L. Douglas Wilder

Virginia voters will help set the tone for national politics this fall when the state holds one of only two gubernatorial elections in the country. Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will explore the stakes during the 2025 Wilder Symposium, “Virginia’s Elections: Our National Importance,” on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 5 p.m. at VCU’s W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. 

Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, the nation’s first elected African American governor, will lead a panel of experts discussing how Virginians’ choices could influence the 2026 midterm elections and beyond. The event will include an audience-submitted question-and-answer session. 

“Virginia has always stood at the forefront of American history, and off-cycle elections give our citizens a unique opportunity to focus on local issues and lead without being overshadowed by national campaigns,” Wilder said. “This election is about the kind of future we want to build for our children, our communities and our nation. Virginians’ votes carry a national echo.” 

Panelists include Wilder School Dean Susan Gooden; political analyst and founding director of the Wilder School Bob Holsworth; associate dean of research and outreach Robyn McDougle; and Niraj Verma, professor of urban and regional planning and public policy and the school’s inaugural dean. 

McDougle will share findings from the VCU Wilder School Commonwealth Poll, showing Virginians are divided on Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s leadership, concerned about the rising cost of living, opposed to Medicaid cuts, and critical of efforts to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs. 

“This year marks a historic moment as Virginians prepare to elect the Commonwealth’s first female governor,” Gooden said. “The outcome of this election will offer critical insights into public sentiment on pressing national issues such as reproductive rights, immigration and the rising cost of living.”