RICHMOND, Virginia — Virginia election officials on Tuesday prepared for congressional primary contests scheduled later this summer, after a state law moved the 2026 primary election date from June to August, reshaping the timeline for candidates seeking nominations for key U.S. House and Senate races.
The Virginia Department of Elections said the state will not hold congressional primaries on June 16, as originally planned under previous election schedules. Instead, primary elections for offices appearing on the November 2026 general election ballot are scheduled for Aug. 4 under legislation enacted earlier this year. State officials said the change applies to contests for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and other offices.
The revised calendar has extended campaign activity across the state as candidates continue organizing, fundraising and seeking voter support ahead of the later primary date. According to the Department of Elections, early in-person voting for the August primary is expected to begin in mid-June, with local election offices providing additional information on voting procedures and deadlines.
Virginia’s congressional races are drawing attention because control of several competitive districts could influence the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives after the November election. The state also will elect a U.S. senator this year, adding to the significance of the primary process. Election officials have not released final projections for turnout, and details regarding participation levels remain unclear.
State election administrators said the schedule change was approved by the General Assembly and signed into law earlier this year. In a February announcement, the Department of Elections stated: “There will be no primary elections held on June 16, 2026.” Officials said the revised date was established specifically for the 2026 election cycle.
Political parties and candidates have adjusted campaign plans to accommodate the new timeline. Several local election offices have updated voter guidance materials and ballot information to reflect the August primary date. Officials emphasized that voter registration and absentee voting procedures remain available under existing state election laws.
Virginia operates an open primary system, allowing registered voters to choose which party’s primary ballot they wish to cast, though they may participate in only one party’s primary election. Election administrators have encouraged voters to verify registration information and review updated election schedules before casting ballots.
As of Tuesday, no statewide congressional primary results were available because voting had not yet begun. State election officials said preparations for the Aug. 4 primary were continuing, with additional voter information expected to be released in the coming weeks.
