2017 Virginia gubernatorial election

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The 2017 Virginia gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 2017, to elect the next governor of Virginia. The election was held concurrently with other elections for Virginia's statewide offices, the House of Delegates, and other United States' offices. Incumbent Democratic governor Terry McAuliffe was ineligible to run for re-election, as the Constitution of Virginia prohibits its governors from serving consecutive terms. McAuliffe later unsuccessfully ran for a second non-consecutive term in the 2021 Virginia gubernatorial election.

Quick facts Turnout, Nominee ...
2017 Virginia gubernatorial election
← 2013
November 7, 2017
2021 →
Turnout47.6% Increase 4.6[1]
 
Nominee Ralph Northam Ed Gillespie
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 1,408,818 1,175,732
Percentage 53.89% 44.98%
Northam:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90
Gillespie:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Tie:      40–50%      No votes
Governor before election

Terry McAuliffe
Democratic

 Elected Governor

Ralph Northam
Democratic

Close

Primary elections took place on June 13, 2017. Virginia utilizes an open primary, in which registered voters are allowed to vote in either party's primary election.[2] Democrats nominated incumbent lieutenant governor Ralph Northam and Republicans nominated former RNC Chair Ed Gillespie. The Libertarian Party nominated Clifford Hyra by convention on May 6, 2017.[3]

In the general election on November 7, 2017, Democrat Ralph Northam defeated Republican Ed Gillespie by 8.92% points — the largest gubernatorial margin for Democrats since 1985, though this record would be broken 8 years later when Abigail Spanberger won by 15.36% points in 2025.

The election had the highest voter turnout percentage in the state's gubernatorial history since 1997 with 47.6% of registered voters casting their ballot.[1] At the time, both Northam and Gillespie set records for most votes received by a Virginia gubernatorial candidate though both records would be broken in 2021. Chesterfield County voted Democratic for the first time since 1961. Northam assumed office as the 73rd Governor of Virginia on January 13, 2018.[4]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

Eliminated in primary

Declined

Endorsements

Tom Perriello

Federal elected officials

Local elected officials

Individuals

Organizations

Newspapers

Polling

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Ralph
Northam		 Tom
Perriello		 Other Undecided
Change Research[35] June 8–10, 2017 919 ± 3.1% 46% 54% — —
Hampton University[36] June 1–6, 2017 750 ± 4.2% 21% 29% — 50%
HaystaqDNA (D-Perriello)[37] June 1–6, 2017 455 — 36% 37% — 29%
Garin-Hart-Yang (D-Northam)[38] May 15–17, 2017 601 ± 4.0% 50% 33% — 17%
Washington Post-Schar School[39] May 9–14, 2017 351 ± 6.0% 38% 40% — 18%
Public Policy Polling (D)[40] May 9–10, 2017 745 ± 3.6% 45% 35% — 21%
Public Policy Polling (D)[41] April 13–14, 2017 586 ± 4.1% 42% 28% — 30%
Quinnipiac University[42] April 6–10, 2017 483 ± 4.5% 20% 25% 1% 51%
Christopher Newport University[43] March 16–26, 2017 391 ± 5.4% 26% 26% 3% 45%
Quinnipiac University[44] February 10–15, 2017 462 ± 4.6% 19% 19% 3% 61%
Christopher Newport University[45] January 15–28, 2017 464 ± 4.8% 15% 26% 1% 58%
Close
Hypothetical polling
More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Mark
Herring		 Ralph
Northam		 Other Undecided
Public Policy Polling[46] July 13–15, 2015 409 ± 4.9% 33% 9% — 58%
Close

Results

Results by county and independent city:
Northam
  •   Northam—>90%
  •   Northam—80–90%
  •   Northam—70–80%
  •   Northam—60–70%
  •   Northam—50–60%
Tie
  •   Tie
Perriello
  •   Perriello—50–60%
  •   Perriello—60–70%
  •   Perriello—70–80%
  •   Perriello—80–90%
  •   Perriello—>90%
More information Party, Candidate ...
Democratic primary results[47]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Ralph Northam 303,846 55.9%
Democratic Tom Perriello 239,505 44.1%
Total votes 543,351 100.00%
Close

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

Eliminated in primary

Failed to qualify

  • Emmanuel Peter, bishop[51]

Withdrew

Declined

Endorsements

Corey Stewart

National figures

Military figures

  • LTC Louis E Dorfman III, Purple Heart recipient[71]

State figures

Organizations

Frank Wagner

Newspapers

Individuals

Polling

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Ed
Gillespie		 Corey
Stewart		 Frank
Wagner		 Rob
Wittman		 Other Undecided
Change Research[78] June 8–10, 2017 919 ± 3.1% 41% 42% 16% — — —
Washington Post-Schar School[79] May 9–14, 2017 264 ± 7.0% 38% 18% 15% — — 24%
Quinnipiac University[42] April 6–10, 2017 435 ± 4.7% 28% 12% 7% — 2% 51%
Christopher Newport University[43] March 16–26, 2017 349 ± 5.7% 38% 11% 10% — 3% 38%
Quinnipiac University[44] February 10–15, 2017 419 ± 4.8% 24% 7% 2% — 6% 59%
Christopher Newport University[45] January 15–28, 2017 418 ± 5.0% 33% 7% 9% — 3% 48%
Quinnipiac University[80] December 6–11, 2016 451 ± 4.6% 24% 4% 4% 10% — 57%
Public Opinion Strategies[81] September 18–21, 2016 800 ± 3.5% 38% 5% 4% 12% — 40%
Public Policy Polling (D)[82] June 13–15, 2016 1,032 ± 3.1% 29% 13% — 16% — 41%
Close
Hypothetical polling
More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Bill
Bolling		 Eric
Cantor		 Ken
Cuccinelli		 Ed
Gillespie		 Mark
Obenshain		 Pete
Snyder		 Undecided
Public Policy Polling[46] July 13–15, 2015 502 4.4% 8% 16% 37% 8% 7% 1% 23%
Close

Results

Results by county and independent city:
Gillespie
  •   Gillespie—60–70%
  •   Gillespie—50–60%
  •   Gillespie—40–50%
  •   Gillespie—<40%
Stewart
  •   Stewart—40–50%
  •   Stewart—50–60%
  •   Stewart—60–70%
  •   Stewart—70–80%
More information Party, Candidate ...
Republican primary results[47]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Ed Gillespie 160,100 43.7%
Republican Corey Stewart 155,780 42.5%
Republican Frank Wagner 50,394 13.8%
Total votes 366,274 100.00%
Close

Libertarian convention

Candidates

Nominee

Cliff Hyra, the Libertarian nominee
  • Cliff Hyra, attorney[83]

Withdrawn

  • Jason Carrier

General election

The race had been closely watched by national observers. For Republicans, National Review wrote that Gillespie's campaign was an important example of whether and how mainstream Republican politics can produce victories in a purple state in the "era of Trumpism" and said that the outcome would affect Republican strategies in future races.[84] Many Democrats believed that the election was a test of whether the party could find its way after losing the 2016 presidential election and several subsequent special elections.[85] NBC News reported that Northam was the "hand-picked" choice of outgoing governor Terry McAuliffe, and that McAuliffe's legacy and potential 2020 presidential aspirations depended on Northam winning the election.[citation needed]

Debates

After the primaries, Gillespie challenged Northam to ten debates, but only three were held.[86] The first debate was hosted by the Virginia Bar Association on July 22 in Hot Springs, Virginia.[87] The second was held on September 19, hosted by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce in Tysons Corner, Virginia, and televised statewide by NBC-affiliated TV stations.[88] The third and final debate was held on October 9 at University of Virginia's College at Wise in Wise, Virginia.[89]

More information Dates, Location ...
Dates Location Northam Gillespie Link
September 19, 2017 Tysons, Virginia Participant Participant Full debate - C-SPAN
October 9, 2017 Wise, Virginia Participant Participant Full debate - C-SPAN
Close

Endorsements

Ed Gillespie (R)

Federal officials

U.S. cabinet and U.S. cabinet-level officials

U.S. senators

U.S. representatives

U.S. governors

Statewide politicians

Virginia state senators

Virginia state delegates

Local officeholders

Party officials and individuals

Organizations

Newspapers

Cliff Hyra (L)

Organizations

Individuals

Ralph Northam (D)

Federal officials

U.S. cabinet and U.S. cabinet-level officials

U.S. senators

U.S. representatives

U.S. governors

Statewide officeholders

Virginia state senators

Virginia state delegates

Local officeholders

Party officials and individuals

Organizations

Newspapers

Predictions

More information Source, Ranking ...
Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[214] Lean D October 6, 2017
Rothenberg Political Report[215] Tilt D October 27, 2017
Sabato's Crystal Ball[216] Lean D October 13, 2017
Close

Polling

Polls for the general election varied significantly, ranging from a 17-point lead for Ralph Northam on one end to an 8-point lead for Ed Gillespie on the other, with most polls showing the race within or close to the margin of error. Politico reported that the wide variation in polling numbers was likely due to differences in methodology among the polls.[217] Polls tightened significantly in the last two weeks of the campaign with several showing the race tied or within the margin of error.[218][219][220]

Aggregate polls

More information Source of poll aggregation, Dates administered ...
Source of poll
aggregation		 Dates
administered		 Dates
updated		 Ralph
Northam (D)		 Ed
Gillespie (R)		 Other/Undecided
[a]		 Margin
Real Clear Politics[221] October 29 – November 5, 2017 November 5, 2017 47.7% 44.4% 7.9% Northam +3.3%
Close
More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Ralph
Northam (D)		 Ed
Gillespie (R)		 Cliff
Hyra (L)		 Other Undecided
FOX News[222] November 2–5, 2017 1,239 LV ± 2.5% 48% 43% 3% 1% 7%
1,450 RV 45% 41% 3% 1% 9%
The Polling Company (R)[223] November 2–5, 2017 800 ± 3.5% 45% 44% 3% – 4%
47% 46% – – 4%
Monmouth University[224] November 2–5, 2017 713 ± 3.7% 47% 45% 3% 1% 5%
IMGE Insights (R)[225] November 1–5, 2017 800 ± 3.5% 48% 47% — — —
Change Research[226] November 1–5, 2017 3,648 ± 2.8% 52% 46% 2% – 0%
Quinnipiac University[227] October 30 – November 5, 2017 1,056 ± 3.9% 51% 42% 3% – 4%
Emerson College[228] November 2–4, 2017 810 ± 3.4% 49% 46% 1% – 4%
Christopher Newport University[229] October 29 – November 4, 2017 839 ± 3.5% 51% 45% 2% – 2%
Rasmussen Reports[230] October 31 – November 3, 2017 875 ± 3.5% 45% 45% 2% 2% 6%
Gravis Marketing[231] October 30 – November 3, 2017 1,143 ± 2.9% 48% 43% 3% – 6%
0ptimus (R)[232] November 1–2, 2017 1,600 ± 2.4% 37% 40% – – 23%
Trafalgar Group (R)[233] October 31 – November 2, 2017 1,200 ± 3.3% 49% 48% 1% – 2%
The Polling Company (R)[234] October 30 – November 2, 2017 800 ± 3.5% 43% 45% 2% – 7%
43% 46% – – 7%
Upshot/Siena College[235] October 29 – November 2, 2017 985 ± 3.0% 43% 40% 2% – 14%
Roanoke College[236] October 29 – November 2, 2017 781 ± 3.5% 47% 47% 3% – 3%
Suffolk University[237] October 30 – November 1, 2017 500 ± 4.4% 47% 43% 2% – 6%
Washington Post/Schar School[238] October 26–29, 2017 921 LV ± 4.0% 49% 44% 4% – 3%
1,000 RV ± 3.5% 46% 39% 5% – 5%
Quinnipiac University[239] October 25–29, 2017 916 ± 4.2% 53% 36% 3% – 7%
The Polling Company (R)[240] October 24–26, 2017 600 LV ± 4.0% 44% 44% 3% – 7%
October 23–26, 2017 800 LV ± 3.5% 43% 45% – – 9%
Christopher Newport University[241] October 20–25, 2017 812 ± 3.8% 50% 43% 3% – 4%
Plural Vote[242] October 15–25, 2017 397 ± 4.9% 49% 46% 5% – –
Hampton University[243] October 18–22, 2017 750 ± 4.2% 33% 41% – – 27%
FOX News[244] October 15–17, 2017 697 LV ± 3.5% 49% 42% 1% 2% 5%
815 RV ± 3.0% 45% 42% 2% 2% 6%
Quinnipiac University[245] October 12–17, 2017 1,088 ± 3.7% 53% 39% 2% – 5%
Monmouth University[246] October 12–16, 2017 408 ± 4.9% 47% 48% 3% – 3%
Christopher Newport University[247] October 9–13, 2017 642 ± 4.2% 48% 44% 3% – 5%
Roanoke College[248] October 8–13, 2017 607 ± 4.0% 50% 44% 2% – 4%
Emerson College[249] October 5–7, 2017 318 ± 5.5% 49% 44% 2% – 5%
Christopher Newport University[250] October 2–6, 2017 928 ± 4.3% 49% 42% 3% – 6%
Washington Post/Schar School[251] September 28 – October 2, 2017 720 LV ± 4.5% 53% 40% 4% – 2%
1,000 RV ± 3.5% 48% 38% 5% – 5%
Victoria Research (D)[252] September 24–28, 2017 631 ± 4.2% 46% 44% 3% – –
Monmouth University[253] September 21–25, 2017 499 ± 4.4% 49% 44% 2% <1% 4%
Public Policy Polling[254] September 21–23, 2017 849 ± 3.8% 43% 40% 4% – 13%
Roanoke College[255] September 16–23, 2017 596 ± 4.0% 47% 43% 5% – 5%
Christopher Newport University[256] September 12–22, 2017 776 ± 3.7% 47% 41% 4% – 8%
FOX News[257] September 17–18, 2017 500 LV ± 4.5% 42% 41% 2% 2% 12%
507 RV ± 4.0% 42% 38% 2% 2% 13%
Quinnipiac University[258] September 14–18, 2017 850 ± 4.2% 51% 41% 3% – 5%
IMGE Insights (R)[259] September 12–18, 2017 1,000 ± 3.8% 45% 41% 4% – 10%
Suffolk University[260] September 13–17, 2017 500 ± 4.4% 42% 42% 3% – 12%
Mason-Dixon[261] September 10–15, 2017 625 ± 4% 44% 43% 2% – 11%
University of Mary Washington[262] September 5–12, 2017 562 LV ± 5.2% 44% 39% 3% 1% 11%
867 RV ± 4.1% 40% 35% 5% – 16%
Roanoke College[263] August 12–19, 2017 599 ± 4.0% 43% 36% 4% – 17%
Quinnipiac University[264] August 3–8, 2017 1,082 ± 3.8% 44% 38% 4% 1% 11%
Virginia Commonwealth University[265] July 17–25, 2017 538 LV ± 5.1% 42% 37% 6% – 13%
707 RV ± 4.5% 39% 33% 8% – 16%
Monmouth University[266] July 20–23, 2017 502 ± 4.4% 44% 44% 3% <1% 9%
Quinnipiac University[267] June 15–20, 2017 1,145 ± 3.8% 47% 39% – 2% 9%
Harper Polling[268] June 14–16, 2017 500 ± 4.4% 46% 46% – – 8%
Public Opinion Strategies (R)[269] June 6–8, 2017 600 ± 4.0% 45% 46% – – 9%
Washington Post/Schar School[270] May 9–14, 2017 1,602 ± 3.0% 49% 38% – – 9%
Quinnipiac University[42] April 6–10, 2017 1,115 ± 2.9% 44% 33% – 1% 19%
Christopher Newport University[271] March 16–26, 2017 831 ± 3.7% 39% 40% – 2% 19%
Gravis Marketing[272] March 14–19, 2017 3,097 ± 1.6% 40% 42% – – 18%
Quinnipiac University[44] February 10–15, 2017 989 ± 3.1% 41% 35% – 3% 22%
Mason-Dixon[273] January 5–10, 2017 625 ± 4.0% 41% 44% – – 15%
Public Opinion Strategies (R)[274] December 11–13, 2016 500 ± 4.4% 43% 38% – – 17%
Quinnipiac University[80] December 6–11, 2016 1,098 ± 3.0% 38% 34% – 1% 26%
University of Mary Washington[275] September 6–12, 2016 685 LV ± 4.4% 36% 43% – 1% 16%
852 RV ± 3.9% 36% 41% – 1% 18%
Public Policy Polling[276] September 9–11, 2016 878 ± 3.3% 37% 37% – – 26%
Public Policy Polling[277] June 13–15, 2016 1,032 ± 3.1% 36% 37% – – 28%
Gravis Marketing[278] May 24, 2016 1,728 ± 2.0% 38% 40% – – 22%
University of Mary Washington[275] November 4–9, 2015 656 LV ± 4.3% 32% 44% – 1% 16%
814 RV ± 3.9% 33% 40% – 1% 18%
Public Policy Polling[46] July 13–15, 2015 1,170 ± 2.9% 30% 40% – – 32%
Close
Hypothetical polling
More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Tom
Perriello (D)		 Ed
Gillespie (R)		 Other Undecided
Washington Post/Schar School[279] May 9–14, 2017 1,602 ± 3.0% 50% 37% – 9%
Quinnipiac University[42] April 6–10, 2017 1,115 ± 2.9% 46% 33% 1% 18%
Christopher Newport University[271] March 16–26, 2017 831 ± 3.7% 39% 39% 2% 20%
Gravis Marketing[280] March 14–19, 2017 3,097 ± 1.6% 42% 41% – 18%
Quinnipiac University[44] February 10–15, 2017 989 ± 3.1% 43% 36% 1% 20%
Mason-Dixon[273] January 5–10, 2017 625 ± 4.0% 36% 45% – 19%
Close

with Corey Stewart

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Ralph
Northam (D)		 Corey
Stewart (R)		 Other Undecided
Quinnipiac University[42] April 6–10, 2017 1,115 ± 2.9% 43% 30% 1% 23%
Christopher Newport University[271] March 16–26, 2017 831 ± 3.7% 41% 33% 2% 24%
Quinnipiac University[44] February 10–15, 2017 989 ± 3.1% 42% 31% 2% 24%
Mason-Dixon[273] January 5–10, 2017 625 ± 4.0% 45% 37% – 18%
Public Opinion Strategies (R)[274] December 11–13, 2016 500 ± 4.4% 42% 35% – 22%
Quinnipiac University[80] December 6–11, 2016 1,098 ± 3.0% 38% 29% 1% 30%
University of Mary Washington[275] September 6–12, 2016 685 LV ± 4.4% 39% 39% 1% 18%
852 RV ± 3.9% 39% 37% 1% 19%
Public Policy Polling[276] September 9–11, 2016 878 ± 3.3% 39% 31% – 30%
Public Policy Polling[277] June 13–15, 2016 1,032 ± 3.1% 34% 32% – 34%
Close
More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Tom
Perriello (D)		 Corey
Stewart (R)		 Other Undecided
Quinnipiac University[42] April 6–10, 2017 1,115 ± 2.9% 45% 31% 1% 20%
Christopher Newport University[271] March 16–26, 2017 831 ± 3.7% 40% 34% 2% 25%
Quinnipiac University[44] February 10–15, 2017 989 ± 3.1% 44% 31% 3% 22%
Mason-Dixon[273] January 5–10, 2017 625 ± 4.0% 40% 38% – 22%
Close

with Frank Wagner

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Ralph
Northam (D)		 Frank
Wagner (R)		 Other Undecided
Quinnipiac University[42] April 6–10, 2017 1,115 ± 2.9% 43% 30% 1% 24%
Christopher Newport University[271] March 16–26, 2017 831 ± 3.7% 40% 34% 2% 25%
Quinnipiac University[44] February 10–15, 2017 989 ± 3.1% 41% 33% 3% 24%
Public Opinion Strategies (R)[274] December 11–13, 2016 500 ± 4.4% 43% 37% – 19%
Quinnipiac University[80] December 6–11, 2016 1,098 ± 3.0% 39% 30% 1% 28%
University of Mary Washington[275] September 6–12, 2016 685 LV ± 4.4% 39% 40% 1% 17%
852 RV ± 3.9% 39% 39% 1% 18%
Public Policy Polling[276] September 9–11, 2016 878 ± 3.3% 37% 32% – 32%
Close
More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Tom
Perriello (D)		 Frank
Wagner (R)		 Other Undecided
Quinnipiac University[42] April 6–10, 2017 1,115 ± 2.9% 43% 32% 1% 21%
Christopher Newport University[271] March 16–26, 2017 831 ± 3.7% 38% 35% 2% 25%
Quinnipiac University[44] February 10–15, 2017 989 ± 3.1% 43% 32% 2% 23%
Close

with Denver Riggleman

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Ralph
Northam (D)		 Denver
Riggleman (R)		 Other Undecided
Quinnipiac University[44] February 10–15, 2017 989 ± 3.1% 42% 31% 2% 25%
Close
More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Tom
Perriello (D)		 Denver
Riggleman (R)		 Other Undecided
Quinnipiac University[44] February 10–15, 2017 989 ± 3.1% 43% 30% 2% 24%
Close

with Rob Wittman

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Ralph
Northam (D)		 Rob
Wittman (R)		 Other Undecided
Quinnipiac University[80] December 6–11, 2016 1,098 ± 3.0% 39% 30% 1% 29%
University of Mary Washington[275] September 6–12, 2016 685 LV ± 4.4% 38% 38% 1% 18%
852 RV ± 3.9% 39% 37% 1% 19%
Public Policy Polling[276] September 9–11, 2016 878 ± 3.3% 38% 33% – 29%
Public Policy Polling[277] June 13–15, 2016 1,032 ± 3.1% 34% 34% – 32%
Close

with Ken Cuccinelli

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Ralph
Northam (D)		 Ken
Cuccinelli (R)		 Other Undecided
Public Policy Polling[46] July 13–15, 2015 1,170 ± 2.9% 35% 37% – 28%
Close

with Eric Cantor

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Ralph
Northam (D)		 Eric
Cantor (R)		 Other Undecided
Public Policy Polling[46] July 13–15, 2015 1,170 ± 2.9% 33% 35% – 32%
Close

with Mark Herring

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Mark
Herring (D)		 Eric
Cantor (R)		 Other Undecided
Public Policy Polling[46] July 13–15, 2015 1,170 ± 2.9% 36% 33% – 31%
Close
More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Mark
Herring (D)		 Ken
Cuccinelli (R)		 Other Undecided
Public Policy Polling[46] July 13–15, 2015 1,170 ± 2.9% 38% 38% – 24%
Close
More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Mark
Herring (D)		 Ed
Gillespie (R)		 Other Undecided
Public Policy Polling[46] July 13–15, 2015 1,170 ± 2.9% 34% 38% – 28%
Close
More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Mark
Herring (D)		 Mark
Obenshain (R)		 Other Undecided
Public Policy Polling[46] July 13–15, 2015 1,170 ± 2.9% 34% 34% – 31%
Close

with Ralph Northam

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Ralph
Northam (D)		 Mark
Obenshain (R)		 Other Undecided
Public Policy Polling[46] July 13–15, 2015 1,170 ± 2.9% 32% 36% – 32%
Close

Fundraising

More information Campaign finance reports as of November 30, 2017, Source: Virginia Public Access Project ...
Campaign finance reports as of November 30, 2017
Candidate Amount raised
Ralph Northam $36,708,929
Ed Gillespie $29,344,226
Cliff Hyra $77,370
Source: Virginia Public Access Project[281]
Close

Virginia election laws allow for unlimited campaign contributions in state and local elections.

According to the Virginia Public Access Project, Northam's top five donors were the Democratic Governors Association's super PAC DGA Action; Michael Bloomberg's Everytown for Gun Safety group; the Virginia League of Conservation Voters; Michael D. Bills; and the Laborers' International Union of North America.[282]

Gillespie's top five donors were the Republican Governors Association; A Stronger Virginia; Let's Grow Virginia; Marlene Ricketts; and Dwight Schar.[283]

Hyra's top five donors were Michael Chastain; Hyra himself; the Libertarian Party of Virginia; Paradise Indian Restaurant; and nine donors who gave the same amount.[284]

Results

Even though polls in the weeks before the election considered Northam to be the narrow favorite, Northam won by a larger margin than expected, about nine percent, and more than 200,000 votes. Gillespie was unable to come back from the large margins in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and Virginia Beach, and he conceded to Northam at 8:56 pm EST.[285] Northam's wider than expected margin of victory has often been attributed to Trump's unpopularity in Virginia.

More information Party, Candidate ...
2017 Virginia gubernatorial election[286]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Ralph Northam 1,408,818 53.89% +6.15%
Republican Ed Gillespie 1,175,732 44.98% −0.26%
Libertarian Cliff Hyra 27,987 1.07% −5.45%
Write-in 1,528 0.06% –0.44%
Total votes 2,614,065 100.00% N/A
Democratic hold
Close

By county and independent city

More information Locality, Ralph Northam Democratic ...
Locality[286] Ralph Northam
Democratic		 Ed Gillespie
Republican		 Various candidates
Other parties		 Margin Total
# % # % # % # %
Accomack 4,876 45.72% 5,736 53.78% 54 0.51% -860 -8.06% 10,666
Albemarle 26,969 63.74% 14,857 35.12% 482 1.14% 12,112 28.63% 42,308
Alexandria 40,896 78.36% 10,822 20.74% 471 0.90% 30,074 57.63% 52,189
Alleghany 1,478 33.57% 2,888 65.59% 37 0.84% -1,410 -32.02% 4,403
Amelia 1,403 30.41% 3,170 68.70% 41 0.89% -1,767 -38.30% 4,614
Amherst 3,258 33.29% 6,431 65.72% 97 0.99% -3,173 -32.42% 9,786
Appomattox 1,227 23.72% 3,894 75.29% 51 0.99% -2,667 -51.57% 5,172
Arlington 68,093 79.91% 16,268 19.09% 853 1.00% 51,825 60.82% 85,214
Augusta 6,030 25.58% 17,217 73.03% 327 1.39% -11,187 -47.45% 23,574
Bath 450 30.36% 1,013 68.35% 19 1.28% -563 -37.99% 1,482
Bedford 6,985 25.12% 20,573 73.98% 249 0.90% -13,588 -48.87% 27,807
Bland 388 18.61% 1,676 80.38% 21 1.01% -1,288 -61.77% 2,085
Botetourt 3,409 27.27% 8,965 71.71% 128 1.02% -5,556 -44.44% 12,502
Bristol 1,242 28.92% 3,006 70.00% 46 1.07% -1,764 -41.08% 4,294
Brunswick 2,728 57.35% 2,010 42.25% 19 0.40% 718 15.09% 4,757
Buchanan 1,062 23.38% 3,449 75.94% 31 0.68% -2,387 -52.55% 4,542
Buckingham 1,924 41.81% 2,638 57.32% 40 0.87% -714 -15.51% 4,602
Buena Vista 529 31.96% 1,090 65.86% 36 2.18% -561 -33.90% 1,655
Campbell 4,415 25.41% 12,791 73.63% 167 0.96% -8,376 -48.21% 17,373
Caroline 4,126 49.35% 4,135 49.46% 99 1.18% -9 -0.11% 8,360
Carroll 1,838 22.21% 6,363 76.88% 76 0.92% -4,525 -54.67% 8,277
Charles City 1,699 62.56% 1,000 36.82% 17 0.63% 699 25.74% 2,716
Charlotte 1,419 35.35% 2,559 63.75% 36 0.90% -1,140 -28.40% 4,014
Charlottesville 13,943 84.77% 2,315 14.07% 190 1.16% 11,628 70.70% 16,448
Chesapeake 38,459 53.09% 33,108 45.70% 880 1.21% 5,351 7.39% 72,447
Chesterfield 58,991 49.71% 58,297 49.13% 1,381 1.16% 694 0.58% 118,669
Clarke 2,400 43.07% 3,102 55.67% 70 1.26% -702 -12.60% 5,572
Colonial Heights 1,389 26.90% 3,710 71.84% 65 1.26% -2,321 -44.95% 5,164
Covington 545 40.61% 784 58.42% 13 0.97% -239 -17.81% 1,342
Craig 413 22.43% 1,398 75.94% 30 1.63% -985 -53.50% 1,841
Culpeper 4,990 36.73% 8,423 61.99% 174 1.28% -3,433 -25.27% 13,587
Cumberland 1,292 41.21% 1,810 57.74% 33 1.05% -518 -16.52% 3,135
Danville 6,304 57.16% 4,664 42.29% 60 0.54% 1,640 14.87% 11,028
Dickenson 959 27.84% 2,458 71.35% 28 0.81% -1,499 -43.51% 3,445
Dinwiddie 3,712 44.54% 4,565 54.77% 58 0.70% -853 -10.23% 8,335
Emporia 909 55.66% 702 42.99% 22 1.35% 207 12.68% 1,633
Essex 1,730 46.47% 1,963 52.73% 30 0.81% -233 -6.26% 3,723
Fairfax City 5,380 64.82% 2,822 34.00% 98 1.18% 2,558 30.82% 8,300
Fairfax County 255,200 67.87% 117,141 31.15% 3,663 0.97% 138,059 36.72% 376,004
Falls Church 4,781 78.97% 1,195 19.74% 78 1.29% 3,586 59.23% 6,054
Fauquier 9,430 39.23% 14,332 59.62% 277 1.15% -4,902 -20.39% 24,039
Floyd 1,946 35.44% 3,468 63.16% 77 1.40% -1,522 -27.72% 5,491
Fluvanna 4,267 46.25% 4,864 52.73% 94 1.02% -597 -6.47% 9,225
Franklin City 1,539 60.21% 1,002 39.20% 15 0.59% 537 21.01% 2,556
Franklin County 5,315 30.22% 12,062 68.58% 211 1.20% -6,747 -38.36% 17,588
Frederick 8,363 34.39% 15,656 64.39% 296 1.22% -7,293 -29.99% 24,315
Fredericksburg 4,649 64.38% 2,463 34.11% 109 1.51% 2,186 30.27% 7,221
Galax 409 30.18% 930 68.63% 16 1.18% -521 -38.45% 1,355
Giles 1,604 27.49% 4,161 71.32% 69 1.18% -2,557 -43.83% 5,834
Gloucester 4,356 34.41% 8,159 64.45% 144 1.14% -3,803 -30.04% 12,659
Goochland 3,911 37.10% 6,520 61.85% 110 1.04% -2,609 -24.75% 10,541
Grayson 1,029 22.68% 3,478 76.66% 30 0.66% -2,449 -53.98% 4,537
Greene 2,219 35.17% 4,000 63.40% 90 1.43% -1,781 -28.23% 6,309
Greensville 1,643 56.79% 1,232 42.59% 18 0.62% 411 14.21% 2,893
Halifax 4,037 38.77% 6,291 60.41% 86 0.83% -2,254 -21.64% 10,414
Hampton 28,906 71.58% 11,050 27.36% 428 1.06% 17,856 44.22% 40,384
Hanover 14,755 34.19% 27,779 64.37% 623 1.44% -13,024 -30.18% 43,157
Harrisonburg 6,555 63.57% 3,596 34.87% 161 1.56% 2,959 28.69% 10,312
Henrico 69,969 60.82% 43,747 38.03% 1,321 1.15% 26,222 22.79% 115,037
Henry 4,895 34.82% 9,046 64.35% 116 0.83% -4,151 -29.53% 14,057
Highland 317 30.66% 699 67.60% 18 1.74% -382 -36.94% 1,034
Hopewell 2,728 49.97% 2,641 48.38% 90 1.65% 87 1.59% 5,459
Isle of Wight 5,957 42.18% 8,039 56.92% 127 0.90% -2,082 -14.74% 14,123
James City 15,561 48.93% 15,937 50.11% 303 0.95% -376 -1.18% 31,801
King and Queen 1,039 42.03% 1,404 56.80% 29 1.17% -365 -14.77% 2,472
King George 2,658 37.18% 4,396 61.49% 95 1.33% -1,738 -24.31% 7,149
King William 2,017 33.75% 3,889 65.07% 71 1.19% -1,872 -31.32% 5,977
Lancaster 2,098 43.64% 2,680 55.74% 30 0.62% -582 -12.10% 4,808
Lee 1,304 19.53% 5,289 79.20% 85 1.27% -3,985 -59.67% 6,678
Lexington 1,161 66.46% 572 32.74% 14 0.80% 589 33.71% 1,747
Loudoun 69,778 59.39% 46,396 39.49% 1,312 1.12% 23,382 19.90% 117,486
Louisa 4,481 37.96% 7,153 60.60% 169 1.43% -2,672 -22.64% 11,803
Lunenburg 1,468 40.22% 2,158 59.12% 24 0.66% -690 -18.90% 3,650
Lynchburg 10,047 47.15% 10,959 51.43% 301 1.41% -912 -4.28% 21,307
Madison 1,789 36.28% 3,082 62.50% 60 1.22% -1,293 -26.22% 4,931
Manassas 5,295 56.86% 3,899 41.87% 118 1.27% 1,396 14.99% 9,312
Manassas Park 1,958 63.65% 1,064 34.59% 54 1.76% 894 29.06% 3,076
Martinsville 2,187 58.55% 1,489 39.87% 59 1.58% 698 18.69% 3,735
Mathews 1,386 35.09% 2,531 64.08% 33 0.84% -1,145 -28.99% 3,950
Mecklenburg 3,399 39.70% 5,125 59.86% 37 0.43% -1,726 -20.16% 8,561
Middlesex 1,606 37.18% 2,673 61.88% 41 0.95% -1,067 -24.70% 4,320
Montgomery 15,115 53.73% 12,500 44.43% 518 1.84% 2,615 9.30% 28,133
Nelson 3,015 48.83% 3,020 48.91% 139 2.25% -5 -0.08% 6,174
New Kent 2,729 31.91% 5,711 66.78% 112 1.31% -2,982 -34.87% 8,552
Newport News 30,367 64.66% 15,986 34.04% 611 1.30% 14,381 30.62% 46,964
Norfolk 39,453 73.51% 13,490 25.14% 727 1.35% 25,963 48.38% 53,670
Northampton 2,492 56.92% 1,855 42.37% 31 0.71% 637 14.55% 4,378
Northumberland 2,022 37.83% 3,285 61.46% 38 0.71% -1,263 -23.63% 5,345
Norton 287 33.37% 561 65.23% 12 1.40% -274 -31.86% 860
Nottoway 1,812 42.64% 2,408 56.66% 30 0.71% -596 -14.02% 4,250
Orange 4,160 38.11% 6,653 60.95% 102 0.93% -2,493 -22.84% 10,915
Page 1,809 26.90% 4,850 72.11% 67 1.00% -3,041 -45.21% 6,726
Patrick 1,259 22.35% 4,320 76.69% 54 0.96% -3,061 -54.34% 5,633
Petersburg 7,164 87.72% 938 11.49% 65 0.80% 6,226 76.23% 8,167
Pittsylvania 5,759 29.42% 13,701 70.00% 113 0.58% -7,942 -40.58% 19,573
Poquoson 1,298 26.87% 3,473 71.90% 59 1.22% -2,175 -45.03% 4,830
Portsmouth 20,156 70.21% 8,167 28.45% 387 1.35% 11,989 41.76% 28,710
Powhatan 3,109 27.02% 8,256 71.75% 141 1.23% -5,147 -44.73% 11,506
Prince Edward 2,881 50.96% 2,708 47.90% 65 1.15% 173 3.06% 5,654
Prince George 4,150 40.27% 6,044 58.65% 112 1.09% -1,894 -18.38% 10,306
Prince William 74,932 61.05% 46,454 37.85% 1,346 1.10% 28,478 23.20% 122,732
Pulaski 3,533 29.99% 8,081 68.61% 165 1.40% -4,548 -38.61% 11,779
Radford 2,163 54.90% 1,707 43.32% 70 1.78% 456 11.57% 3,940
Rappahannock 1,488 45.27% 1,772 53.91% 27 0.82% -284 -8.64% 3,287
Richmond City 58,047 81.46% 12,262 17.21% 952 1.34% 45,785 64.25% 71,261
Richmond County 876 36.95% 1,479 62.38% 16 0.67% -603 -25.43% 2,371
Roanoke City 15,099 62.02% 8,890 36.52% 355 1.46% 6,209 25.51% 24,344
Roanoke County 12,650 37.50% 20,648 61.22% 432 1.28% -7,998 -23.71% 33,730
Rockbridge 2,974 37.49% 4,873 61.43% 86 1.08% -1,899 -23.94% 7,933
Rockingham 7,061 27.94% 17,880 70.76% 329 1.30% -10,819 -42.81% 25,270
Russell 1,506 22.44% 5,144 76.65% 61 0.91% -3,638 -54.21% 6,711
Salem 3,134 38.24% 4,946 60.35% 116 1.42% -1,812 -22.11% 8,196
Scott 1,089 17.74% 4,997 81.40% 53 0.86% -3,908 -63.66% 6,139
Shenandoah 3,932 29.53% 9,220 69.25% 163 1.22% -5,288 -39.71% 13,315
Smyth 1,747 22.01% 6,107 76.92% 85 1.07% -4,360 -54.92% 7,939
Southampton 2,529 41.09% 3,564 57.90% 62 1.01% -1,035 -16.82% 6,155
Spotsylvania 15,869 43.12% 20,481 55.66% 448 1.22% -4,612 -12.53% 36,798
Stafford 19,011 46.77% 21,123 51.97% 510 1.25% -2,112 -5.20% 40,644
Staunton 4,047 53.33% 3,406 44.88% 136 1.79% 641 8.45% 7,589
Suffolk 16,621 58.25% 11,623 40.74% 288 1.01% 4,998 17.52% 28,532
Surry 1,658 56.03% 1,268 42.85% 33 1.12% 390 13.18% 2,959
Sussex 1,829 55.69% 1,429 43.51% 26 0.79% 400 12.18% 3,284
Tazewell 1,657 16.41% 8,373 82.93% 66 0.65% -6,716 -66.52% 10,096
Virginia Beach 66,442 51.85% 60,073 46.88% 1,623 1.27% 6,369 4.97% 128,138
Warren 3,531 34.04% 6,711 64.70% 131 1.26% -3,180 -30.66% 10,373
Washington 4,003 24.40% 12,247 74.66% 154 0.94% -8,244 -50.26% 16,404
Waynesboro 2,653 45.00% 3,144 53.33% 98 1.66% -491 -8.33% 5,895
Westmoreland 2,442 45.56% 2,865 53.45% 53 0.99% -423 -7.89% 5,360
Williamsburg 3,725 70.64% 1,492 28.30% 56 1.06% 2,233 42.35% 5,273
Winchester 3,569 53.69% 2,969 44.66% 110 1.65% 600 9.03% 6,648
Wise 1,910 22.14% 6,630 76.84% 88 1.02% -4,720 -54.71% 8,628
Wythe 2,114 24.83% 6,321 74.24% 79 0.93% -4,207 -49.41% 8,514
York 10,068 43.66% 12,708 55.11% 284 1.23% -2,640 -11.45% 23,060
Totals1,408,81853.89%1,175,73244.98%29,5151.13%233,0868.92%2,614,065
Close

Counties and independent cities that flipped from Democratic to Republican

Counties and independent cities that flipped from Republican to Democratic

County and Independent City Flips:

By congressional district

Northam won six of 11 congressional districts, including two that were held by Republicans.[287]

More information District, Northam ...
District Northam Gillespie Representative
1st 44.6% 54.2% Rob Wittman
2nd 51.4% 47.4% Scott Taylor
3rd 67.9% 30.9% Bobby Scott
4th 61.6% 37.3% Donald McEachin
5th 45.1% 53.9% Tom Garrett
6th 38.5% 60.2% Bob Goodlatte
7th 47.6% 51.2% Dave Brat
8th 75.9% 23.1% Don Beyer
9th 31.2% 67.7% Morgan Griffith
10th 55.6% 43.3% Barbara Comstock
11th 69.9% 29.0% Gerry Connolly
Close

Exit poll

More information Demographic subgroup, Northam ...
2017 Virginia gubernatorial election voter demographics (CNN)[288]
Demographic subgroup Northam Gillespie % of
total vote
Ideology
Liberals 92 6 27
Moderates 64 33 42
Conservatives 9 90 31
Party
Democrats 97 3 41
Republicans 4 95 30
Independents 47 50 28
Donald Trump job approval
Approve 8 91 40
Disapprove 87 11 57
Issue mattered most in your vote
Healthcare 77 23 39
Gun policy 49 49 17
Taxes 31 64 15
Immigration 26 74 12
Gender
Men 48 50 51
Women 61 39 49
Income
$100,000–$200,000 54 45 34
$50,000–$100,000 57 41 33
$30,000–$50,000 57 41 13
Race/ethnicity
White 42 57 67
Black 87 12 20
Latino 67 32 6
White born-again or evangelical Christian
Yes 19 79 26
No 67 31 74
Race by gender
White men 36 63 36
White women 48 51 32
Black men 81 17 9
Black women 91 8 12
All other voters 71 28 6
Age
18–29 years old 69 30 14
30–44 years old 61 37 24
45–64 years old 49 50 42
65 and older 47 53 20
Region
D.C. suburbs 69 30 28
Central Virginia 46 53 17
Hampton Roads 61 37 16
Richmond/Southside 54 44 19
Mountain 34 64 20
Education
College graduate 60 39 58
No college degree 46 52 42
Education by race
White college graduates 51 48 41
Non-white college graduates 80 19 17
Whites without college 26 72 26
Non-whites without college 80 19 16
Education by gender and race
White women with college degrees 58 42 20
White women without college degrees 32 67 11
White men with college degrees 46 54 21
White men without college degrees 22 76 15
Voters of color 80 19 33
Close

See also

Notes

  1. [a]
    Calculated by taking the difference of 100% and all other candidates combined.

References

External links

Related Articles

Wikiwand AI