Principles or Power? Virginia Political Scandal Tests Democrats

By John Whitesides

The escalating political turmoil in Virginia is putting intense pressure on the Democratic Party, as three prominent state leaders face allegations of racial insensitivity and sexual misconduct. This situation presents a significant challenge for a party that has been gaining momentum among women and minority voters.

Should these three officials resign, the state’s Republican House speaker would be next in line to take over the governorship, leaving many Democrats pondering whether to demand resignations based on moral grounds or to prioritize preserving their party’s influence in a crucial battleground state.

"This is a moment of reckoning for Virginia," noted Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at Mary Washington University. "Political principles that come at a cost are always much tougher to uphold."

Governor Ralph Northam and Attorney General Mark Herring, who is third in line to the governor, have both admitted to wearing blackface during their college years in the 1980s, actions that have been widely condemned as racist, despite their prevalence in media at the time.

Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, who would succeed Northam should he resign, is facing allegations of sexual assault from 2004. Fairfax has denied these accusations, asserting that the encounter was consensual.

Following the emergence of a racist photograph from Northam’s 1984 medical school yearbook, calls for his resignation intensified from state Democrats and several Democratic presidential candidates. However, as the scandal expanded to include both Fairfax and Herring, many within the party have begun to reassess their initial stances, wary that the controversy could undermine the party’s recent electoral successes ahead of significant legislative and presidential elections.

"This has been a complete debacle," commented Democratic strategist Ben Tribbett, who explained that early calls for Northam’s resignation were made from a position of confidence that a Democrat would replace him. Now, he observed, many Democrats are reconsidering their approach.

"It’s been all about political power. We may not have the principles we believe we possess," Tribbett added.

In the past two years, Democrats have made substantial gains in Virginia, fueled by a backlash against former President Trump, especially in suburban regions. They came close to achieving a majority in the state House of Delegates in 2017 and secured three U.S. House seats from Republicans last year.

Regardless of how the current scandals unfold, Tribbett warned that Democrats would face ongoing scrutiny surrounding these issues for years, as Herring and Fairfax were seen as key contenders for the governorship when Northam’s term ends in 2021.

Women and racial minorities constitute essential demographics for the party, and national Democrats have emphasized racial justice and gender equity, adopting a firm stance against misconduct to avoid accusations of hypocrisy when critiquing Republicans and Trump.

The situation in Virginia highlights the vulnerabilities Democrats face regarding such scandals, according to Republican strategist John Feehery. "When they go after each other on these themes, it resonates deeply."

The Democratic approach contrasts sharply with that of many Republicans, who have rallied around Trump despite ongoing allegations and scandals during his presidency.

For example, Chris Collins from New York was re-elected to the U.S. House even while facing an indictment for insider trading. Similarly, despite a history of racist remarks, Steve King remains in Congress after facing consequences for defending white nationalism.

Democratic leaders have expressed confidence that the party will not adopt a strategy similar to Trump’s, which often downplays controversies. "I don’t think Trump has changed the game," remarked Democratic strategist Dane Strother, recalling the resignation of Senator Al Franken in 2017 after allegations of inappropriate behavior surfaced.

"Democrats have not taken the wrong lessons from Trump, and that’s a good thing. While I regret Al Franken’s departure, he did what he felt was right. As Democrats, we pause and address issues like sexual harassment or racism seriously."