Abortion Rights Supporters Win Big in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia

Support our work: We look at the results of Tuesday’s U.S. elections with The Nation’s Amy Littlefield and John Nichols, who say the results leave no doubt that protecting and expanding abortion rights is motivating voters across the country. Ohio approved a state constitutional amendment to protect reproductive access, overcoming numerous procedural hurdles from opponents, and Democrats won key races for the governor’s mansion in Kentucky and the Virginia statehouse based on enduring voter anger over abortion restrictions. “This is one of the best nights for Democrats in an off-year election that we’ve seen in a very, very long time,” says Nichols, who adds that the results suggest the electorate is more progressive than pundits often claim. Littlefield notes that after decades of abortion being treated as a third rail in U.S. politics, Democrats now “need the abortion rights movement more than the movement needs them.” Democracy Now! is an independent global news hour that airs on over 1,500 TV and radio stations Monday through Friday. Watch our livestream at Mondays to Fridays 8-9 a.m. ET. Subscribe to our Daily Email Digest: