ALEXANDRIA, VA -- The big 2016 elections have come and gone, but the upcoming Virginia governor primary on June 13 is just as important, or arguably more so.

Virginia is only one of two states with elections this year, so the results will be one of the first voter responses to how the Trump administration is doing. The state usually leans red like its neighbors to the south, but has turned blue for presidential elections since 2008. This year, Virginia went blue for Hillary Clinton although Donald Trump won the presidency. These changing voting tendencies have even more significance because Virginia law prohibits governors from serving consecutive terms. Because Gov. Terry McAuliffe cannot run, Lieutenant Gov. Ralph Northam is running against former Congressman and President Obama appointee Tom Perriello in the Democratic primary. A primary victory for Northam would be indicative of how voters feel about the McAuliffe administration.

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On the other hand, a Republican victory would likely give the party full control in Richmond, because the state legislature has a Republican majority. Former Republican National Committee Chair Ed Gillespie, Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair Corey Stewart and State Sen. Frank Wagner are vying for the Republican nomination. The state Senate does not have elections this year, but all House seats are up for election. Democrats would need to flip 17 seats to gain control of the House.

The most recent Quinnipiac poll shows Gillespie leading with 28 percent over Stewart (12 percent) and Wagner (7 percent). The Democratic race is tighter, with Perriello slightly edging Northam 25 - 20 percent. In a general election matchup, Gillespie loses to Perriello 46 - 33 percent and Northam 44 - 33 percent. But 51 percent said they were undecided for both Democratic and Republican primaries. Already the race is becoming a platform to discuss the future of the Affordable Care Act. Perriello and Northam are out to prove their commitment to protecting the health care law. While Northam has touted his medical experience, Perriello released a campaign video crushing an ambulance to symbolize the effects of Republicans' repeal bill.

Democrats are also campaigning on Medicaid expansion, which McAuliffe unsuccessfully tried to pass in the Republican-controlled General Assembly. But another Democratic governor would be just as powerless on this issue if Republicans keep the House majority.

Republicans try to appeal to people that feel the health care law has failed. The latest talking point is news of Aetna pulling out of Healthcare.gov plans in Virginia next year. A number of companies have said without guaranteed federal subsidies, the companies would have to raise rates or stop selling plans.