RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Democrats have achieved a historic milestone in early voting, with over 204,500 ballots cast ahead of the June 17 primary elections. This unprecedented turnout surpasses previous records and underscores a surge in political engagement among Democratic voters across the Commonwealth.
The heightened participation is particularly notable in Richmond-area House Districts 78 and 81, which reported some of the highest early voting numbers statewide. Analysts interpret this as a sign of the region’s growing political influence and a potential indicator of broader electoral trends leading into the general election.
Key Races Driving Voter Interest
While the gubernatorial nominees for both major parties are already determined—former U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger for the Democrats and incumbent Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears for the Republicans—the Democratic primaries for lieutenant governor and attorney general remain highly competitive.
The lieutenant governor race features six Democratic candidates: State Senators Ghazala Hashmi and Aaron Rouse, former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, Prince William County School Board Chair Babur Lateef, retired economist Alex Bastani, and former federal prosecutor Victor Salgado. For attorney general, the Democratic contenders are former Norfolk Delegate Jay Jones and Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor.
The Republican ticket is set, with Earle-Sears running for governor, talk radio host John Reid for lieutenant governor, and incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares seeking re-election.
Factors Contributing to Record Turnout
Several elements have contributed to the surge in early voting among Democrats. Virginia’s expanded early voting period, established in 2020, allows for 45 days of no-excuse absentee voting, providing greater accessibility for voters.
Additionally, political dynamics at the national level, particularly opposition to former President Donald Trump’s policies, have galvanized Democratic voters. State Senator Lamont Bagby, chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia, stated that the enthusiasm reflects a readiness to “elect leaders who will stand up to Trump’s dangerous agenda.”
The concentration of early voting in the Richmond area may also influence the composition of the Democratic ticket, potentially resulting in all statewide nominees hailing from the region. Such an outcome would highlight Richmond’s ascending role in state politics.
Implications for the General Election
The record-breaking early voting turnout serves as a barometer for Democratic momentum heading into the November general election. With all 100 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates up for grabs, Democrats aim to expand their narrow 51-49 majority, while Republicans seek to regain control.
The heightened engagement observed in the primaries suggests that voter enthusiasm could carry over into the general election, potentially impacting statewide races and legislative control.
Conclusion
Virginia’s 2025 primaries have already made history with unprecedented early voting turnout among Democrats. As voters head to the polls on June 17, the outcomes will not only determine the party’s nominees for key statewide offices but also provide insight into the political landscape leading into the general election.
