Visit WTOP’s Election 2024 page for our comprehensive coverage. Listen live to 103.5 FM for the latest. 

President Joe Biden’s decision to no longer seek reelection may have a big impact at the polls this fall in Virginia.

Karen Hult, professor of political science at Virginia Tech, said many Democrats “breathed a real sigh of relief,” while others were disappointed that their primary ballots were “no longer relevant.”

“I do think there may be an impact on the down ballot races,” she said.

Hult said that anything can change, especially if this is a wave election — landslide votes where a political party makes major gains.

“That is if the Republicans win big, which is not out of the question, or if the Democrats do better than expected, that can make differences that the other races as well,” she said.

She said the U.S. Senate seat held by Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine could be one of the most impacted races, “as well as all 11 U.S. House districts (has) candidates from both parties competing.”

“Most of the other races in the state are probably along predictable lines,” she added.

Sign up for WTOP’s Election Desk newsletter for headlines and analyses from now until Inauguration Day.

When it comes to the shift of focus for the Republican Party, Hult said that happened right away.

She said she believes that the campaign for former President Donald Trump was ready for Biden’s decision.

“The attacks started almost immediately,” she said. “Those had been prepared at the end of the Republican convention, they’re on TV airwaves in many parts of the country.”

And with Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance speaking in Virginia on Monday, and more campaign events to come from both parties across the state, Hult said Virginia voters have a lot of say in this election.

“Virginia is in play for the presidential race,” Hult said. “And that can make a difference with the congressional races as well.”

In terms of history, she said the U.S. is seeing something that just doesn’t happen: “We’ve never had a presidential candidate withdraw this late in the election season. … And we’ve not had an incumbent president withdraw from a reelection bid since 1968, when Lyndon Baines Johnson withdrew in March of 1968.”

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

© 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.