Here are the results of an interesting poll that was recently conducted by the Washington Post and the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. It shows how competitive two of Virginia’s key congressional races may be:

In the First Congressional District, Democrat Shannon Taylor (who seems to be a perennial candidate for one office or another) is leading incumbent Republican Rob Wittman by a margin of 50%-46%.

In the Fifth Congressional District, incumbent Republican John McGuire is leading former Democratic Representative Tom Perriello by a similar margin of 51%-46%.

These results show a significant deterioration in the Republican vote in both districts when compared to the 2021 gubernatorial campaign and the 2024 presidential campaign, largely driven by President Trump’s declining popularity in both districts.

Obviously, no poll can determine the outcome of a campaign, but this is the first poll I have seen in these races, and it shows how competitive they could be.

The other congressional race to watch in Virginia is in the Second Congressional District, where incumbent Republican Jen Kiggans is being challenged by former Democratic Representative Elaine Luria. I have seen no published polls on that race.

BILL BOLLING served as the 39th lieutenant governor for Virginia.