020, beginning with Virginia.
  • Forward Majority, formed by Obama campaign alumni, aims to raise $100 million over the next four years to targeted Republican-held legislative chambers in 12 states.
  • The Virginia League of Conservation voters allocated $100,000 towards VA House of Delegate races which they described as a “record investment down ticket.”
  • The National Democratic Redistricting Committee raised $10.8 million in its first six months. This group has in turn invested over a million dollars into races in Virginia this cycle.
  • Tom Steyer’s political committee, NextGen America, committed $2 million to turn out millennial voters on 25 college campuses throughout Virginia.
  • A cohort of liberal groups including NextGen America, Planned Parenthood, and Priorities USA Action joined together for a $2 million digital ad buy, which ran from September through Election Day to turnout progressive-leaning voters.
Conclusion

What Republicans have learned, and continue to implement, is that voters will support candidates they like, candidates they know, and candidates they believe in. These three pillars have been the guiding playbook to political success for Republicans to reach historic highs and key elements no matter how challenging the national political environment over the rest of the 2017-2018 cycle.


More
Libertarian National Committee
Nov. 9, 2017
Contact: Elizabeth Brierly

Libertarian Party wins 12 races, will challenge Judge Roy Moore

On Nov. 7, the Libertarian Party won 12 races for public office, continuing an upward trend in the number of voters who support the party. Last year, the Libertarian Party set its all-time record in presidential elections when the ticket of Gov. Gary Johnson and Gov. Bill Weld won nearly 4.5 million votes from all 50 states. Under the leadership of Wes Benedict, executive director of the Libertarian National Committee, the LP is succeeding in maintaining that forward momentum in the 2017 off-year elections through a focus on building the party by winning local races.

This year’s elections are not quite over. On Dec. 17, a special election will be held in Alabama to fill the seat vacated by Republican Jeff Sessions when he was appointed attorney general. In the GOP primary, the notorious Judge Roy Moore defeated the appointed incumbent. Moore has twice been removed from his former position on the Alabama Supreme Court, once for defying a federal court order to remove a monument of the Ten Commandments from the Alabama Judicial Building and a second time for directing probate court judges to enforce the state’s unconstitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

The Democrats nominated Doug Jones, who is best known for, in 1998, successfully prosecuting two Ku Klux Klan members for their roles in the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. Although this is normally a safe GOP state, Moore and Jones are surprisingly close in the polling. The Democratic Party has even dispatched former Joe Biden, the former U.S. vice president, to campaign for Jones in Alabama.

Enter Libertarian Party candidate Ron Bishop, who is running a solid campaign focused on libertarian principles and positioning himself as the sane choice between an extreme social conservative and a Democrat who is much too progressive for Alabamians to vote for under most circumstances. Bishop’s website, RonBishopForUSSenate.com, provides a clear overview of his positions on a wide range of political issues.

Bishop faces the challenge of running as a write-in candidate because Alabama election law requires a 20 percent share of the statewide vote in order to retain ballot status. This creates an effective Democratic/Republican political duopoly.

Bishop hopes to raise enough money to hire a skywriter to sky write “Who is Ron Bishop?” above the Auburn vs. Alabama football game a couple of weeks before the election. The campaign would provide attendees with the answer to that question by distributing 100,000 Ron Bishop campaign flyers throughout the stadium.

The 12 Libertarian candidates who won office on Nov. 7 are:

  • Jim Turney — Altamonte Springs City Commission (Florida)
  • Greg Perry — Rome Township Auditor (Pennsylvania)
  • Jennifer Moore — Auditor of Upper Providence in Montgomery County (Pennsylvania)
  • James Fryman — Victory Township Supervisor in Venango County (Pennsylvania)
  • Demo Agoris — Houston Borough Council in Washington County (Pennsylvania)
  • Jeffy Geleff — Exeter Township School Director in Berks County (Pennsylvania)
  • Jason Aucker — Spring Township Auditor in Snyder County (Pennsylvania)
  • Zachary Elliott — Coconut Grove Village Council (Florida)
  • Kevine Cline — Long Beach City Council (Washington)
  • Christopher Nance — Carthage Town Commission (North Carolina)
  • Eleanor Russell — Houston Borough Judge of Elections (Pennsylvania)
  • Jake Towne — Lower Nazareth Auditor and Judge of Elections (Pennsylvania)

Many more Libertarian candidates made respectable showings on Election Day. View more election results.

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Green Party of the United States

Green Party victories and highlights from the Nov. 7 election

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Green Party racked up several victories in local races in the Nov. 7 general election.

At least 127 Green candidates were on the ballot on Nov. 7, of whom at least 22 were elected. 13 ran for state or federal office, so the municipal victory count is 22 out 114 races. In all 2017 elections (not just Nov. 7), Greens won 44 out of 164 races.

Green Party of the United States
http://www.gp.org
@GreenPartyUS

For Immediate Release:
Friday, November 10, 2017

Contact:
Scott McLarty, Media Director, 202-904-7614, scott@gp.org

Green incumbents reelected; big gains for Greens in Connecticut

More Green election results and stories

The Green Party of the United States congratulates the winners and thanks all Greens who ran for public office in 2017 and all those who worked on Green campaigns.

Some highlights:

California: All four Green candidates were elected. All are in Humboldt County and all were incumbents: Angelia Hillman, Board of Trustees, Area 5, Klamath Trinity Joint Unified School District; Jeffrey Dean Schwartz, Governing Boardmember, Arcata School District; Rama Zarcufsky, Governing Boardmember, Maple Creek School District; Scott Kender, Board of Directors, Redway Community Services District.

Colorado: Merrily Mazza was reelected to the Lafayette City Council. Bryan Williams was elected to the Ouray School Board.

Connecticut: Eight out of 29 Green candidates were elected, including Jean de Smet for Mayor of Windham; Mirna Martinez (incumbent) for New London Board of Education; Dagmar Noll for Town Council in Willimantic.

In Waterford, Connecticut, Green candidates won five races for municipal seats: Darcy Van Ness (Zoning Board Alternate), Andrew Frascarelli (Representative Town Meeting District 1), Joshua Steele Kelly (RTM D3), Carl D'Amato (RTM D4), Baird Welch-Collins (RTM D2). Green-endorsed candidates now hold ten appointed and elected seats in the town government. The results in Waterford set a record for the largest contingency of Greens to serve on a legislative assembly in New England. More: http://www.gp.org/waterford_greens_win_big

Massachusetts: Laurance Kimbrough was elected to the Cambridge School Committee.

Minnesota: Cam Gordon was reelected to a fourth term on the Minneapolis City Council. LaTrisha Vetaw won her race for At-Large member of the Minneapolis Park Board, replacing Annie Young, the Green Party's longest serving elected official in U.S.

New Jersey: In a close race, Jessica Clayton has been elected to the Brick Board of Education. Erika Jacho won a seat on the Belleville Board of Education in Essex County.

Pennsylvania: Two victories for three Green campaigns in Bucks County, with Dave Ochmanowicz and Stuart Chen-Hayes winning their elections to School Board and Judge of Elections respectively. Bradley Granlun was elected to Borough Council in Philipsburg; Cem Zeytinoglu won his race for Stroudsburg School Board. Tim Runkle was elected Judge of Elections in Elizabethtown.
More: http://www.greenwaveofpa.com/home

Greens to watch: These candidates weren't elected, but received impressive percentages.

Colorado: Julie Bañuelos received 23% in a race for Denver School Board.

New York: Jabari Brisport drew 29% in his race for New York City Council (District 35 in Brooklyn). In Glens Falls, Robin Barkenhagen received 35% for Councilor-At-Large.
More: http://www.gp.org/thoughts_on_the_day_after

Ohio: Devin Branch drew 33.5% in his race for Mayor of East Cleveland.

See also:

Green Party Wrap-Up Statements for 2017

Green Party news and newsmakers in the 2017 election
Press release: Green Party of the United States, October 31, 2017

Green Party candidates to watch in 2017 local elections
Press release: Green Party of the United States, September 26, 2017


MORE INFORMATION

Green Party of the United States http://www.gp.org
202-319-7191
@GreenPartyUS


A month and a half later control of the Virginia House remained tbd; not until January was the outcome settled...by a drawing
Democratic National Committee
December 19, 2017

DNC Congratulates VA Delegate-Elect Shelly Simonds, Shifting Balance of Power

DNC Chair Tom Perez issued the following statement congratulating Delegate-elect Shelly Simonds on her one-vote victory in today’s Virginia HD-94 recount, securing a 50th seat in the Virginia House of Delegates and shared power for Democrats, if certified:
 
“The power of every vote has never been clearer. Just one vote secured Shelly Simonds’ victory and shifted the balance of power in the Virginia House of Delegates, ending a 17-year Republican majority. Just one vote has cleared the way for Democrats in the commonwealth to advance a progressive agenda that puts Virginia families first. This is the 16th seat flipped from red to blue in the Virginia House this year, and now, 400,000 more Virginians could gain access to healthcare through Medicaid expansion. That’s what happens when Democrats stand up to Republicans, organize around our shared values, and fight for hardworking families. I want to congratulate Shelly on her historic win, and every volunteer, organizer, and Democratic voter who made this possible. Simply put, every vote counts.”

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee
Mara Sloan
DLCC Communications Director

Virginia Recount Results In Democratic Victory, Ending GOP Control Of Chamber

Democratic Del.-elect Shelly Simonds’ victory in HD-94 ends nearly two decades of Republican control in the chamber

 
WASHINGTON -- Tonight Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) Executive Director Jessica Post announced the dissolution of Republicans’ almost twenty-year control of the Virginia House of Delegates and congratulated Delegate-elect Shelly Simonds on the outcome of the recount in House District 94, solidifying her win and giving Virginia Democrats 50 seats in the state’s lower legislative chamber.
 
Pending a recount and possible legal challenges in HD-28, Virginia Democrats have now flipped at least 16 seats from red to blue. Nationwide, the number of contested legislative seats flipped by the DLCC and state Democrats totals 34.
 
“Delegate-elect Shelly Simonds’s victory tonight is proof that every single vote matters,” said Post. “With this critical win, Virginia Democrats will add another brick in our expanding blue wall as the DLCC and state Democrats fight back against detrimental policies peddled by the Trump administration and state Republicans. The DLCC is committed to keeping our organizers and legal team on the ground in Virginia until every ballot is counted fairly.”
 
Below is a list of the 16 Virginia House districts that have flipped to Democratic control in 2017:

Jennifer Carroll Foy, HD-02
Wendy Gooditis, HD-10
Chris Hurst, HD-12
Danica Roem, HD-13
Kelly Fowler, HD-21
David Reid, HD-32
Elizabeth Guzman, HD-31
Kathy Tran, HD-42
Lee Carter, HD-50
Hala Ayala, HD-51
Karrie Delaney, HD-67
Dawn Adams, HD-68
Schuyler VanValkenburg, HD-72
Debra Rodman, HD-73
Cheryl Turpin, HD-85
Shelly Simonds, HD-94

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is the only organization exclusively committed to electing Democrats to state legislatures all over the country and winning Democratic control of chambers. For over two decades, the DLCC has been working with state legislative leaders to invest strategically in state programs, which has led to Democrats flipping 34 contested seats in 2017 alone. The DLCC is building on Democrats’ winning momentum and continues to lay the groundwork for substantial gains in 2018 in statehouses nationwide. State Democrats recently scored critical victories in Washington, Virginia, Oklahoma, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Florida, New York, New Hampshire, Georgia, and elsewhere. You can learn more about critical upcoming elections and follow DLCC’s Spotlight Races at races.dlcc.org.
 
For more information or to schedule an interview with the DLCC, please contact Mara Sloan at mara@dlcc.org.
 
# # #

Virginia House Democratic Caucus
December 20, 2017

House Dems’ Statement on Erroneous Court Ruling in HD-94 ​

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Virginia House Democratic Caucus today issued the following statement from our attorney Marc Elias in response to today’s erroneous ruling by the Newport News Circuit Court:

“Today’s decision by the court was wrong, and Delegate-elect Shelly Simonds should have been certified the winner. We are currently assessing all legal options before us as we fight for a just result.

“The Republicans themselves had affirmed that this result was accurate yesterday before changing their minds today. After conceding this seat and their majority, they are now desperately trying to claw both back ‘like a snarling dog that won’t let go of a bone.’”
 

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______________

December 21, 2017

RECOUNT IN “IRREPARABLY TAINTED” HOUSE RACE NARROWS MARGIN WITH LAWSUIT PENDING

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – The Virginia House Democratic Caucus today issued the following statements following a recount in HD-28 that resulted in a net gain of nine votes for Democratic nominee Rev. Joshua Cole:
 
“Today’s recount cut the margin to only 73 votes, approximately half of the 147 misassigned ballots cast in this race,” said Cole, an area pastor. “We know that there were 61 ballots included in this total from voters living in the 88th District. We also know there were 86 voters whose ballots should have been counted today but they were instead given ballots for two other House Districts. The Washington Post Editorial Board has rightfully called these results ‘irreparably tainted’ and we agree. This fight is not over until every vote is cast and counted in the proper district. The only way that can happen is with a new election. We look forward to the court’s decision Jan. 5. ”
 
“We will continue to fight both for Joshua and for Delegate-elect Shelly Simonds, the rightful winner in HD-94,” said House Democratic Leader David J. Toscano and Caucus Chair Charniele Herring. “The majority remains in play, and we hope to achieve just results for the voters in both these districts.”
 
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______________
December 22, 2017

BY BREAKING RECOUNT RULES, DAVID YANCEY IS LIKE THE GRINCH WHO STOLE THE ELECTION

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia House Democratic Caucus issued the following statement from communications director Katie Baker calling out Delegate David Yancey for breaking recount rules in a desperate effort to steal the election after Delegate-elect Shelly Simonds was declared the rightful winner by both Democrats and Republicans in HD-94:
 
“David Yancey is like the Grinch who stole the election, desperately struggling not to be pulled under by the blue wave of citizens demanding change across Virginia.

“The recount process worked the way it was supposed to work, with both a Democrat and a Republican appointed by each campaign working together to review every ballot that the machine could not read. Every Democrat and every Republican signed a statement affirming that the final result was accurate, and since there were no ballots on which the parties disagreed, the meeting of the Circuit Court was supposed to be a formality. House Republicans even issued a press release conceding both the seat and their majority.

“But the next day, the Yancey team decided to suddenly spring a surprise ballot in court, changing the rules midstream after a Republican observer claimed he had doubts after the fact about a decision he had made. In any race in which a candidate loses by one vote, it should be no surprise that there are regrets and second-guesses on the losing side.
 
“As long as Republicans are changing the rules, there were other ambiguous ballots that could have been re-litigated. However, our motion to be afforded the same opportunity was denied. This is a subversion of the process by a losing candidate who won’t let go of his power ‘like a snarling dog that won't let go of a bone.’* We believe that when the judges have a chance to consider this again, they will make the right choice to ensure the integrity of the recount process, which would otherwise be broken for all elections to come.”  
 
*Please see the Richmond Times-Dispatch editorial from which we are quoting. 
 

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Meeting:
State Board of Elections - December 27, 2017

 
Meeting Details
Date / Time 12/27/2017  11:00 am
Location Patrick Henry Building
West Reading Room
1111 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219 
Board Website http://elections.virginia.gov 
Agenda document not available
Disability Friendly? Yes       Deaf interpreter available upon request? No
Purpose of the meeting Meeting is scheduled for the State Board of Elections to publicly determine by lot the candidate in the 94th House of Delegates district that will be declared elected.
Meeting Scope
X
General business
 
Discuss particular regulations / chapters
 
Public hearing to discuss a proposed change

Virginia State Board of Elections
For Immediate Release

December 26, 2017
For More Information: Dena Potter
News Advisory

STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS MEETING POSTPONED

RICHMOND, VA – Virginia State Board of Elections Chairman James Alcorn released the following statement:

“After receiving notice of the pending litigation concerning the HD94 election, we have decided to postpone tomorrow’s planned drawing. While our planned drawing for tomorrow was in full compliance with the Code of Virginia, neutral election administrators should not be choosing election winners - or influencing the next Speaker of the House. Drawing names is an action of last resort. Any substantive concerns regarding the election or recount should be resolved before a random drawing is conducted. This will best serve the voters of HD94 and the rest of the Commonwealth.”

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Virginia House Republican Caucus
December 29, 2017

House Republican Leaders announce response to court filing in HD 94; plans to organize House on Jan. 10

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker-designee Kirk Cox and House Republican Leadership on Friday announced a court filing in Newport News Circuit Court opposing the motion by Shelly Simonds asking the Court to reconsider the certification of the results in House District 94. Attorneys representing Delegate David Yancey and the House Republican Caucus also sent a letter to the State Board of Elections urging a clear and expeditious resolution in House District 94.

In the court filing, attorney’s for Delegate Yancey say, “The Petitioner has raised no new evidence or law to this Recount Court for consideration to suspend or set aside its decision of December 20, 2017. The Motion to Suspend the Recount Court’s Order of December 20, 2017 certifying the election results for the Virginia House of Delegates 94th District as a tie between candidates, Shelly A. Simonds and David E. Yancey, is effectively a restatement of Petitioner’s Motion for Reconsideration on an Expedited Basis. Parties have one, but only one, full and fair opportunity to argue a question of law. The Petitioner had her opportunity and vigorously argued her position. After arguments, the Recount Court deliberated and returned with its decision and certified a recount of 11,608 votes for each candidate, resulting in a tie.”

Attorneys representing Delegate Yancey and the House Republican Caucus also sent a letter to the State Board of Elections in which they say, “According to the Va. Code §24.2-674, however, “drawing names” is the only resort.  The State Board of Elections is obligated to act, and the delay sought by counsel for Ms. Simonds only circumvents the laws of this Commonwealth and, ultimately, deprives the people of House District 94 their rightful representative in the House of Delegates. The people of Virginia deserve a quick resolution of this proceeding in accordance with the process laid out in the Code of Virginia.”

“The work of the General Assembly begins on January 10, regardless of the outcome in House District 94. We have a budget to balance, schools to improve, and an opioid crisis to fight,” said Speaker-designee Kirk Cox. “Democrats have sought to delay and obstruct at every turn. Virginia law lays out a clear process to resolve issues; they’ve ignored that process and sought to litigate their way to victory. Ultimately, their efforts could deny the people of the 94th District their rightful representation in the House. This is a deliberate strategy to make it more difficult for the House to organize smoothly and to improve their negotiating position.”

You can read the full letter sent to the State Board of Elections by clicking here, the Memorandum in Support of Objections by clicking here, the Objection to Motion to Reconsider by clicking here, the Objection to Motion to Suspend Order by clicking here.


Medium Post by House Democratic Leader David J. Toscano
January 1, 2018

GOVERNANCE BY TAINTED ELECTIONS AND COIN FLIPS? VIRGINIA VOTERS DESERVE BETTER

The 2017 Virginia House of Delegates elections were truly historic. In picking up 15 seats, Democrats made gains not seen since the 1880s. Now, House Democrats are knocking on the door of the majority, but two things are holding us back. An “irreparably tainted” election in one House district and an insidious effort to reverse a Democratic victory in another. Virginia voters deserve better.

Virginians believe strongly in their fundamental right to vote for their preferred candidates when electing their representatives. Every vote should be counted and every vote should count. Yet in House District 28, 147 voters were given the wrong ballot and were therefore disenfranchised from casting a vote in the district in which they live. After a recount, Democrat Joshua Cole is only 73 votes behind his Republican opponent, less than one-half the number of the votes not counted in the proper district. We hear over and over from Republicans about alleged voter fraud, but here is a case in which our Department of Elections has concluded that real, identifiable voters were actually disenfranchised. The only real solution to this problem is to hold a new election in which all voters in HD-28 can receive correct ballots and vote for the candidate of their choice. The Republican response to this call has been outright resistance. Respect for the Constitution and the rule of law both suggest that Republicans should join Democrats in a call for a new election. Virginians deserve better.

In Newport News, the situation is even more bizarre. Democrat Shelly Simonds won here in a recount by one vote, with both Republicans and Democrats signing off on the result. The next day, the Republicans decided to violate the rules and throw a Hail Mary pass designed to convince local judges to count an additional ballot in their favor, with no legal justification and no advance notice to opposing counsel. A similar request by the Democrats was then rejected, the recount total was redone, and the race is suddenly tied. Under Virginia law, the way to resolve a tied election is “by lot,” and the State Board of Elections is set to do so on Jan. 4. Drawing a name from a hat may determine the balance of power in the House of Delegates?! Virginians deserve better.

Democrats will keep fighting for the majority because it will bring us what Virginians want — Medicaid expansion, investments in all levels of education, and a new Virginia economy that creates more jobs that pay a living wage. We will also lay down a marker to do politics in new and creative ways, including real power sharing in Richmond — on committees, in the appointment of judges, in redistricting reform. Our historic gains in the House of Delegates were a resounding rejection of the toxic, Trumpian rhetoric and policies that defined the Republican strategy both up and down the ballot this year. Virginians in this election spoke loudly and clearly that they wanted new leadership and new ways of thinking about politics, and Democrats won because we are committed to giving this to them. Their voices should not be silenced by tainted elections or games of chance.

###


Virginia House Republican Caucus
January 4, 2018

Republican Delegate David Yancey certified as winner in HD 94

Delegate David Yancey won the draw Thursday to determine the winner of the election in House District 94, and was immediately certified by the State Board of Elections. Yancey’s certification comes just six days before the start of the 2018 General Assembly session

“The past few weeks have been unprecedented to say the least, but the process laid out in state law worked,” said Speaker-designee Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights). “Now, it’s time to get to work. We are six short days from the start of the General Assembly session and the people of the 94th House District deserve representation on opening day. Delegate David Yancey has and will continue to serve the people of the 94th District with distinction.”

“This race could not have been any closer and when I return to the House of Delegates I want all residents of Newport News to know I am ready to serve as their Delegate and look forward to hearing how I can improve the lives of all,” said Delegate David Yancey (R- Newport News). “Shelly Simonds ran a great campaign and I thank her for her service on the Newport News School Board. I look forward to her continued involvement in issues that matter to the people of the 94th. The election is behind us, the outcome is clear, and my responsibility now is to begin the work I was re-elected to do.”

“In a letter written Wednesday, Shelly Simonds indicated she would not pursue an additional recount or further legal action in this race, and we sincerely hope she sticks to her word,” said House Majority Leader Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah). “An additional recount, while clearly allowed by law, would deny the people of the 94th District representation and make it more difficult for the House to organize smoothly. This was a historic election, but now it’s time to begin the work of governing.”

“Delegate David Yancey has served the people of Newport News well, and he will continue to over the next two years,” said Caucus Chairman Tim Hugo (R-Fairfax).“He has fought to improve workforce training, fund local schools, and reduce congestion for busy commuters on the peninsula. We are excited he will get to continue that work in Richmond.”
“It’s been an honor to serve with Delegate Yancey and I’m glad I’ll continue to have that privilege,” said House Majority Whip Nick Rush (R-Christiansburg). “It’s time to put this election behind us and get to work on improving our Commonwealth.”


Virginia House Democratic Caucus
January 4, 2018

STATEMENT FROM SHELLY SIMONDS ON TODAY’S DRAWING

RICHMOND, Va. – Shelly Simonds today issued the following statement on today’s drawing in Richmond:

“When people asked me today if I felt lucky, the answer was and always will be ‘yes.’ I have a wonderful life, family, career and community. I have health care. I had access to a quality education. I can see a doctor when I’m sick. Not everyone in this world, this country, and the 94th District is as lucky. There are nearly 400,000 Virginians who have been denied access to affordable health care through Medicaid expansion. I hope our lawmakers in the House of Delegates do not leave their fate to a game of chance.
 
“I am tremendously grateful to my supporters. They will be the first to know of any next steps.” 

###


Virginia House Republican Caucus
January 5, 2018

Court dismisses House Democrats Lawsuit in HD 28, clearing way for Bob Thomas to be sworn in next week

Late Friday evening, a federal judge denied a request from House Democrats seeking to prevent Delegate-elect Bob Thomas from being seated and ordering a new election in House District 28. Judge Ellis ruled from the bench that the plaintiffs could not show likelihood of success on any of their claims and urged the parties to promptly enter motions for a full dismissal. This marks more than a half-dozen court motions filed by House Democrats that have all been thrown out in state or federal court.

“Since election day, Delegate-elect Bob Thomas has become a great colleague and friend to many in the House of Delegates,” said Speaker-Designee Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights). “He is a hard worker who has not allowed the numerous frivolous court filings to distract him from preparing for the 2018 General Assembly Session. Today’s ruling from a federal judge says what we have been saying for nearly two months now, Thomas was the rightful winner in this election and we are thrilled to welcome him to Richmond.”

Delegate-Elect Bob Thomas (R-Fredericksburg) will be sworn on January 10th, the first day of the 2018 General Assembly Session. Thomas was not able to attend the court proceeding, due to attending New Member Orientation to prepare for the legislative session.

“Once again, I cannot thank the people of House District 28 enough for placing their trust in me to serve as their delegate,” said Delegate-elect Thomas. “I also want to thank Joshua Cole for the ideas he contributed to the election season discussion. I look forward to his continued involvement in the 28th district. Campaigning is behind us and it’s time to get to work. I want the people of Stafford and Fredericksburg to know whether you voted for me or not, I will represent you with honor in Richmond and champion issues important to the 28th district.”


Dec. 12, 2017 AL U.S. Senate Special Election

U.S. Senate-AL


results AL SOS (2)
Doug Jones (D)
(49.92%)

Roy Moore (R)
(48.38%)

Lee Busby (w/in)
(all w/ins 1.69%)
Ron Bishop (L-w/in)

The Dec. 12, 2017 special election in Alabama proved to be a big headache for Republicans.  In the Sept. 26 primary former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore (backed by Steve Bannon) defeated appointed Sen. Luther Strange (R) (backed by President Trump).  Then in November allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced, but Moore refused to withdraw.  Republican leaders posited all manner of scenarios, including running a write in candidate, possibly Strange or Attorney General Jeff Sessions; having Strange resign and hold a special election; and voting to expel Moore from the Senate if he were in fact elected.  The Democratic nominee, former U.S. Attorney Doug Jones, faced long odds in this very red state; the last Democrat to represent Alabama in the Senate was Sen. Howell Heflin, who retired in 1996.  On Nov. 27 retired Marine Col. Lee Busby launched a write in campaign which attracted a fair bit of attention.  As Election Day drew close Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell changed his tune, stating on Dec. 3 that, "I'm going to let the people of Alabama make the call."  On Dec. 4, President Trump endorsed Moore; in one tweet he stated, "Democrats refusal to give even one vote for massive Tax Cuts is why we need Republican Roy Moore to win in Alabama. We need his vote on stopping crime, illegal immigration, Border Wall, Military, Pro Life, V.A., Judges 2nd Amendment and more. No to Jones, a Pelosi/Schumer Puppet!"  Following Trump's move, the RNC quickly restored its support for Moore.  McConnell did say that if Moore were elected his case would be put to the Senate ethics committee.  Meanwhile Democrats started using the RNC's support of Moore to attack Republican candidates (+).  On Election Day, propelled by high turnout among black voters, Jones achieved the upset, defeating Moore by 1.5 percentage points (+); he is expected to take office in January and will not be up for re-election until 2020.


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