Virginia Democrats to pick nominees in House seats they hope to flip in midterms

Virginia voters are heading to the polls Tuesday to select their nominees for the upcoming midterm congressional elections. This primary season has been marked by significant upheaval, largely due to Democrats' unsuccessful redistricting initiative.

The state typically holds its primaries in June but moved them to August to accommodate a push for new congressional districts drawn to favor Democrats. However, the state Supreme Court ultimately struck down the proposed map, which could have given Democratic candidates a shot at winning 10 of Virginia's 11 congressional seats. This decision came after candidates had already launched campaigns based on the presumed new districts.

When it became clear in May that voters would use the existing districts, many candidates withdrew. Others scrambled to relocate their campaigns, while some continued in races that became much less favorable. Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger acknowledged the challenges, noting candidates had to stay in the primary season longer and sometimes campaign in different communities. Nevertheless, she remains optimistic about her party's chances in the general election, believing they can flip as many as four seats.

"The biggest point of consternation that I have is I think that along the way, people … incorrectly took the message that we couldn't win without redistricting. We can win. I believe we will win," Spanberger told reporters. Virginia currently has six Democrats and five Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives, with all incumbents seeking reelection. Democrats aiming to regain House control hope to put GOP incumbents on defense this fall, targeting at least two seats.

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The biggest point of consternation that I have is I think that along the way, people … incorrectly took the message that we couldn't win without redistricting. We can win. I believe we will win.