Virginia Democrats: 2024 Election Nominees
- Virginia Democrats are voting Tuesday to select their nominees for lieutenant governor and attorney general, finalizing their ticket for the upcoming statewide election.
- With Republican primaries concluded, the focus shifts to the Democratic contests.
- Virginia, along with New jersey, holds statewide elections the year after a presidential election, frequently enough viewed as a referendum on the party in power.
Virginia Democrats are currently deciding on their nominees for lieutenant governor and attorney general, a process shaping the political landscape. This crucial election serves as a referendum on key issues like abortion rights and living wages. Six hopefuls are competing for the lieutenant governor nomination, each with unique priorities and endorsements. This contest is being closely watched as a potential bellwether for understanding voter sentiment. Republicans have already selected their candidates, setting the stage for a competitive general election. The outcomes impact the state’s future and may reflect broader national trends. Delve into the details of the candidates and the challenges they face with this latest report from News Directory 3. Discover what’s next in this pivotal election.
Virginia Democrats to Nominate Candidates for Key Statewide Election
Updated June 17, 2025
Virginia Democrats are voting Tuesday to select their nominees for lieutenant governor and attorney general, finalizing their ticket for the upcoming statewide election. This election is considered a bellwether, offering insights into voter sentiment before the midterm elections.
With Republican primaries concluded, the focus shifts to the Democratic contests. Abigail Spanberger will face Lt. Gov.Winsome Earle-sears in the gubernatorial race. Republicans have also chosen their candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
Virginia, along with New jersey, holds statewide elections the year after a presidential election, frequently enough viewed as a referendum on the party in power. Analysts will closely watch these races for indications of voter attitudes toward President Trump and the republican-controlled Congress.
While national Democrats’ influence in Virginia has waned, the state remains competitive. Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s 2021 victory over Terry McAuliffe signaled this shift. Although Democrats regained legislative control in 2023, Kamala Harris’s narrow win in Virginia last year highlights the state’s evolving political landscape. The upcoming election for lieutenant governor and attorney general will be a key test.
Six Democrats are vying for the lieutenant governor nomination, largely aligned on issues such as abortion rights, a living wage, affordable housing, and accessible health care. Differences emerge in their regional focus and campaign priorities. The attorney general race features Jay Jones and Shannon Taylor.
Levar Stoney,former Richmond mayor,emphasizes his experience with former Govs. Mark Warner and Terry McAuliffe, and has received an endorsement from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, also from Richmond, is prioritizing reproductive health and has gained endorsements from abortion rights groups. Sen. Aaron Rouse, representing Virginia Beach, is highlighting his legislative record.
Candidates from northern Virginia include Barbur Lateef, Prince William County School Board chair, focusing on education and health care; victor Salgado, a former federal prosecutor, stressing democracy; and Alex Bastani, a retired Labor Department worker, advocating for labor rights.
jay Jones, a former delegate from Norfolk, has deep roots in Hampton Roads politics. Shannon Taylor, Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney, gained attention as special prosecutor in the 2017 Unite the Right riot case.
On the Republican side, Winsome Earle-Sears secured the gubernatorial nomination after challenges to her alignment with Trump failed to gain traction. John Reid, a conservative talk-radio host, is the nominee for lieutenant governor, and Attorney General Jason Miyares is running for reelection.
All 100 House of Delegates seats are also up for election in November, with several competitive nomination contests underway. Democrats May Nivar and Andrew Schear are competing to challenge Republican Del. David Owen in a Richmond-area district. In the petersburg area, three Democrats are vying to face Republican Del. Carrie Coyner.A competitive Chesapeake-area seat, opened by Rep. Baxter Ennis’s retirement, will be decided in separate Republican and Democratic primaries.
What’s next
The results of Tuesday’s primaries will set the stage for the November general election, where Virginia voters will decide the future leadership of the commonwealth and possibly signal broader national trends.