Democrats lose Virginia governor race attributed to CRT controversy and Biden backlash

Democrat Terry McAuliffe loses the Virginia governor's race to Republican Glenn Youngkin in a result that shocks Democrats and signals growing Republican energy. Youngkin campaigns heavily on parental rights in education, critical race theory, and school curricula, issues that drive suburban and exurban Republican turnout. McAuliffe commits a debate gaffe. He states "I don't think parents should be telling schools what they should teach." Biden's approval rating had dropped significantly after the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal in August. The race is seen as a bellwether of Democratic vulnerability heading into the 2022 midterms, and drives Biden to push harder to pass his social agenda through Congress.