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For that, Northam can thank Perriello, who nationalized the race in ways that should send shudders down the spines of Republicans across the country. While the Virginia press was initially skeptical of Perriellos constant hammering of Trump, Northams campaign eventually took up that mantle. His biggest moment of the campaign was when he referred to the president as a narcissistic maniac.

On policy, Northam followed Perriello on several issues. Once Perriello released his proposal for free community college, the Northam campaign issued its own (much smaller) proposal a week later. A day after Perriello announced his run, Northam appeared at a Fight for $15 rally.

Perriello nationalized the race in other respects. In addition to running on a broad platform centered on the minimum wage and college tuition, Perriello was able to bring a substantial level of national heat, including endorsements from Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Clinton campaign chair John Podesta, and others. He was able to chip away at Northams financial advantage, particularly with the help of George Soros. Message-wise, he pitched himself as a through line between Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders, a model for the future of the party: a Democrat who could speak movingly about racial reconciliation while also connecting with blue-collar voters about automation, wages, and the degrading effect of corporate money on politics.

Tom had a major impact on how this race was run, said Prince William County School Board Chairman Ryan Sawyers, the first Virginia elected official to endorse Perriello. He definitely changed the direction, changed the tone of Dr. Northams campaign by nationalizing this race, and I think that has great effectiveness for the party. Caroline Wadhams, a Perriello volunteer who worked with him at the State Department and the Center for American Progress, saw a silver lining to the loss. I think because Northam took on so much of what Tom stands for, I dont actually feel like this discredits at all the message Tom was promoting.

The Northam campaign, however, was able to undercut Perriellos biggest strength: his progressivism. While Perriellos economic message was in line with populist progressive policies, he was hamstrung by his record on reproductive rights and gun control. When he was a member of Congress, he voted for the Stupak amendment, which limited abortion access, and touted a high NRA rating. Northam, in comparison, has a strong record fighting for abortion access, leading the fight against a horrific vaginal ultrasound bill that made its way through Virginias legislature, and has been a staunch and steadfast advocate for gun control. There are blemishes on Northams progressive record, including his ties to Dominion Energy, the states energy monopoly. He also voted for George W. Bush, twice. But the fact that Perriello wasnt able to run entirely to Northams left likely hurt him.

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In Virginia, Democrats Win and Republicans Lose - New Republic