Key races heating up as early voting looms in Virginia

Early voting is set to begin Sept. 20 in Virginia, and the race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump remains tight.

The vice president leads the former president by three points (47%-44%), according to a survey by The Institute for Policy and Opinion Research at Roanoke College. Despite the statistical tie within the margin of error, Democratic incumbent Sen. Tim Kaine is maintaining a commanding lead over Republican challenger Hung Cao (55%-45%), according to a poll by ActiVote.

Meanwhile, in the 7th Congressional District, the commonwealth’s most expensive U.S. House race has Democrat Eugene Vindman and Republican Derrick Anderson running neck and neck. Vindman leads 42%-41%, according to a poll from Ragnar Research Partners.

Though the two are in a dead heat, Vindman has raised over $7.4 million as of June 30, according to Open Secrets, whereas Anderson has raked in just over $1.4 million. Vindman’s campaign has spent $5.1 million, while Anderson has spent $953,000.

Vindman, a retired Army colonel whose whistleblowing led to Trump’s first impeachment, has been accused by some Republicans of taking in “California money.”

Republicans also say Vindman has dodged all debate requests by the Anderson campaign and is avoiding the media.