With fewer than four months to go before Virginians elect a new slate of statewide leaders, a new poll from Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs finds Democrats holding early leads in all three top races — and voters sharply focused on economic pressures and personal freedoms.

The latest Commonwealth Poll, conducted June 19–July 3, captures evolving voter sentiment in advance of the 2025 election and suggests momentum has shifted further toward Democratic candidates, particularly among independents.

Good morning, Alexandria! Today is Wednesday, July 16, the 197th day of 2025. There are 168 days left in the year.

⛈️ Today’s weather: Expect showers and thunderstorms mainly after 5pm, with partly sunny skies and a high near 90. Heat index could reach up to 100, accompanied by a south wind at 5-9 mph. A 60% chance of precipitation brings potential rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, with higher possibilities during thunderstorms. Wednesday night’s forecast includes storms mainly before 8pm, mostly cloudy conditions, a low around 76, southwest wind at 7 mph, and similar precipitation chances and rainfall amounts.