United States President Joe Biden will be standing alongside Terry McAuliffe, an ally and a fellow member of the Democratic party, to campaign for the upcoming election that will decide who takes the position of Virginia’s Governor.
The two American politicians will be sharing a stage on Tuesday, that is a week before election day, at a park in Arlington, the campaign of McAuliffe announced on Thursday.
The president will be the latest in a long list of high-profile supporters and surrogates to visit the commonwealth on McAuliffe’s behalf as he seeks a second term in office. Polls have indicated a tight race against former private equity executive and political newcomer Glenn Youngkin.
Biden previously campaigned with McAuliffe in northern Virginia in July, speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 people. Since then, the president’s approval rating has slumped after a slew of challenges, including the harried and deadly evacuation from Afghanistan.
“McAuliffe said himself Biden is unpopular in Virginia, so it is got to hurt knowing he is reduced to relying on him to save his sinking campaign,” Youngkin spokesman Matt Wolking said in a statement, referring to remarks McAuliffe made on a video call that surfaced earlier this month.
United States Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the campaign efforts of McAuliffe this week. The Virginia politician wrote on Twitter, “Thank you Vice President @KamalaHarris!! Honored to have you back in Virginia tonight. 12 days until we keep Virginia BLUE.”
Many Republicans say the shifting winds may boost Youngkin and the rest of the Republican ticket. Also on the ballot this year are races for attorney general, lieutenant governor and all 100 seats in the House of Delegates.
The Youngkin campaign has previously not responded to questions from The Associated Press about whether former United States President Donald Trump, who lost to Biden in Virginia by 10%, has been asked to campaign with Youngkin or on his behalf.
Election Day is November 2, and early voting runs through October 30, 2021.
(With AP inputs)