In 2019, Republican gubernatorial candidates Kirk Cox and Amanda Chase were on the same Republican ticket in certain localities and precincts. In these places, Cox had a stronger showing at the polls than Chase.
Chase was running for reelection to the state Senate seat for District 11, which consists of Amelia, Colonial Heights, and parts of Chesterfield. Cox was running for reelection to the House of Delegates seat for District 66, which consists of Colonial Heights, parts of Chesterfield, and a sliver of Richmond.
Colonial Heights, a city that votes heavily conservative and consists of only five voting precincts is the only locality that both legislators represent as an entirety. It is worth noting that Cox is from Colonial Heights and has represented the city in the House of Delegates since 1989. Chase has been the Senator for the district since 2015.
Out of 5,788 total votes cast in Colonial Heights for the House of Delegates race in 2019, Cox received 4,579 votes, equaling 79%. In the Senate race on the same ballot, only 5,696 votes were cast and Chase received 4,226 votes, equaling 74%.
Cox also outperformed Chase in Chesterfield County at the precincts they share.
At the Nash Road precinct, 2,535 votes were cast in the House race and Cox received 69%. In the Senate race, 2,514 votes were cast and Chase received 63% of the vote. At the Iron Bridge precinct, 1,313 votes were cast in the House race and Cox received 62%. 1,306 votes were cast in the Senate race and Chase received 59%.
“The usual caveats apply – none of these votes were a direct Cox vs Chase vote,” said Richard Meagher, Associate Professor of Political Science at Randolph-Macon College. “It could indicate some republican voters found chase to be less palatable than cox. It could also suggest, however, that some independents or even Democrats could vote for cox and not chase. Either way, it bolsters one case for Cox over Chase – that he is more likely to win a general election because of his appeal for more moderate voters.”
In addition to Cox and Chase, Sergio de la Peña has officially entered the race. In addition, former Carlyle Group CEO Glenn Youngkin and marketing executive Pete Snyder are expected to officially enter the race in the next two weeks.
The nomination method for Republicans is still unclear. A convention is still the method that was approved by the Republican State Central Committee in early-December, however a movement to change it to a primary still exists – even after a second meeting that took place this past weekend. The meeting ended abruptly without any decisions being made.
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