The Readjusters were a faction in Virginian politics in the 1870s that controlled the state government until 1883. Founded over the issue of readjusting the state's debt, the Party became a biracial populist coalition, with its policies including increased funding for public education and the abolition of the poll tax. However, in 1883, the Democrats - partially through appeals to white supremacy - managed to re-take control of the state government and essentially end the political existence of the Readjusters.
So, is there any way that the Readjusters could've survived and become a permanent force in Virginia politics? While the party itself might not have been sustainable, could its brand of biracial populism have lived on? For example, if it had merged with one of the major two parties - like the Minnesota Demoratic-Farmer-Labor Party, we could have the Virginia Republican-Readjuster Party. And, if this is plausible, what effects would it have? Obviously, this would keep Virginia out of the Solid South, but could there be wider consequences?