During the race, Presley had affirmed what he said were his pro-life beliefs, though he still voiced his support for some abortion rights. “My faith teaches me to be pro-life, and I support exceptions in our law for rape, incest, and life of the mother,” Presley said during a recent debate with Reeves. “I’m pro-life, and I have been forever.”
Presley had received financial support from at least one notable pro-abortion partisan. Donor filings showed tens of thousands of dollars in support from Karla Jurvetson, the vice chair of the board of directors of Emily’s List, a group that supports pro-abortion politicians around the country. He had also received support from official Democratic channels, including the Democratic Governors Association, which pumped $4 million into his ultimately unsuccessful campaign.
Presley had denied that campaign donations could sway his opinions, stating during the debate that “if somebody donates to my campaign, it doesn’t change my beliefs for one second.”
Elsewhere in the U.S., voters delivered more unequivocal victories for abortion-rights supporters on Tuesday night.
Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot referendum that adds a new “right” to “reproductive freedom,” including abortion and contraception, to the state constitution, ending a long and contentious fight over the measure there.
And in Virginia, Democrats secured full control of the state Legislature, thwarting Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s efforts to flip the state Senate and enact a 15-week abortion ban throughout the state.
Daniel Payne is a senior editor at Catholic News Agency. He previously worked at the College Fix and Just the News. He lives in Virginia with his family.