The 2021 Virginia House of Delegates election for the 162nd Virginia General Assembly were held on November 2, 2021 to coincide with biennial elections in the U.S. state of Virginia . All 100 Delegates are elected to two-year terms in single-member constituencies . Primary elections took place on June 8.[1] This election coincided with the Virginia gubernatorial , lieutenant gubernatorial , and Attorney General elections , all of which were won by Republicans . The upper house of the Virginia General Assembly , the Senate of Virginia , will hold its next election on November 7, 2023.
The results certified on November 15 show Republicans flipping seven seats and regaining a majority in the House of Delegates.[2] All races have been called by the Associated Press .[3] A recount in the 85th district, which concluded on December 3, showed incumbent Democrat Alex Askew gaining 12 votes, with Republican Karen Greenhalgh still winning by 115 votes.[4] A recount in the 91st district , which concluded on December 8, showed incumbent Democrat Martha Mugler losing by 94 votes to Republican A.C. Cordoza.[5]
Background [ ]
Following the 2019 Virginia House of Delegates election , Democrats netted a gain of six seats. As a result, control of the Virginia House of Delegates flipped to Democratic control for the first time since 1999 .[6] Upon obtaining control of the chamber, House Democrats elected Eileen Filler-Corn as Speaker making her the first female Speaker in the history of the Virginia House of Delegates.[7]
Retirements [ ]
Five incumbents did not seek re-election either to retire or to seek other positions.
Democrats [ ]
One Democrat did not seek re-election.
District 51 : Hala Ayala retired to run for lieutenant governor .[8]
Republicans [ ]
Four Republicans did not seek re-election.
District 7 : Nick Rush retired.[9]
District 66 : Kirk Cox retired to run for governor .[10]
District 82 : Jason Miyares retired to run for attorney general .[11]
District 88 : Mark Cole retired.[12]
Incumbents defeated [ ]
In primary elections [ ]
Democrats [ ]
Four Democrats lost renomination.
District 45 : Mark Levine lost renomination to Elizabeth Bennett-Parker , who went on to win the general election.[13]
District 50: Lee J. Carter lost renomination to Michelle Maldonado , who went on to win the general election.[14]
District 79 : Steve Heretick lost renomination to Nadarius Clark , who went on to win the general election.[15]
District 86 : Ibraheem Samirah lost renomination to Irene Shin , who went on to win the general election.[16]
Republicans [ ]
One Republican lost renomination.
District 9 : Charles Poindexter lost renomination to Wren Williams , who went on to win the general election.[17]
In general elections [ ]
Democrats [ ]
Seven Democrats lost re-election to Republicans.
District 12 : Chris Hurst (first elected in 2017) lost to Jason Ballard .
District 28 : Joshua G. Cole (first elected in 2019) lost to Tara Durant .
District 63 : Lashrecse Aird (first elected in 2015) lost to Kim Taylor .
District 75 : Roslyn Tyler (first elected in 2005) lost to Otto Wachsmann .
District 83 : Nancy Guy (first elected in 2019) lost to .
District 85 : Alex Askew (first elected in 2019) lost to .
District 91 : Martha Mugler (first elected in 2019) lost to .
Republicans [ ]
No Republicans lost re-election.
Special elections [ ]
There were two special elections in 2021 to the 161st Virginia General Assembly , both held on January 5.
District 90 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Joseph C. Lindsey , first elected in a 2014 special election, retired on November 10, 2020.[18]
District 2 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Jennifer Carroll Foy , first elected in 2017, retired on December 12, 2020 to run for governor .[20]
Predictions [ ]
Results [ ]
Overview [ ]
The Republican Party showed a strong performance in 2021, gaining seven seats over the Democrats. Due to close races in Districts 85 and 91, recounts were requested by Democrats Alex Askew and Martha Mugler , who fell in close second places to their Republican challengers.[23] On December 3, 2021, the recount in District 85 reaffirmed the victory of Republican Karen Greenhalgh, giving the Republican Party a majority in the House of Delegates and ending the Democratic Party's control over the chamber. District 91's recount, which took place on December 7, resulted in victory for Republican candidate A.C. Cordoza, making the final seat count 52 Republicans to 48 Democrats.[24]
Both major parties fielded a record high number of candidates, with Republicans contesting 98 out of the 100 districts, and Democrats contesting 93.[25]
↓
52
48
Republican
Democratic
Parties
Candidates
Seats
Popular Vote
2019
2021
+/-
Strength
Votes
%
Change
Republican
98
45
52
7
52.00%
1,666,569
51.56
+8.25
Democratic
93
55
48
7
48.00%
1,536,509
47.54
-5.12
Independent
5
0
0
0.00%
12,315
0.38
-0.70
Libertarian
5
0
0
0.00%
2,992
0.09
-0.33
Write-ins
-
0
0
0.00%
13,799
0.43
-1.45
Total
201
100
100
–
100.00%
3,232,184
100.00
–
Turnout
3,296,705
55.39
Registered
5,951,368
Close races [ ]
Seats where the margin of victory was under 10%:
HD District 91, 0.33% gain
HD District 85, 0.44% gain
HD District 21, 1.15%
HD District 63, 1.54% gain
HD District 10, 1.97%
HD District 28, 2.02% gain
HD District 83, 2.34% gain
HD District 93, 3.26%
HD District 27, 3.62%
HD District 31, 4.23%
HD District 66, 4.91%
HD District 73, 5.03%
HD District 75, 5.17% gain
HD District 40, 5.39%
HD District 72, 6.13%
HD District 68, 6.32%
HD District 51, 6.94%
HD District 13, 8.61%
HD District 76, 9.38%
HD District 50, 9.60%
List of districts [ ]
Uncontested primaries are not reported by the Virginia Department of Elections .
District 1 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Terry Kilgore was first elected in 1993.
District 2 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Candi King was first elected in a 2021 special election.
Candi King
Joe Biden , 46th President of the United States (2021–present), 47th Vice President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Delaware (1973-2009), Candidate for President of United States in 1988 & 2008
Barack Obama . 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)
District 3 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Will Morefield was first elected in 2009.
District 4 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Will Wampler was first elected in 2019.
District 5 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Israel O'Quinn was first elected in 2011.
District 6 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Jeff Campbell was first elected in 2013.
District 7 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Nick Rush was first elected in 2011. He is retiring.[9]
District 8 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Joseph McNamara was first elected in a 2018 special election. Democratic challenger Dustin Wimbish withdrew from the race on October 13, but his candidacy remained on the ballot.[29]
District 9 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Charles Poindexter was first elected in 2007. He lost renomination.
District 10 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Wendy Gooditis was first elected in 2017.
Wendy Gooditis
Joe Biden , 46th President of the United States (2021-present), 47th Vice President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Delaware (1973-2009), Candidate for President of United States in 1988 & 2008[31]
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 11 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Sam Rasoul was first elected in 2013.
District 12 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Chris Hurst was first elected in 2017.
District 13 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Danica Roem was first elected in 2017.
Danica Roem
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 14 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Danny Marshall was first elected in 2001.
District 15 [ ]
Incumbent Republican and House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert was first elected in 2005.
District 16 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Les Adams was first elected in 2013.
District 17 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Chris Head was first elected in 2011.
District 18 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Michael Webert was first elected in 2011.
District 19 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Terry Austin was first elected in 2013.
District 20 [ ]
Incumbent Republican John Avoli was first elected in 2019.
District 21 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Kelly Convirs-Fowler was first elected in 2017.
Kelly Convirs-Fowler
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 22 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Kathy Byron was first elected in 1997.
District 23 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Wendell Walker was first elected in 2019.
District 24 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Ronnie R. Campbell was first elected in a 2018 special election.
District 25 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Chris Runion was first elected in 2019.
District 26 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Tony Wilt was first elected in a 2010 special election.
District 27 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Roxann Robinson was first elected in a 2010 special election.
Debra Gardner
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 28 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Joshua G. Cole was first elected in 2019.
Joshua G. Cole
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 29 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Bill Wiley was first elected in a 2020 special election.
District 30 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Nick Freitas was first elected in 2015.
District 31 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Elizabeth Guzmán was first elected in 2017.
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 32 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat David A. Reid was first elected in 2017.
District 33 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Dave LaRock was first elected in 2013.
District 34 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Kathleen Murphy was first elected in a 2015 special election.
District 35 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Mark Keam was first elected in 2009.
District 36 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Kenneth R. Plum was first elected in 1981.
District 37 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat David Bulova was first elected in 2005.
District 38 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Kaye Kory was first elected in 2009.
District 39 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Vivian Watts was first elected in 1995.
District 40 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Dan Helmer was first elected in 2019.
Dan Helmer
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 41 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat and Speaker of the House Eileen Filler-Corn was first elected in a 2010 special election.
Eileen Filler-Corn
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 42 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Kathy Tran was first elected in 2017.
District 43 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Mark Sickles was first elected in 2003.
District 44 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Paul Krizek was first elected in 2015.
District 45 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Mark Levine was first elected in 2015. He lost renomination.
District 46 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat and House Majority Leader Charniele Herring was first elected in 2009.
District 47 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Patrick Hope was first elected in 2009.
District 48 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Rip Sullivan was first elected in a 2014 special election.
District 49 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat and House Majority Whip Alfonso H. Lopez was first elected in 2011.
District 50 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Lee J. Carter was first elected in 2017. He lost renomination.
Michelle Maldonado
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 51 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Hala Ayala was first elected in 2017. She is retiring to run for lieutenant governor .[8]
Briana Sewell
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 52 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Luke Torian was first elected in 2009.
District 53 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Marcus Simon was first elected in 2013.
District 54 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Bobby Orrock was first elected in 1989.
District 55 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Buddy Fowler was first elected in 2013.
District 56 [ ]
Incumbent Republican John McGuire was first elected in 2017.
District 57 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Sally L. Hudson was first elected in 2019.
District 58 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Rob Bell was first elected in 2001.
District 59 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Matt Fariss was first elected in 2011.
District 60 [ ]
Incumbent Republican James E. Edmunds was first elected in 2019.
District 61 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Thomas C. Wright was first elected in a 2000 special election.
District 62 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Carrie Coyner was first elected in 2019.
District 63 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Lashrecse Aird was first elected in 2015.
Lashrecse Aird
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[44]
District 64 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Emily Brewer was first elected in 2017.
District 65 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Lee Ware was first elected in a 1998 special election.
District 66 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Kirk Cox was first elected in 1989. He is retiring to run for governor .[10]
District 67 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Karrie Delaney was first elected in 2017.
District 68 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Dawn Adams was first elected in 2017.
District 69 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Betsy B. Carr was first elected in 2009.
District 70 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Delores McQuinn was first elected in 2009.
District 71 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Jeff Bourne was first elected in 2017.
District 72 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Schuyler VanValkenburg was first elected in 2017.
Schuyler VanValkenburg
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 73 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Rodney Willett was first elected in 2019.
Rodney Willett
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 74 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Lamont Bagby was first elected in 2015.
District 75 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Roslyn Tyler was first elected in 2005.
District 76 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Clinton Jenkins was first elected in 2019.
District 77 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Cliff Hayes Jr. was first elected in a 2016 special election.
District 78 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Jay Leftwich was first elected in 2013.
District 79 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Steve Heretick was first elected in 2015. He lost renomination.
District 80 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Don Scott was first elected in 2019.
District 81 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Barry Knight was first elected in 2009.
District 82 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Jason Miyares was first elected in 2015. He is retiring to run for attorney general .[11]
District 83 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Nancy Guy was first elected in 2019.
Nancy Guy
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 84 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Glenn Davis was first elected in 2013.
Kim Melnyk
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 85 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Alex Askew was first elected in 2019.
Alex Askew
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 86 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Ibraheem Samirah was first elected in 2019. He lost renomination to Irene Shin , who was elected with 65.4% of the vote.
District 87 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Suhas Subramanyam was first elected in 2019.
District 88 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Mark Cole was first elected in 2001. He is retiring.[12]
District 89 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Jay Jones was first elected in 2017.
District 90 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Angelia Williams Graves was first elected in a 2021 special election.
District 91 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Martha Mugler was first elected in 2019.
Martha Mugler
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 92 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Jeion Ward was first elected in 2019.
District 93 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Michael P. Mullin was first elected in a 2016 special election.
Michael P. Mullin
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 94 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Shelly Simonds was first elected in 2019.
Shelly Simonds
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
District 95 [ ]
Incumbent Democrat Marcia Price was first elected in 2015.
District 96 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Amanda Batten was first elected in 2019.
District 97 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Scott Wyatt was first elected in 2019.
District 98 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Keith Hodges was first elected in 2011.
District 99 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Margaret Ransone was first elected in 2011.
District 100 [ ]
Incumbent Republican Robert Bloxom Jr. was first elected in 2014.
Finale Norton
Barack Obama , 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), United States Senator from Illinois (2005-2008)[32]
See also [ ]
2021 Virginia gubernatorial election
2021 Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial election
2021 Virginia Attorney General election
References [ ]
^ "Virginia elections, 2021" . Ballotpedia .
^ Lavoie, Denise (November 16, 2021). "Virginia certifies election results, but 2 recounts loom" . Associated Press . Archived from the original on November 16, 2021. Retrieved November 17, 2021 .
^ Lavoie, Denise (November 16, 2021). "Virginia House Control in Limbo; Recounts Sought in 2 Races" . U.S. News & World Report . Associated Press . Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved November 17, 2021 .
^ Lavoie, Denise (December 3, 2021). "Virginia GOP completes sweep of elections with House win" . Spectrum News . Associated Press . Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. Retrieved December 3, 2021 .
^ Schneider, Gregory S. (December 3, 2021). "Virginia Beach House of Delegates race called for Republican after recount, giving GOP the majority" . The Washington Post . Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. Retrieved December 3, 2021 .
^ Albiges, Marie; Ress, Dave (November 5, 2019). "Democrats take control of Virginia General Assembly in historic election" . The Virginia Pilot . Retrieved January 13, 2021 .
^ Cheslow, Daniella (January 8, 2020). "Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn Is Virginia's First Female, Jewish House Speaker" . WAMU . Retrieved January 13, 2021 .
^ a b Olivo, Antonio (July 14, 2020). "Virginia Del. Hala Ayala announces bid for lieutenant governor" . Washington Post .
^ a b WSLS (March 3, 2021). "Virginia Del. Nick Rush to not seek re-election" . WSLS .
^ a b Schneider, Gregory (November 17, 2020). "Former Virginia House speaker Kirk Cox says he'll seek GOP nomination for governor" . The Washington Post . Retrieved November 17, 2020 .
^ a b Vozzella, Laura (May 9, 2021). "Virginia Del. Jason Miyares wins Republican nomination for state attorney general" . The Washington Post . Retrieved June 2, 2021 .
^ a b Shenk, Scott (March 1, 2021). "Spotsylvania Republican Del. Mark Cole won't seek re-election" . The Free Lance Star .
^ "BREAKING: Bennett-Parker declares victory in 45th District race, Levine loses Delegate and Lieutenant Governor races" . ALXnow - Alexandria Now . June 8, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2021 .
^ Staff Reports. "Political newcomer Michelle Maldonado ousts Del. Lee Carter in 50th District primary" . Prince William Times . Retrieved June 9, 2021 .
^ Reyes, Josh. "Nadarius Clark defeats incumbent Steve Heretick in 79th House District Democratic primary" . pilotonline.com . Retrieved June 9, 2021 .
^ "Incumbent Delegate Samirah Loses Nomination To Irene Shin" . Herndon, VA Patch . June 8, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2021 .
^ Frolo, Caitlyn. "Republican newcomer Wren Williams unseats Poindexter for 9th District seat: AP reports" . WSET .
^ Edwards, Jonathan (November 10, 2020). "State delegate, longtime lawyer Joe Lindsey appointed Norfolk judge" . The Virginian-Pilot .
^ "2021 January Special" . Virginia Department of Elections. January 13, 2021.
^ Vozzella, Laura (May 27, 2020). "Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy announces bid in Virginia governor's race" . The Washington Post .
^ "2021 January Special" . Virginia Department of Elections. January 13, 2021.
^ "Is the Virginia House of Delegates or Senate at risk of flipping to GOP in November? — I'd say the House is in between Toss-up to Leans Dem. The Senate isn't up" . Twitter . Retrieved October 14, 2021 .
^ "Virginia certifies election results, but 2 recounts loom" . AP NEWS . November 15, 2021. Retrieved December 3, 2021 .
^ Vozzela, Laura (December 8, 2021). "With judges' ruling in recount, GOP cements two-seat majority in Virginia House of Delegates" . Washington Post .
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf cg ch ci cj ck cl cm cn co cp cq cr cs ct cu cv cw "Nov. 2, 2021 General Election Statewide Candidates" . Virginia Department of Elections .
^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections .
^ Reece, Janay (April 23, 2021). "March wins Virginia's 7th District GOP primary" . WDBJ7 . Retrieved April 25, 2021 .
^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections .
^ "Democratic challenger in 8th District House of Delegates race withdraws" . ABC13 News .
^ "2021 June Republican Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections .
^ https://www.facebook.com/joebiden/photos/a.10150487089926104/10158552535071104/?type=3
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee [@DLCC] (October 23, 2021). "Huge news from Virginia! President @BarackObama is throwing his support behind 21 Virginia House candidates running in the most competitive districts. These are the races we need to win in order to #KeepVABlue. t.co/fmuGwaiMYm" (Tweet). Archived from the original on October 23, 2021. Retrieved October 24, 2021 – via Twitter .
^ "2021 June Republican Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections .
^ "2021 June Republican Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections .
^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections .
^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections .
^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections .[permanent dead link ]
^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections .[permanent dead link ]
^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections .
^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections .
^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections .
^ Palermo, Jill (May 3, 2021). "Bristow dentist Dr. Steve Pleickhardt wins GOP 'firehouse primary' for 50th District House seat" . . Retrieved June 3, 2021 .
^ "2021 June Republican Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections .
^ Aird, Lashrecse [@delegateaird] (October 23, 2021). "