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Virginia Primary Election 2025: Spanberger, Earle-Sears Secure Governor Nominations
Virginia’s primary election on June 17, 2025, finalized key candidates for the upcoming gubernatorial race and other state offices. Democratic U.S. Representative Abigail spanberger and Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears both ran unopposed, securing their respective party’s nominations for governor [2].
Key Takeaways from the virginia Primary
While the gubernatorial nominees were predetermined, other races saw competitive contests, particularly for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor and several seats in the House of Delegates. The primary also highlighted trends in voter turnout and the evolving political landscape in the state.
Did You know? Virginia is one of the few states that elects its governor in an odd-numbered year, making its gubernatorial elections a closely watched bellwether for national political trends.
Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General Races
Six Democratic hopefuls vied for the lieutenant governor nomination,including State Senator Ghazala Hashmi of Richmond,State Senator Aaron Rouse of Virginia Beach,and Prince William County School Board Chairman Babur Lateef. Former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, and former federal government attorneys Alexander J. Bastani and Victor Salgado were also in the running.
On the Republican side, talk-radio host John Reid ran uncontested for the lieutenant governor nomination. Incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares also faced no opposition within his party [2].
Democrats had two choices for their nominee for attorney general: Former state Delegate Jay Jones and Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor.
House of delegates: A Battle for Control
All 100 seats in the Virginia House of delegates are up for election this year, with 15 districts holding contested primaries. Democrats currently hold a narrow majority in the House (51-49), making these races crucial for determining the balance of power [2].
Contested primaries in the D.C. region included Arlington County’s District 1, Prince William County’s District 21, and Culpeper County’s District 62.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on these House of Delegate races,as they could significantly impact the legislative agenda in Virginia for the next two years.
Low Voter Turnout
Early data indicated a lower voter turnout compared to previous primary elections. As of 3 p.m. on election day, Fairfax County reported that only 2.9% of registered voters had cast their ballots, in addition to the 3.9% who voted early in-person or by mail. Arlington County reported approximately 12% total turnout as of 5 p.m., including early voting and mail-in ballots. this is compared to 16% turnout in the 2021 primary [2].
This lower turnout may be attributed to the lack of a contested primary for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, as Abigail Spanberger ran unopposed. In 2021, the last primary for governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general saw 11.3% turnout among registered Democrats.
Virginia Primary Election Results: Key Figures
| Location | Turnout (as of 3-5 PM) | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfax County | 6.8% (including early voting) | Lower than 2021 primary |
| Arlington County | 12% (including early voting) | Lower than 16% in 2021 |
| Loudoun County | 4.81% (including early voting) | Lower than 13.81% in 2017 |
| Prince William County | 5.7% (including all forms of voting) | Data for past gubernatorial primaries unavailable |
Recount Procedures
Virginia does not conduct automatic recounts. Candidates may request and pay for a recount if the margin between the top two candidates is 1% or less. The Associated Press may declare a winner in a race that is eligible for a recount if it can determine the lead is to large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome [2].
Understanding Virginia’s Primary System
Virginia holds primary elections to allow voters registered with a particular party to choose their nominees for various offices.Primaries are typically held in June, setting the stage for the general election in November. The winners of the primaries then compete against candidates from other parties, as well as any self-reliant candidates, in the general election.
The state’s election laws are overseen by the Virginia Department of Elections,which provides resources and information for voters and candidates alike [Virginia Department of Elections]. Virginia does not have party registration; though, for primary elections, voters are asked to declare which party’s ballot they wish to vote on.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Elections
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Q: How can I register to vote in Virginia?
A: You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person at your local registrar’s office. The deadline to register is
