homestate Virginia
By Ben Everidge for Thomas
Photo Credit: Visit Virginia
Virginia at the Crossroads: 10 Issues That Will Define the old dominion’s Future
“Virginia is where America’s past collides with its future. Founding ideals, culture wars, and shifting power dynamics all meet here, and the outcome could decide the nation’s direction once again.”
- Ben Everidge
Virginia is often described as a political bellwether, striking a balance between Southern tradition and Northern dynamism. With its mix of urban growth in Northern Virginia, historic centers in Richmond and Hampton Roads, and rural mountain communities in the west, the state faces a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. As the 2025 legislative elections set the stage for this year’s gubernatorial race, Virginia’s direction will matter not only for its residents but also for the country at large.
1. The 2025 Governor’s Race
Governor Glenn Youngkin’s national ambitions have kept Virginia in the headlines, but his term-limited departure opens the field for both parties. Democrats see an opportunity to reclaim the Governor’s Mansion, while Republicans will try to prove that Youngkin’s suburban strategy can endure. Independents and moderate suburban voters in Loudon, Fairfax, and Henrico counties will be decisive. The stakes are high: the next governor could redefine Virginia’s identity on education, economic growth, and social issues.
2. Property Taxes, Education Funding, and Local Authority
Virginia’s reliance on property taxes for school funding continues to stir debate. Northern Virginia counties argue that they send more to Richmond than they receive, while rural communities heavily depend on state support. The tension between state oversight and local authority is intensifying as both urban and rural areas struggle to maintain quality education and services. Tax reform could become a centerpiece issue in 2025 and 2026, with candidates at the local, state, and federal levels pressed to explain how they would balance fairness, equity, and growth.
3. Economic Diversification and Workforce Development
The Old Dominion has long depended on federal spending, military installations, and government contracting. While Northern Virginia thrives on defense and technology jobs, rural regions struggle with declining industries and workforce gaps. The push for diversification into renewable energy, biotech, and advanced manufacturing could reshape the state’s economy. Success will depend on aligning higher education, vocational training, and infrastructure with emerging industries.
4. Transportation Bottlenecks and Infrastructure Gaps
From gridlock on I-95 to the aging Metro system in Northern Virginia, transportation remains a defining issue. Billions of federal infrastructure dollars are being allocated, but delays and political disputes threaten to hinder progress. The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion and Metro’s Silver Line extension highlight both promise and pitfalls. Virginia’s ability to modernize its infrastructure will affect economic competitiveness and quality of life.
5. Housing Affordability and Growth Pressures
Rising home prices and rents, especially in Northern Virginia, are pushing middle-class families farther from job centers. Rural areas face the opposite problem: stagnant housing markets that discourage investment. The next governor will be pressed to find solutions that bridge both realities, boosting affordable housing in growth regions while revitalizing struggling communities in the southwest and Shenandoah Valley.
6. Healthcare and Medicaid Expansion Challenges
Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2018, bringing coverage to hundreds of thousands. Yet healthcare costs remain high, rural hospitals are at risk, and mental health services are under strain. The opioid crisis continues to devastate Appalachian communities, while urban centers face shortages in primary care providers. The next administration will be judged on its ability to balance affordability, accessibility, and quality in a complex system.
7. Energy Transition and Environmental Stewardship
Virginia is at the forefront of debates over energy and climate. Offshore wind farms, solar projects, and commitments to reduce emissions under the Virginia Clean Economy Act put the state on a progressive path. Yet challenges remain: Appalachian coal communities resist transition, Dominion Energy’s monopoly power raises concerns, and debates over nuclear energy are intensifying. How Virginia balances environmental ambition with economic realities will be closely watched nationwide.
8. Education and Cultural Divides
Education has become a political lightning rod. From Loudoun County school board fights to debates over curriculum transparency, Virginia mirrors national culture wars. At the same time, higher education institutions such as the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and William & Mary continue to serve as economic anchors and attract global talent. The next governor will need to move beyond sound bites to ensure that education policy meets the needs of students, parents, and employers alike.
9. Immigration, Demographic Shifts, and Diversity
Virginia’s population is becoming increasingly diverse, particularly in Northern Virginia and the Richmond area. Hispanic, Asian, and immigrant communities are reshaping politics and culture. These shifts raise questions about representation, access, and equity, while also strengthening Virginia’s workforce and economy. How state leaders respond to this demographic reality could determine future electoral outcomes and the state’s competitive edge.
10. Independent Voters and the Balance of Power
Virginia has long prided itself on being a purple state, swinging between parties in both state and national elections. Independents play a critical role in this balance, particularly in suburban districts that decide control of the General Assembly. As more Virginians register outside the two-party system, both parties will be forced to adapt. The 2025 governor’s race may hinge less on party loyalty and more on pragmatic appeals to an increasingly independent electorate.
The Thomas Take
The Old Dominion State stands at a pivotal moment. The state’s blend of tradition and innovation provides it with a unique platform to lead in education, energy, and economic growth. Yet political polarization threatens to overshadow practical solutions. From transportation to healthcare to housing, Virginians want results. Not rhetoric. With independents emerging as a decisive force, the next chapter of Virginia’s story may well be written by voters who refuse to be confined by partisan boundaries.
To learn more about Virginia’s issues, read: