Terry McAuliffe wins Democratic primary for Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe speaks to supporters at a campaign event on June 4, 2021 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Democrats on Tuesday nominated former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe to face Republican Glenn Youngkin in the state's November gubernatorial election, per AP. Why it matters: McAuliffe, who entered the primary in December as a clear front-runner, beat four Democratic candidates to secure the nomination. The others struggled to keep pace with McAuliffe's name recognition and fundraising. What's next: The close ally of President Biden's will face Trump-endorsed Youngkin in November in what's expected to be a competitive election as Republicans seek to win their first statewide office since 2009.