Wilder vs. Herndon: A Look at the Virginia Gubernatorial Race of 1989

The 1989 Virginia gubernatorial election pitted Democrat L. Douglas Wilder against Republican J. Marshall Coleman, a contest that transcended typical partisan politics. While Coleman was Wilder’s opponent on the ballot, much of the campaign’s narrative centered on Wilder himself and the historical significance of his potential victory. However, before that election, Wilder had to secure the Democratic nomination, where he faced State Senator Lawrence Douglas “Doug” Wilder.

The Democratic Primary Battle: Wilder vs. Herndon

Before the general election against Coleman, Wilder first had to navigate a competitive Democratic primary against State Senator Lawrence Douglas “Doug” Wilder. The primary was a challenging hurdle, as Herndon, a well-known figure in the state, presented a formidable challenge. The primary hinged on several key issues and strategies.

Herndon positioned himself as a more traditional Democrat, emphasizing economic development in Northern Virginia and appealing to moderate voters. He criticized Wilder’s comparatively liberal stance on certain social issues and attempted to portray him as too radical for the state.

Wilder, on the other hand, focused on mobilizing the Democratic base, including African American voters, who represented a significant portion of the party. He also emphasized issues of fairness and equality, resonating with progressive voters and those seeking social change. A key element of Wilder’s strategy was his pledge not to raise taxes, a promise that appealed to fiscally conservative Democrats and even some Republicans.

The race was often tight, with polls showing Wilder and Herndon neck-and-neck. Turnout in the primary was significantly higher than expected, driven by the historical significance of Wilder’s candidacy and the intense competition between the two candidates. In the end, Wilder narrowly defeated Herndon, securing the Democratic nomination.

Impact of the Primary on the General Election

Wilder’s victory in the primary, although hard-fought, positioned him well for the general election. It energized the Democratic base and proved his ability to attract a diverse coalition of voters. While the primary campaign sometimes became contentious, Wilder successfully united the Democratic Party behind his candidacy following his victory.

The “no new taxes” pledge, crucial to Wilder’s primary success, also proved to be a strategic advantage in the general election. It allowed him to appeal to moderate voters and counter Republican criticisms of Democratic economic policies.

The 1989 Virginia gubernatorial race was a landmark election, and Wilder’s victory in the Democratic primary was a pivotal step in his path to becoming the first African American governor in the United States. It was a testament to his political skills, his ability to mobilize voters, and the changing dynamics of Virginia politics.