The Virginia Attorney General race is rapidly becoming one of the most closely watched political battles of 2025. With both major parties sharpening their messages and preparing for a high-stakes statewide election, Virginia is once again at the center of the national political conversation. The results of this race could influence legal and political trends far beyond the state’s borders.
The Role of Virginia’s Attorney General
The attorney general is Virginia’s top lawyer — responsible for representing the state in court, enforcing consumer protection laws, and advising government agencies. The office has increasingly become a springboard for national political careers. Former attorneys general like Ken Cuccinelli and Mark Herring went on to play major roles in shaping state and federal policy.
Because the office controls how Virginia handles cases involving crime, education, healthcare, and civil rights, the 2025 race is about far more than party politics. It’s about the direction of law and justice in one of America’s most dynamic states.
Jason Miyares: The Incumbent at the Center of Attention
Jason Miyares, the current Republican attorney general, has been a visible figure in state politics since his election in 2021. As Virginia’s first Latino attorney general, Miyares made history and has since built a national profile through his legal challenges and outspoken policy positions.
Under his leadership, the attorney general’s office has focused heavily on public safety. Miyares has launched initiatives aimed at cracking down on fentanyl trafficking, protecting seniors from scams, and improving support for law enforcement. He has also supported Governor Glenn Youngkin’s agenda on parental rights in education and efforts to review local school board policies.
While Miyares has not officially declared his 2025 candidacy, his actions and recent fundraising activity suggest an announcement is imminent. His campaign committee has already amassed several million dollars — a sign of strong establishment support.
Democrats Prepare for a Comeback Bid
On the Democratic side, several prominent figures are exploring potential campaigns to reclaim the attorney general’s office, which they held from 2014 to 2022.
- Jay Jones, a former Norfolk delegate, is widely expected to make another run. He previously challenged Miyares in 2021 and remains a well-recognized name among Democratic voters.
- Shannon Taylor, the Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney, has a strong record on criminal prosecution and community safety. Her pragmatic approach could appeal to moderates.
- Steve Descano, Fairfax County’s Commonwealth’s Attorney, represents the party’s progressive wing, focusing on reform, accountability, and equitable justice.
Party leaders expect a competitive Democratic primary in June 2025, reflecting the growing diversity of voices within the state’s Democratic coalition.
Virginia’s Political Landscape in 2025
Virginia remains one of the most politically competitive states in the country. After years of Democratic dominance, Republicans swept statewide offices in 2021, led by Governor Glenn Youngkin, Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears, and Attorney General Jason Miyares.
However, Democrats reclaimed control of the Virginia General Assembly in 2023, creating divided government. This balance of power has turned the 2025 statewide elections — particularly the attorney general race — into a key test of which party can mobilize voters heading into the next gubernatorial cycle in 2026.
Political experts describe Virginia as a “purple” state — not firmly red or blue — where outcomes hinge on turnout among suburban and independent voters. That makes the attorney general race an important early indicator of how Virginians are responding to current policies on education, public safety, and civil rights.
Key Issues Shaping the Virginia Attorney General Race
Several core issues are already dominating the early stages of the race:
Public Safety and Crime Prevention
Miyares has made crime prevention a central focus of his tenure. He often cites increases in violent crime and drug trafficking as justification for tougher enforcement. Republicans argue that strong law-and-order leadership remains vital for protecting communities.
Democratic candidates, while supporting community safety, are promoting reform-based strategies — such as mental health services, diversion programs, and police accountability. They believe a “smart on crime” approach will resonate with younger and suburban voters.
Education and Parental Rights
Education has become a defining issue in Virginia politics. Miyares has defended parental rights legislation and supported Youngkin’s policies that require schools to disclose instructional materials and disciplinary decisions.
Democrats argue these measures amount to political interference in classrooms. They’re calling for investment in teacher pay, student counseling, and infrastructure rather than culture-war debates. This clash over education will remain a major theme throughout the campaign.
Abortion and Reproductive Rights
Since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson decision, abortion access has emerged as a top concern for many voters. Democrats are promising to safeguard reproductive rights and prevent new restrictions.
Republicans, including Miyares, have framed the issue around protecting “life and parental choice,” while avoiding the strict bans seen in other states. Polling suggests most Virginians favor maintaining existing access laws, making this issue potentially decisive in suburban districts.
Consumer and Data Protection
Cybersecurity and consumer protection have become increasingly important topics in Virginia. Miyares’ office has pursued several high-profile cases involving fraud and online scams.
Democrats have proposed expanding the state’s data privacy laws and creating stronger oversight for corporate misconduct. This area offers rare bipartisan overlap, though candidates differ on regulatory details.
Fundraising and Campaign Infrastructure
Money is already pouring into the attorney general race. The Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) has committed early support to Miyares’ campaign, seeing Virginia as essential to maintaining GOP influence nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) is building field operations in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. Donor enthusiasm remains high, especially among advocacy groups focused on reproductive rights and environmental protection.
If current trends continue, the Virginia Attorney General race could become one of the most expensive in the state’s history.
Polling Snapshot: A Close Contest
Recent polling paints a picture of a divided electorate. Surveys from the Wason Center for Public Policy show Miyares’ approval rating hovering around 46%, with 44% disapproval. Among independents, his numbers are slightly weaker, creating opportunities for Democrats.
However, Republicans maintain strong support in Southwest and Southside Virginia, while Democrats continue to dominate in Northern Virginia and urban centers. Suburban counties such as Chesterfield, Loudoun, and Henrico remain the most competitive battlegrounds.
Timeline and Key Dates
| Phase | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Candidate Declarations | Winter–Spring 2025 | Official campaign announcements begin |
| Primary Elections | June 2025 | Democrats and Republicans choose nominees |
| General Election Campaign | July–November 2025 | Debates, ads, and voter outreach ramp up |
| Election Day | November 2025 | Virginians vote for their next attorney general |
The long campaign window allows candidates to fine-tune their platforms and connect with voters across all regions of the state.
Voter Sentiment and Turnout Expectations
Voter enthusiasm remains high heading into 2025. Virginia has seen steady turnout growth since 2020, particularly among younger and first-time voters.
Independent and suburban voters will likely determine the outcome. Both parties are investing in outreach — Republicans through church and community networks, Democrats through grassroots canvassing and digital mobilization.
Early voting, which continues to expand, will play a decisive role in turnout patterns.
National Attention on the Commonwealth
Virginia’s attorney general race will not occur in isolation. National media, advocacy groups, and political donors are already watching closely. Because Virginia often sets trends that ripple into other states, the race is seen as a preview of 2026 midterm themes.
From abortion rights to school policy, the debates in this race mirror national political divisions. Whoever wins will shape not only Virginia’s legal agenda but also the future of national political discourse.
What’s at Stake for Virginians
The outcome of the Virginia Attorney General race will determine the direction of the state’s legal priorities for the next four years. It will influence how laws are enforced, how the state interacts with federal policies, and how civil liberties are protected or restricted.
For voters, the race represents a choice between competing visions — one rooted in conservative governance and strict enforcement, and another emphasizing reform, inclusion, and access to justice.
The 2025 Virginia Attorney General race is shaping up to be one of the most defining political contests in the Commonwealth’s modern history. Stay tuned, follow the campaigns closely, and share your thoughts on how this race could shape Virginia’s legal and political future.