The Virginia special election results today are officially in, bringing an end to a high-stakes night filled with competitive races, strong voter engagement, and clear political messages from every corner of the state. Held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the elections filled vacant seats in the Virginia General Assembly and a handful of local offices.
As of Wednesday morning, nearly all precincts had reported results. Both Democrats and Republicans walked away with victories, keeping Virginia politically divided but deeply energized ahead of the 2026 midterm election cycle.
Why the 2025 Special Elections Mattered
While special elections don’t always capture national attention, this year’s contests carried significant weight for Virginia’s political balance.
The Virginia General Assembly is currently split, with Democrats holding a narrow edge in the State Senate and a slim majority in the House of Delegates. The 2025 special elections offered each party a chance to either solidify or chip away at that advantage.
In addition to shaping the legislature, these results serve as a preview of voter sentiment heading into the 2026 statewide elections, where all 140 General Assembly seats will once again be on the ballot.
Senate District 7: Michael Feggans Holds the Line for Democrats
The most closely watched race was in Senate District 7, which covers Virginia Beach and parts of Norfolk. Democrat Michael Feggans successfully defended his seat, defeating Republican challenger Kevin Adams in a race decided by just a few thousand votes.
Feggans won 52% to 48%, securing a crucial hold for Democrats in the State Senate. His campaign focused on healthcare access, women’s reproductive rights, and investments in coastal resilience amid ongoing concerns about flooding and climate change.
Adams, a retired Navy veteran, ran on strengthening law enforcement, cutting taxes, and prioritizing parental input in education policy. The close race reflected the region’s changing demographics — a once solidly conservative area that has grown more competitive over the past decade.
Feggans’ victory ensures Democrats maintain a narrow majority in the 40-member Senate, preserving their ability to counterbalance the agenda of Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin.
House District 35: Republicans Flip a Key Seat
In one of the night’s biggest surprises, Republican Emily Brewer captured House District 35, flipping the seat from Democratic control. Covering Winchester and parts of Frederick County, the district has long been a swing area where economic and education issues drive voter decisions.
Brewer, a small business owner and former county supervisor, won 54% to 46% over Democrat Travis Noll, a public school teacher. Her campaign emphasized reducing the cost of living, expanding rural healthcare access, and cutting state income taxes.
The win gives Republicans new momentum heading into 2026, narrowing the Democrats’ House majority to just 51–49. Party leaders celebrated the result as proof that conservative messages on affordability and education remain strong in Virginia’s exurban communities.
House District 11: Democrat Sam Rasoul Cruises to Reelection
In House District 11, covering much of Roanoke and nearby communities, Democrat Sam Rasoul easily won reelection with 61% of the vote against Republican Jim Garrett.
Rasoul, who has served in the General Assembly since 2014, campaigned on clean energy development, expanded mental health services, and bipartisan problem-solving. His popularity in Roanoke remains high, fueled by years of community engagement and a reputation for transparency.
This decisive victory helps Democrats retain strength in Virginia’s urban centers, even as Republicans gain traction in smaller towns and rural areas.
Local Election Results Across Virginia
Beyond the state legislature, Virginians voted in several local special elections. While they didn’t draw the same level of media coverage, these contests highlight the issues that resonate most with voters on the ground.
- Fairfax County School Board (At-Large Seat): Education advocate Shannon Watts narrowly won, promising to address overcrowded schools and improve teacher retention.
- Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors: Republican Chris Winslow secured reelection, emphasizing infrastructure upgrades and small-business support.
- Norfolk City Treasurer: Independent Lisa Chandler earned 56% of the vote, focusing her campaign on fiscal transparency and modernizing local government services.
These results show that Virginia’s political identity remains split but balanced, with voters supporting both progressive and conservative candidates depending on local priorities.
Turnout Exceeds Expectations
Voter participation in the 2025 special elections exceeded typical off-year levels. The Virginia Department of Elections reported that around 860,000 voters cast ballots statewide — roughly 19% of registered voters.
Early voting and absentee ballots made a major impact, with over 200,000 early votes submitted before Election Day. Northern Virginia led turnout totals, followed by Hampton Roads and the Richmond area.
Election officials praised the process as smooth and secure, with no major irregularities or technical problems reported. Virginia’s real-time results dashboard allowed voters to track precinct-level updates throughout the night, adding transparency and trust to the count.
What the Results Say About Virginia’s Political Climate
The Virginia special election results today make one thing clear: the Commonwealth remains a true battleground.
- Democrats successfully held key Senate and urban seats, ensuring they retain influence over legislative priorities.
- Republicans gained ground in the House of Delegates, setting up a near-even split that could shape policy negotiations in 2026.
This balance reflects a broader trend — Virginia’s electorate is neither solidly red nor blue. Suburban areas such as Loudoun County, Henrico, and Prince William continue to swing between parties, while rural counties in the southwest stay reliably conservative.
Governor Glenn Youngkin, nearing the end of his term, faces a more complex political environment. With Democrats holding the Senate, and the House nearly even, advancing major legislation will require cooperation and compromise on key issues like taxes, public education, and renewable energy.
Party Leaders React to the Results
Democratic and Republican leaders both claimed success after Tuesday night’s vote.
Democratic Chair Susan Swecker called the results a “victory for progress and protection of Virginians’ fundamental rights.” She praised Michael Feggans’ win as proof that voters support safeguarding healthcare and reproductive freedom.
Republican Chair Rich Anderson congratulated Emily Brewer and highlighted the GOP’s steady progress: “These results show that Virginians want practical, conservative leadership that keeps the economy growing and makes life more affordable.”
Political analysts agree that both sides have reason to celebrate — and to stay vigilant. The results set the stage for another intensely competitive cycle next year, when the balance of power in Richmond will once again be on the line.
Voter Issues That Defined the Election
While personalities and party affiliations played a role, several key issues drove voters to the polls this week:
- Education: Concerns about classroom safety, teacher shortages, and curriculum standards remained at the forefront.
- Economic Pressures: Inflation and housing costs continued to shape how Virginians voted, particularly in suburban areas.
- Healthcare: Access to rural healthcare and rising insurance costs were major talking points in both parties’ campaigns.
- Reproductive Rights: In the wake of national debates, many voters cited women’s healthcare access as a defining issue.
- Public Safety: Candidates on both sides discussed balancing community policing with social services to reduce crime rates.
These issues will likely remain central in the run-up to 2026, as candidates refine their messages to match voter priorities.
What Happens Next
Newly elected officials will be sworn in before the 2026 General Assembly session begins in January. They’ll quickly join discussions on the state budget, education funding, and infrastructure spending.
Given the near-even split in the legislature, bipartisan cooperation will be critical. Both parties will need to find middle ground on contentious topics like taxation, minimum wage increases, and renewable energy expansion.
Meanwhile, party strategists are already studying this year’s results to identify swing districts and voter trends. Suburban women, younger voters, and independents once again emerged as decisive blocs — groups both parties will target aggressively in upcoming campaigns.
A Glimpse Into Virginia’s Political Future
The Virginia special election results today underscore how closely balanced the state remains politically — a dynamic that mirrors the broader national landscape.
Virginia continues to reflect national trends: growing suburban diversity, steady rural conservatism, and high voter engagement. With control of the legislature nearly even and a governor entering his final year, the next 12 months will be crucial for shaping policy and party direction.
As analysts point out, Virginia often serves as an early indicator of where U.S. politics is heading. The lessons learned here will likely influence campaign strategies for both parties heading into the 2026 midterms and beyond.
Virginia’s special elections may have ended, but their impact is just beginning. Stay tuned, share your thoughts, and join the conversation about what these results mean for the Commonwealth’s future.