Virginia Democrats on Tuesday selected their nominees for two U.S. House seats the party hopes to flip in the upcoming midterm elections, concluding a primary season complicated by a failed redistricting initiative. The state's congressional primaries were moved from June to August this year to accommodate a voter-approved redistricting plan that was ultimately struck down by the state Supreme Court.
The court's decision meant that candidates who had launched campaigns based on the new district boundaries had to adapt, with some ending their bids and others relocating or continuing in less favorable districts. Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger noted that the upheaval presented challenges for candidates, requiring them to extend their primary campaigns and in some instances, shift their messaging to new communities. However, Spanberger expressed optimism about the party's chances in the general election, suggesting that up to four seats in Virginia could be won by Democrats.
Virginia currently has six Democrats and five Republicans in its House delegation, all of whom are seeking re-election. Democrats aiming to regain control of the House are targeting at least two seats in the commonwealth. Republican incumbents Jen Kiggans and Rob Wittman are running for re-election in competitive districts without facing intraparty challenges.
In the 2nd District, a key target for Democrats located on the coast with its population center in Virginia Beach, former U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria is considered the front-runner in a four-way Democratic primary. Luria, a retired Navy commander who previously served two terms before being unseated by Kiggans, has received backing from the House Democrats' campaign arm and significantly outraised her opponents.
The 1st District, which leans slightly Republican and includes parts of the Richmond suburbs and more rural northern and western counties, features a seven-way Democratic primary. Shannon Taylor, the elected prosecutor for Henrico County for the past 14 years, is seen by observers as the leading candidate. Taylor also has the support of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and a substantial fundraising advantage.
Only two incumbent U.S. House members in Virginia are facing primary challenges. In the 5th District, Trump-endorsed Republican incumbent John McGuire, a former Navy SEAL and state lawmaker, is competing against veteran Melanie Lucero. In the 8th District in Northern Virginia, Democratic Rep. Don Beyer is seeking his seventh term and faces four challengers.
Former U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello is also seeking a comeback, leading fundraising in a three-way race for the Democratic nomination in the 5th District, which he previously represented.
Additionally, Virginia voters are choosing the Republican nominee to challenge incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Warner. The GOP contenders are accountant Kim Farington, retired Army Major General Bert Mizusawa, and Marine Corps reservist David Williams. Senator Warner, who has served since 2008, is not facing a primary challenger.