Vaccine mandates come to political campaigns: McAuliffe will require the shots 

Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s (D) gubernatorial campaign announced Monday that all staff will be required to receive the full coronavirus vaccine as the virus’s delta variant rages in parts of the country.

“In the interest of public health and the safety and wellbeing of our team, Terry for Virginia has made the decision to require full vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment with the campaign,” McAuliffe’s campaign manager Chris Bolling said in a statement.

“The only way we’re going to truly end this pandemic and keep our economy strong is by getting every eligible Virginian vaccinated as quickly as possible,” he continued. “The health, safety and wellbeing of our staff, supporters and volunteers is our top priority, and this is another important step to protect our community and get through this pandemic.”

McAuliffe’s GOP opponent, Glenn Youngkin, has not said whether he will require his staff to receive the vaccine. Youngkin encouraged Virginia voters to get their shots in a tweet earlier this month but added that they have the right to make that decision on their own.