Democrats gain control of Virginia state legislature in blow to Republican plans

In a rebuke to Glenn Youngkin, the governor, voters rejected stricter abortion limits and conservative school policies

Democrats have secured full control of the Virginia state legislature, winning a majority in the house of delegates and depriving the Republican governor Glenn Youngkin of the opportunity to enact a 15-week abortion ban.

Democrats maintained their majority in the state senate and flipped control of the house of delegates, where Republicans previously held a narrow advantage. Democrats' victories quashed Youngkin's hopes of securing a Republican-controlled legislature that would be able to advance his policy agenda, casting doubt upon his prospects as a potential presidential candidate.