it sounds like you're seeing changes in your community that might be contributing to a shift in political dynamics. economic issues, especially rising costs and inflation, can certainly influence voters' decisions, and when people feel the pinch in their wallets, it often drives them to seek change, which can benefit candidates who promise to address these concerns. northern virginias transient population, with people coming and going due to government jobs, military positions, or other career opportunities, could also impact voting patterns. economic concerns might resonate more strongly now, and that can cross racial and ethnic lines, as everyone's feeling the impact of rising costs. its possible that people who have previously voted a certain way are reconsidering their choices based on the current economic situation, leading to the redder shift you're observing. the area's diversity and transient nature may still lean nova more liberal in many aspects, but when economics hit hard, it can cause even typically blue areas to shift as people seek relief and stability.
Republican