Youngkin vs. McAuliffe: Virginia Must Choose
Isabel Brittin
While most of America won’t go to the voting booth until the 2022 midterms, Virginia has a crucial election less than a month away. While early voting is already open, election day is November 2nd, and Virginians will be voting for their state Delegate, the Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, and most notably, the next Governor.
The current governor, Democrat Ralph Northam, is barred from running given a Virginia law that bars governors from serving two consecutive terms. With Northam on his way out, two candidates are currently vying for Virginia’s highest office: Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Glenn Youngkin.
For many Virginians, Terry McAuliffe is a familiar name. He served as the 72nd governor of Virginia from 2014 to 2018 and before that, he was the chair of the National Democratic Committee. Since then he has remained an active presence in Virginia politics and played a significant role in getting votes. for President Biden. McAuliffe’s platform focuses on bringing jobs to the Commonwealth and is built on his vast political experience within Virginia.
In comparison, Glenn Youngkin was a lifelong businessman before entering politics as the Republican candidate for governor this year. He is presenting himself as a political outsider who can use his experience in business to move Virginia forward.
While the candidates differ greatly in their policies across the board, one thing is clear: climate is on the ballot this election.
As governor, McAuliffe created a Climate Change and Resiliency Update Commission to brainstorm solutions to the climate crisis. In his current platform, he promises to put Virginia on a path to 100% clean energy by 2035, with a focus on creating clean energy jobs and leading a steady transition to clean public transportation.
Youngkin’s website currently lists zero policy initiatives he plans to pursue related to climate change and environmental protection, but he has made it clear that he will not be an ally to climate advocates. For example, he has promised to “change direction from the clean energy plan that was passed” and believes that a long term reliance on fossil fuels is ideal. Youngkin completely ignores the need for states to decarbonize at the local level, and his election would reverse the progress Virginia has made with the Virginia Clean Economy Act, alongside other crucial policies.
Ultimately, when deciding between McAuliffe and Youngkin, it is clear that McAuliffe is the better choice for voters concerned about the future of the planet. While McAuliffe should certainly push for bolder and quicker solutions if he is elected, his policies are certainly stronger than the non-existent ones of Youngkin.
