The scandal-ridden governor is still fighting to stay in office his full term.
Announcing that he isn’t going anywhere, Governor Ralph Northam has been scheduling apology events to make up for his behavior.
But the latest Washington Post poll reveals that plan hasn’t worked out as intended.
Northam’s Approval Hits Lowest Mark in Recent History
According to a recent Washington Post statewide poll, Northam’s approval rating continues to drop.
In fact, he’s now in a deficit with disapproval sharply climbing since Northam’s scandals rocked the state.
Asked how Northam is handling his job as Governor, 43% of registered voters approved while 45% disapproved. 1
For comparison, the Post listed Virginia statewide approval ratings from polls they conducted dating back to 1997. Northam’s approval rating was the lowest on the list.
These results are a strong warning sign for the Governor, and the Democrat party.
With elections approaching in November this year, the Democrats have their work laid out for them if they hope to defeat the Republican’s slim majority in the House of Delegates.
Northam, for his part, is limited from running for consecutive terms as governor by Virginia law. Even then, the next election for governor won’t take place until 2021.
However, Northam is battling calls for his resignation.
The Democrat executive hopes to remain in office for the full length of his term.
And with sexual assault claims raised against his Lt. Governor, Justin Fairfax, he may be able to keep his seat.
RELATED: Justin Fairfax Just Got More News That Threatens To End His Career
Support for Looser Abortion Laws Remains in Minority
One of the additional questions in the poll reveals how Northam’s extreme comments on abortion could have lasting effects come November.
When asked how they would like to see Virginia’s abortion laws changed, 35% or voters polled supported stricter laws with 21% supporting looser restrictions. 37% wished to see restrictions remain the same.
A follow-up question asked whether abortion should be legal when the mother’s health is at risk.
This reflects current Virginia law and is supported 60 to 33 percent.
Left-leaning news outlets have skewed this number to be outstanding support for Delegate Kathy Tran’s third-trimester abortion bill, HB 2491.
However, Tran’s proposal, which Governor Northam supported, was far more extreme.
Tran’s bill would have permitted abortion until just before birth for any cause that would likely “impair the mental or physical health of the woman.”2
In fact, this was the bill that first ignited conservative outrage in Virginia.
It was the Governor’s attempt at “damage control” during a live radio interview that drew the spotlight onto him and kicked off the series of scandals that have plagued Democrats since.
RELATED: Northam Advocates for Allowing Abortion Moments Before Birth; Even Post-Birth
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