DNC chair says he’s confident in Virginia ahead of Election Day

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Ken Martin, the Democratic National Committee chair, shared his optimism for Virginia ahead of Election Day in an interview with Capitol Bureau Reporter Tyler Englander.

"We've got great candidates running terrific campaigns here -- of course, led by Abigail Spanberger -- and I'm really confident and bullish in our chances to win and win big here tomorrow evening," Martin told 8News on Monday morning. "This gubernatorial race here, all the races here in Virginia are really important -- not just for Virginians but for the national party, for both parties, frankly, as we head into this critical off-year election."

When asked how he believes Virginia fits as a barometer for the 2026 midterms and a potential turn from voters against President Donald Trump, Martin said anti-Trump sentiment would undoubtedly play some role in this election.

"But I think it would be a little bit of a mistake to suggest that Virginians and other Americans right now are only voting on what's happening in Washington, D.C. They're frustrated for sure ... But what they're resonating with is the positive message that Abigail Spanberger and other Democrats here in Virginia are offering to them, a plan, a real vision on how to actually improve their lives and strengthen communities throughout the states."

Martin said his confidence was owed to recent polling and anecdotal information he's been getting by listening to Virginia voters.

"There's a lot of folks who are being squeezed in Virginia right now with the shutdown and, of course, the cuts earlier this year that have impacted federal employees ... But also, just the economic anxiety that most Virginians are facing as a result of these disastrous economic policies of the Trump administration," Martin said. "That's why Abigail's winning -- because her message of actually lowering costs and making people's lives more affordable, focusing in on protecting their freedoms, is actually resonating with Virginians."

Martin added that he believes Spanberger's success will not only help other candidates on the ballot but also the Democratic Party's efforts for a House majority.

When asked about how the potential success of the Democratic Party would affect the attorney general's race -- considering the controversies involving Democratic candidate Jay Jones -- Martin said he believed Jones's sincere apology would be accepted by Virginians.

"Look, I said this when those texts came out, which is, it's indefensible. The reality is they were offensive and hurtful for sure," Martin said. "But, you know, he's apologized. I think he's sincere in his apology. It seems like Virginians at this point have accepted his apology, and now what they're determining is who will be the best attorney general. And I do think that Jay Jones is going to squeak this race out."

Republicans see Jones’ texts, government shutdown as opening in VA elections

When asked what he would say to undecided voters in Virginia, Martin emphasized the Democratic Party's new economic platform.

"If you want to build a better life for your family, you want a chance to actually climb the economic ladder and achieve the American dream, then your best bet is with the Democratic Party right now because we're the ones that are focused on those kitchen table issues," Martin said. "If you want more dysfunction, you want more chaos, you want people who only care about those at the top, then vote for Republicans, because that's very clearly what their agenda has been from day one, not just in Washington, D.C., but throughout the country."

Earlier this month, 8News also spoke with Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters about his expectations for the General Election in Virginia. Click here for that coverage.