NORFOLK, Va. - While a Republican presidential candidate hasn't won in Virginia since 2004, local Republicans are hoping this year will be different.
"I'm going to make a prediction right now: Virginia is going to be close," said John Fredericks, Virginia Trump Delegation Chairman and well-known radio talk show host. "Our people are fired up. They're ready to go. They're working hard."
President Trump will speak from the White House on Thursday night for the final night of the Republican National Convention. Fredericks will be in attendance. "I'm expecting an uplifting message from the president of hope and prosperity," said Fredericks.
Trump needs to tout his accomplishments, draw a contrast between himself and Joe Biden, and roll out his agenda for another term, according to Fredericks. "I think if he does those three things tonight and does it in an inspiring way, he's going to win reelection."
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The speech comes during more unrest across the country following a controversial police shooting in Wisconsin. The NBA canceled games on Wednesday night. News 3 asked Fredericks if the President needs to unite the country during the speech. "I think unify the people by calling out looters, those that are burning down cities, creating damage, putting people's lives at risk," he said.
Last week, News 3 spoke with Virginia Democrats about their convention.
A poll out this week from Roanoke College has Biden in the lead by 14 points over Trump, but Fredericks isn't buying that. "We are in much better shape in right now today ... than we were in 2016," he said.
President Trump will speak in primetime on Thursday night. You can watch the speech on News 3.
