Critical race theory took center stage in the Virginia gubernatorial election as education became a key issue on the campaign trail. Throughout his failed campaign, Democrat Terry McAuliffe insisted Virginia does "not teach critical race theory." Media pundits followed suit, parroting McAuliffe's critical race theory talking points throughout their election coverage.
MSNBC's Rachel Maddow went as far as to state on election night that critical race theory is "not a real thing."