RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Labor Day typically marks the unofficial beginning of campaign season, signaling the final stretch for Virginia’s gubernatorial candidates leading up to Election Day.

“Every mistake is amplified, and every poor message and wasted dollar are more significant now than they were six months ago,” commented Randolph-Macon Political Science Professor Rich Meagher.

Meagher mentioned that the concluding days and weeks of the campaign are an opportunity for Republicans, including gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears, to reset and present a united front to voters.

Earlier this year, Earle-Sears and the Republican lieutenant governor nominee, John Reid, had not spoken for weeks following Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s request for Reid to withdraw from the race.

“After a challenging year, I think they’re now asserting that they can achieve victory. They’re coming together, investing resources, and putting in effort because this election might be attainable,” Meagher stated.

In contrast, Meagher suggested that the perceived gubernatorial frontrunner, Democrat Abigail Spanberger, will likely concentrate on reinforcing her message and avoiding significant errors that could alter the race.

“I don’t know if she has this sign up in her campaign, but if I were her manager, I would have a ‘don’t screw this up’ sign, right there, big, on the wall in her campaign headquarters,” Meagher told 8News. 

Meagher added that in years past, candidates had more time after Labor Day to reach voters. However, with early voting set to begin on Sept. 19, Meagher said campaigns have to be more intentional about reaching as many voters as possible, as early as possible.