DNC unveils new ads targeting minority voters in Virginia’s governors race

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) rolled out a new ad campaign targeting minority voters in Virginia ahead of the state’s off-year gubernatorial election. 

The campaign includes a six-figure ad buy on Black radio stations and a five-figure buy on Spanish-language radio stations and Asian American and Pacific Islander print media. 

The Hill was the first outlet to report on the ads, which are a new investment on top of the DNC’s $5 million investment in Virginia. 

The ads highlight Democratic gubernatorial nominee and former Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s record as governor on issues like health care, job creation and education. The spots also make the contrast between McAuliffe and Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin, while tying Youngkin to former President Trump. 

“The choice is clear: Virginians will be supporting Terry McAuliffe because he has a real plan to create jobs, end this pandemic and give every Virginia child a world-class education,” DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison said in a statement to The Hill. “Meanwhile, Glenn Youngkin would ban abortion, decimate funding for public schools and bring Donald Trump’s agenda to Virginia.”

The McAuliffe and Youngkin campaigns have both worked to appeal to racial minority voters ahead of Election Day on Nov. 2. McAuliffe has touted his support from Virginia’s Black community, pointing to his campaign co-chairs Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas (D), House of Delegates Majority Leader Charniele Herring (D) and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney (D). The former governor has also touted support from Latino leaders, including Del. Alfonso Lopez (D), the first Latino Democrat elected to the state’s General Assembly. 

Youngkin has also touted support from minority voters and groups including the Hampton Roads Black Caucus and over 100 members of Virginia’s Hispanic community. 

Black, Latino and Asian American and Pacific Islander voters had a major impact on elections up and down the ballot in 2020. Black and Asian American and Pacific Islander voters played a major role in flipping Georgia blue, while Latino voters helped Republicans win House seats in Florida and California.