‘Politico’ Ranks Virginia U.S. House and Senate Races

Labor Day has passed meaning politics will be on overdrive for the next two months as candidates and campaigns push their message to voters.

Politico has rated U.S. House and Senate races across the country including Virginia. Here’s an explanation of their method:

We used historical trends, the latest polling data, evaluations of both parties’ campaign strategies and extensive reporting in our analysis. Read about it here.

Every race is rated on a scale. Solid seats heavily favor a particular party. The party has a narrow edge in a Lean seat. Likely seats fall somewhere in between while Toss-ups are races we think are too close to call.

Politico’s ratings for Virginia U.S. House seats:

VA-01: Solid Republican
Incumbent Rob Wittman (R) vs Vangie Williams (D)
Vangie who?

VA-02: Toss-Up
Incumbent Scott Taylor (R) vs Elaine Luria (D)
The recent petition scandal looms over this race.

VA-03: Solid Democrat
Incumbent Bobby Scott (D)

VA-04: Solid Democrat
Incumbent Donald McEachin (D) vs Ryan McAdams (R)

VA-05: Likely Republican
Open seat due to retirement of Tom Garrett (R)
Denver Riggleman (R) vs Leslie Cockburn (D)

VA-06: Solid Republican
Open seat due to retirement of Bob Goodlatte (R)
Ben Cline (R) vs Jennifer Lewis (D)

VA-07: Toss-Up
Incumbent Dave Brat (R) vs Abigail Spanberger (D)
This is one to watch. After Brat’s comment about women in the 7th “getting all up in his grill,” Spanberger has motivated Democratic, Independent, and even Republican women to her campaign, and they will be voting on election day.

VA-08: Solid Democrat
Incumbent Don Beyer (D)

VA-09: Solid Republican
Incumbent Morgan Griffith (R) vs Anthony Flaccavento (D)
Though Flaccavento has a good sign presence through the district, there is no doubt Morgan Griffith will win an easy re-election.

VA-10: Leans Democrat
Incumbent Barbara Comstock (R) vs Jennifer Wexton (D)
If Congresswoman Comstock gets caught up in the blue wave, it will be a shame because she has truly represented her district well and, yes, even the Democrats.

VA-11: Solid Democrat
Incumbent Gerry Connolly (D) vs Jeff Dove (R)

Politico rating for VirginiaU.S. Senate: Solid Democrat

Incumbent Tim Kaine (D) vs Corey Stewart (R)
Stewart’s candidacy at the top of the ticket could cost Republicans down the ballot, including in key House races in Virginia.

Politico’s overall prediction is that the U.S. House may flip to a Democratic majority while the Senate will remain in Republican hands.

Today is September 5 and most of the public is just beginning to notice November’s races. Stay tuned for the rollercoaster ride…..