November 5, 2025
Virginia elections deliver historic Democratic sweep
For Virginia’s business community, including franchise auto dealers, this year’s election results signal a new political landscape in Richmond and across the Commonwealth heading into the 2026 General Assembly session. With major Democratic victories in statewide and local races, leadership priorities may shift – but as always, each administration brings challenges and opportunities for our industry. The Virginia Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) has a long tradition of working constructively with leaders of both parties, and we look forward to working collaboratively with returning lawmakers and the newly elected officials when the General Assembly convenes in January.
Election Night recap:
Virginia voters delivered a decisive victory for Democrats on Tuesday, electing Abigail Spanberger as the Commonwealth’s 75th governor — and first female chief executive. Spanberger defeated Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears by more than 15 points, running on a platform focused on improving the economy and lowering the cost of living.
Spanberger at her victory party in Richmond on Nov. 4 (Photo: Spanberger campaign)
Joining her will be Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi, who made history as the first Muslim woman elected to statewide office in the U.S., and Attorney General-elect Jay Jones, who unseated incumbent Jason Miyares.
While the top of the ticket made the headlines, the story becomes even more clear looking at down-ballot races, as candidates ran for all 100 seats of the House of Delegates.
In that critical lawmaking chamber of the General Assembly, Democrats expanded their narrow 51–49 majority to a commanding 64–36 advantage, flipping 13 Republican-held seats. Strong turnout in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads — coupled with frustration over federal gridlock and the recent government shutdown — fueled a wave that secured Democratic control of both chambers of the General Assembly and the governor’s office for the first time since 2019.
Governor-elect Spanberger will likely announce transition plans in the next few days. VADA will continue monitoring developments closely as the Spanberger administration outlines its economic, regulatory, and transportation priorities in the months ahead.
Here are the House of Delegates seats that flipped from R to D
- House District 22 (Prince William) - Former House of Delegates member Elizabeth Guzman (D) defeated incumbent Ian Lovejoy (R) by over 9%
- House District 30 (Loudoun/Fauquier) - John McAuliff (D) was able to defeat incumbent Geary Higgins (R) by 1.5%
- House District 41 (Blacksburg/Roanoke County) - Lily Franklin (D) ran again against Chris Obenshain (R) and was able to win by 2.5%
- House District 57 (Western Henrico) - May Nivar (D) defeated incumbent David Owen (R) by over 10%
- House District 64 (Stafford) - Stacey Annie Carroll (D) defeated incumbent Paul Milde (R) by over 5%
- House District 66 (Spotsylvania/Caroline County) - Nicole Cole (D) defeated incumbent Bobby Orrock (R) by over 4%
- House District 69 (Peninsula Virginia) - Mark Downey (D) defeated incumbent Chad Green by almost 3%
- House District 71 (James City/Williamsburg) - Jessica Anderson (D) ran again against incumbent Amanda Batten (R) and was able to defeat her by over 5% to flip
- House District 73 (Western Chesterfield) - Leslie Mehta (D) defeated incumbent Mark Earley, Jr. (R) by 3%
- House District 75 (Chesterfield/Hopewell) - Lindsey Dougherty (D) defeated incumbent Carrie Coyner by 5%
- House District 82 (Petersburg/Dinwiddie) - Kimberly Pope Adams (D) ran again against Kim Taylor (R) and was able to win considerably by 7%
- House District 86 (Hampton/York/Poquoson) - Virgil Gene Thornton, Sr. (D) defeated incumbent A.C. Cordoza (R) by 7%
- House District 89 (Chesapeake/Suffolk) - KaceyCarnegie (D) faced Mike Lamonea (R) in a previously held Republican seat after the Baxter Ennis (R) retired, Carnegie was able to win easily by 9%
And the seats where Rs triumphed
Four Republican House Members did not seek reelection this term. One of those seats, House District 89, flipped in last night’s election. However, three new Republicans were able to hold their Republican districts and will join the 13 freshman Democratic House Members in the General Assembly.
- House District 46 (Wythe/Smyth/Grayson) - Mitchell Cornett (R) defeated Democratic challenger Jamie Ralston Hendry for the seat previously held by Jed Arnold (R)
- House District 49 (Danville/Pittsylvania/Halifax) - Madison John Redd Whittle (R) narrowly defeated Gary Miller (D) for the seat previously held by Danny Marshall (R)
- House District 62 (Piedmont) - Karen Hamilton (R) secured her seat in a face off against Sara Ratcliffe (D) for the seat previously held by Nick Freitas (R)
Our partners at government affairs group Lindl Corp. have prepared brief biographies of all the new faces in Virginia politics. Find new members of the House of Delegates here, and biographies of the new executive branch here.
