RICHMOND — Virginia voters headed to the polls on Tuesday in primary elections that will determine party nominees for a U.S. Senate race and several competitive U.S. House contests, with both Democrats and Republicans seeking to position themselves for a closely watched November general election that could influence control of Congress.
The primary marks an unusual election calendar for Virginia after state lawmakers moved the 2026 primary from June to Aug. 4. The change followed enactment of new state legislation earlier this year, while congressional races proceeded under existing district boundaries after the Virginia Supreme Court blocked a revised redistricting plan.
Democratic incumbent Sen. Mark Warner is unopposed for his party's nomination and will advance to the Nov. 3 general election. Republican voters are choosing among Kim Farington, Bert Mizusawa and David Williams to challenge Warner, who is seeking another term.
Several House primaries have drawn particular attention. Democrats are selecting nominees in districts they hope to reclaim from Republicans, including the 2nd Congressional District, where former Representative Elaine Luria is seeking the nomination for a potential rematch against Republican Representative Jen Kiggans. A crowded Democratic contest in the 1st District will determine who challenges Republican Representative Rob Wittman in November.
Other competitive congressional primaries include Democratic contests in the 8th and 9th districts and Republican races in the 5th, 7th and 10th districts, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. Some incumbents, including Democratic Representative Don Beyer and Republican Representative John McGuire, also faced primary challengers.
Election officials said polling places were scheduled to remain open until 7 p.m. local time, with voters in line by the deadline permitted to cast ballots. Virginia allows early in-person voting and absentee voting, and state officials reported that roughly 139,000 early or absentee ballots had been cast before Election Day.
The Associated Press has said it will declare winners only when vote totals make outcomes mathematically certain. Under Virginia law, there are no automatic recounts, although candidates may seek recounts in qualifying close races. Official results will continue to be updated after polls close as local election officials process and report vote totals.
