The 2021 Virginia House of Delegates election for the 162nd Virginia General Assembly were held on November 2, 2021, to coincide with biennial elections in the U.S. state of Virginia . All 100 Delegates are elected to two-year terms in single-member constituencies . Primary elections took place on June 8.[ 2] This election coincided with the 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial election , the Lieutenant Gubernatorial election , and lastly, the Attorney General election , all of which were won by Republicans . The upper house of the Virginia General Assembly , the Senate of Virginia , held its next elections on November 7, 2023.
The certified results showed Republicans flipping seven seats and regaining a majority in the House of Delegates.[ 3] A recount in the 85th district, which concluded on December 3, showed incumbent Democrat Alex Askew gaining 12 votes, with Republican Karen Greenhalgh still winning by 115 votes.[ 4] A recount in the 91st district , which concluded on December 8, showed incumbent Democrat Martha Mugler losing by 94 votes to Republican A.C. Cordoza.[ 5]
Following the 2019 Virginia House of Delegates election , Democrats netted a gain of six seats. As a result, control of the Virginia House of Delegates flipped to Democratic control for the first time since 1999 .[ 6] Upon obtaining control of the chamber, House Democrats elected Eileen Filler-Corn as Speaker making her the first female Speaker in the history of the Virginia House of Delegates.[ 7]
Five incumbents did not seek re-election either to retire or to seek other positions.
One Democrat did not seek re-election.
District 51 : Hala Ayala retired to run for lieutenant governor .[ 8]
Four Republicans did not seek re-election.
District 7 : Nick Rush retired.[ 9]
District 66 : Kirk Cox retired to run for governor .[ 10]
District 82 : Jason Miyares retired to run for attorney general .[ 11]
District 88 : Mark Cole retired.[ 12]
Incumbents defeated [ edit ]
In primary elections [ edit ]
Four Democrats lost renomination.
District 45 : Mark Levine lost renomination to Elizabeth Bennett-Parker , who went on to win the general election.[ 13]
District 50: Lee J. Carter lost renomination to Michelle Maldonado , who went on to win the general election.[ 14]
District 79 : Steve Heretick lost renomination to Nadarius Clark , who went on to win the general election.[ 15]
District 86 : Ibraheem Samirah lost renomination to Irene Shin , who went on to win the general election.[ 16]
One Republican lost renomination.
District 9 : Charles Poindexter lost renomination to Wren Williams , who went on to win the general election.[ 17]
In general elections [ edit ]
Seven Democrats lost re-election to Republicans.
District 12 : Chris Hurst (first elected in 2017) lost to Jason Ballard .
District 28 : Joshua G. Cole (first elected in 2019) lost to Tara Durant .
District 63 : Lashrecse Aird (first elected in 2015) lost to Kim Taylor .
District 75 : Roslyn Tyler (first elected in 2005) lost to Otto Wachsmann .
District 83 : Nancy Guy (first elected in 2019) lost to Tim Anderson .
District 85 : Alex Askew (first elected in 2019) lost to Karen Greenhalgh .
District 91 : Martha Mugler (first elected in 2019) lost to A.C. Cordoza .
No Republicans lost re-election.
There were two special elections in 2021 to the 161st Virginia General Assembly , both held on January 5.
Incumbent Democrat Joseph C. Lindsey , first elected in a 2014 special election, retired on November 10, 2020.[ 18]
Incumbent Democrat Jennifer Carroll Foy , first elected in 2017, retired on December 12, 2020, to run for governor .[ 20]
The Republican Party showed a strong performance in 2021, gaining seven seats over the Democrats. Due to close races in Districts 85 and 91, recounts were requested by Democrats Alex Askew and Martha Mugler , who fell in close second places to their Republican challengers.[ 24] On December 3, 2021, the recount in District 85 reaffirmed the victory of Republican Karen Greenhalgh, giving the Republican Party a majority in the House of Delegates and ending the Democratic Party's control over the chamber. District 91's recount, which took place on December 7, resulted in victory for Republican candidate A.C. Cordoza, making the final seat count 52 Republicans to 48 Democrats.[ 25]
Both major parties fielded a record high number of candidates, with Republicans contesting 98 out of the 100 districts, and Democrats contesting 93.[ 26]
β
52
48
Republican
Democratic
Parties
Candidates
Seats
Popular Vote
2019
2021
+/-
Strength
Votes
%
Change
Republican
98
45
52
7
52.00%
1,666,569
51.56
+8.25
Democratic
93
55
48
7
48.00%
1,536,509
47.54
-5.12
Independent
5
0
0
0.00%
12,315
0.38
-0.70
Libertarian
5
0
0
0.00%
2,992
0.09
-0.33
Write-ins
β
0
0
0.00%
13,799
0.43
-1.45
Total
201
100
100
β
100.00%
3,232,184
100.00
β
Turnout
3,296,705
55.39
Registered
5,951,368
Seats where the margin of victory was under 10%:
HD District 91, 0.33% gain
HD District 85, 0.44% gain
HD District 21, 1.15%
HD District 63, 1.54% gain
HD District 10, 1.97%
HD District 28, 2.02% gain
HD District 83, 2.34% gain
HD District 93, 3.26%
HD District 27, 3.62%
HD District 31, 4.23%
HD District 66, 4.91%
HD District 73, 5.03%
HD District 75, 5.17% gain
HD District 40, 5.39%
HD District 72, 6.13%
HD District 68, 6.32%
HD District 51, 6.94%
HD District 13, 8.61%
HD District 76, 9.38%
HD District 50, 9.60%
Incumbent Republican Terry Kilgore was first elected in 1993.
Incumbent Democrat Candi King was first elected in a 2021 special election.
Incumbent Republican Will Morefield was first elected in 2009.
Incumbent Republican Will Wampler was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Republican Israel O'Quinn was first elected in 2011.
Incumbent Republican Jeff Campbell was first elected in 2013.
Incumbent Republican Nick Rush was first elected in 2011. He is retiring.[ 9]
Incumbent Republican Joseph McNamara was first elected in a 2018 special election. Democratic challenger Dustin Wimbish withdrew from the race on October 13, but his candidacy remained on the ballot.[ 30]
Incumbent Republican Charles Poindexter was first elected in 2007. He lost renomination.
Incumbent Democrat Wendy Gooditis was first elected in 2017.
Incumbent Democrat Sam Rasoul was first elected in 2013.
Incumbent Democrat Chris Hurst was first elected in 2017.
Incumbent Democrat Danica Roem was first elected in 2017.
Incumbent Republican Danny Marshall was first elected in 2001.
Incumbent Republican and House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert was first elected in 2005.
Incumbent Republican Les Adams was first elected in 2013.
Incumbent Republican Chris Head was first elected in 2011.
Incumbent Republican Michael Webert was first elected in 2011.
Incumbent Republican Terry Austin was first elected in 2013.
Incumbent Republican John Avoli was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Democrat Kelly Convirs-Fowler was first elected in 2017.
Incumbent Republican Kathy Byron was first elected in 1997.
Incumbent Republican Wendell Walker was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Republican Ronnie Campbell was first elected in a 2018 special election.
Incumbent Republican Chris Runion was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Republican Tony Wilt was first elected in a 2010 special election.
Incumbent Republican Roxann Robinson was first elected in a 2010 special election.
Incumbent Democrat Joshua Cole was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Republican Bill Wiley was first elected in a 2020 special election.
Incumbent Republican Nick Freitas was first elected in 2015.
Incumbent Democrat Elizabeth GuzmΓ‘n was first elected in 2017.
Incumbent Democrat David Reid was first elected in 2017.
Incumbent Republican Dave LaRock was first elected in 2013.
Incumbent Democrat Kathleen Murphy was first elected in a 2015 special election.
Incumbent Democrat Mark Keam was first elected in 2009.
Incumbent Democrat Ken Plum was first elected in 1981.
Incumbent Democrat David Bulova was first elected in 2005.
Incumbent Democrat Kaye Kory was first elected in 2009.
Incumbent Democrat Vivian Watts was first elected in 1995.
Incumbent Democrat Dan Helmer was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Democrat and Speaker of the House Eileen Filler-Corn was first elected in a 2010 special election.
Incumbent Democrat Kathy Tran was first elected in 2017.
Incumbent Democrat Mark Sickles was first elected in 2003.
Incumbent Democrat Paul Krizek was first elected in 2015.
Incumbent Democrat Mark Levine was first elected in 2015. He lost renomination.
Incumbent Democrat and House Majority Leader Charniele Herring was first elected in 2009.
Incumbent Democrat Patrick Hope was first elected in 2009.
Incumbent Democrat Rip Sullivan was first elected in a 2014 special election.
Incumbent Democrat and House Majority Whip Alfonso Lopez was first elected in 2011.
Incumbent Democrat Lee Carter was first elected in 2017. He lost renomination.
Primary results by county: 40β50%
50β60%
80β90%
Incumbent Democrat Hala Ayala was first elected in 2017. She is retiring to run for lieutenant governor .[ 8]
Incumbent Democrat Luke Torian was first elected in 2009.
Incumbent Democrat Marcus Simon was first elected in 2013.
Incumbent Republican Bobby Orrock was first elected in 1989.
Incumbent Republican Buddy Fowler was first elected in 2013.
Incumbent Republican John McGuire was first elected in 2017.
Incumbent Democrat Sally Hudson was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Republican Rob Bell was first elected in 2001.
Incumbent Republican Matt Fariss was first elected in 2011.
Incumbent Republican James Edmunds was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Republican Tommy Wright was first elected in a 2000 special election.
Incumbent Republican Carrie Coyner was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Democrat Lashrecse Aird was first elected in 2015.
Incumbent Republican Emily Brewer was first elected in 2017.
Incumbent Republican Lee Ware was first elected in a 1998 special election.
Incumbent Republican Kirk Cox was first elected in 1989. He is retiring to run for governor .[ 10]
Incumbent Democrat Karrie Delaney was first elected in 2017.
Incumbent Democrat Dawn Adams was first elected in 2017.
Incumbent Democrat Betsy Carr was first elected in 2009.
Incumbent Democrat Delores McQuinn was first elected in 2009.
Incumbent Democrat Jeff Bourne was first elected in 2017.
Incumbent Democrat Schuyler VanValkenburg was first elected in 2017.
Incumbent Democrat Rodney Willett was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Democrat Lamont Bagby was first elected in 2015.
Incumbent Democrat Roslyn Tyler was first elected in 2005.
Incumbent Democrat Clint Jenkins was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Democrat Cliff Hayes Jr. was first elected in a 2016 special election.
Incumbent Republican Jay Leftwich was first elected in 2013.
Incumbent Democrat Steve Heretick was first elected in 2015. He lost renomination.
Incumbent Democrat Don Scott was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Republican Barry Knight was first elected in 2009.
Incumbent Republican Jason Miyares was first elected in 2015. He is retiring to run for attorney general .[ 11]
Incumbent Democrat Nancy Guy was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Republican Glenn Davis was first elected in 2013.
Incumbent Democrat Alex Askew was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Democrat Ibraheem Samirah was first elected in 2019. He lost renomination to Irene Shin , who was elected with 65.4% of the vote.
Incumbent Democrat Suhas Subramanyam was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Republican Mark Cole was first elected in 2001. He is retiring.[ 12]
Incumbent Democrat Jay Jones was first elected in 2017.
Incumbent Democrat Angelia Williams Graves was first elected in a 2021 special election.
Incumbent Democrat Martha Mugler was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Democrat Jeion Ward was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Democrat Michael Mullin was first elected in a 2016 special election.
Incumbent Democrat Shelly Simonds was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Democrat Cia Price was first elected in 2015.
Incumbent Republican Amanda Batten was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Republican Scott Wyatt was first elected in 2019.
Incumbent Republican Keith Hodges was first elected in 2011.
Incumbent Republican Margaret Ransone was first elected in 2011.
Incumbent Republican Robert Bloxom Jr. was first elected in 2014.
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^ Lavoie, Denise (December 3, 2021). "Virginia GOP completes sweep of elections with House win" . Spectrum News . Associated Press . Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. Retrieved December 3, 2021 .
^ Schneider, Gregory S. (December 3, 2021). "Virginia Beach House of Delegates race called for Republican after recount, giving GOP the majority" . The Washington Post . Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. Retrieved December 3, 2021 .
^ Albiges, Marie; Ress, Dave (November 5, 2019). "Democrats take control of Virginia General Assembly in historic election" . The Virginia Pilot . Retrieved January 13, 2021 .
^ Cheslow, Daniella (January 8, 2020). "Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn Is Virginia's First Female, Jewish House Speaker" . WAMU . Retrieved January 13, 2021 .
^ a b Olivo, Antonio (July 14, 2020). "Virginia Del. Hala Ayala announces bid for lieutenant governor" . Washington Post .
^ a b WSLS (March 3, 2021). "Virginia Del. Nick Rush to not seek re-election" . WSLS .
^ a b Schneider, Gregory (November 17, 2020). "Former Virginia House speaker Kirk Cox says he'll seek GOP nomination for governor" . The Washington Post . Retrieved November 17, 2020 .
^ a b Vozzella, Laura (May 9, 2021). "Virginia Del. Jason Miyares wins Republican nomination for state attorney general" . The Washington Post . Retrieved June 2, 2021 .
^ a b Shenk, Scott (March 1, 2021). "Spotsylvania Republican Del. Mark Cole won't seek re-election" . The Free Lance Star .
^ "BREAKING: Bennett-Parker declares victory in 45th District race, Levine loses Delegate and Lieutenant Governor races" . ALXnow β Alexandria Now . June 8, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2021 .
^ Staff Reports (June 8, 2021). "Political newcomer Michelle Maldonado ousts Del. Lee Carter in 50th District primary" . Prince William Times . Retrieved June 9, 2021 .
^ Reyes, Josh (June 9, 2021). "Nadarius Clark defeats incumbent Steve Heretick in 79th House District Democratic primary" . pilotonline.com . Retrieved June 9, 2021 .
^ "Incumbent Delegate Samirah Loses Nomination To Irene Shin" . Herndon, VA Patch . June 8, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2021 .
^ Frolo, Caitlyn (June 8, 2021). "Republican newcomer Wren Williams unseats Poindexter for 9th District seat: AP reports" . WSET .
^ Edwards, Jonathan (November 10, 2020). "State delegate, longtime lawyer Joe Lindsey appointed Norfolk judge" . The Virginian-Pilot .
^ "2021 January Special" . Virginia Department of Elections. January 13, 2021. Archived from the original on December 18, 2022. Retrieved January 21, 2021 .
^ Vozzella, Laura (May 27, 2020). "Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy announces bid in Virginia governor's race" . The Washington Post .
^ "2021 January Special" . Virginia Department of Elections. January 13, 2021. Archived from the original on December 18, 2022. Retrieved January 21, 2021 .
^ "Is the Virginia House of Delegates or Senate at risk of flipping to GOP in November? β I'd say the House is in between Toss-up to Leans Dem. The Senate isn't up" . Twitter . Retrieved October 14, 2021 .
^ "Our Final Virginia Ratings" . Elections Daily . Retrieved March 11, 2023 .
^ "Virginia certifies election results, but 2 recounts loom" . AP NEWS . November 15, 2021. Retrieved December 3, 2021 .
^ Vozzela, Laura (December 8, 2021). "With judges' ruling in recount, GOP cements two-seat majority in Virginia House of Delegates" . Washington Post .
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf cg ch ci cj ck cl cm cn co cp cq cr cs ct cu cv cw "Nov. 2, 2021 General Election Statewide Candidates" . Virginia Department of Elections . Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021 .
^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections . Archived from the original on June 15, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2021 .
^ Reece, Janay (April 23, 2021). "March wins Virginia's 7th District GOP primary" . WDBJ7 . Retrieved April 25, 2021 .
^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections . Archived from the original on June 9, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2021 .
^ "Democratic challenger in 8th District House of Delegates race withdraws" . ABC13 News . October 13, 2021.
^ "2021 June Republican Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections . Archived from the original on June 9, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2021 .
^ https://www.facebook.com/joebiden/photos/a.10150487089926104/10158552535071104/?type=3 [user-generated source ]
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee [@DLCC] (October 23, 2021). "Huge news from Virginia! President @BarackObama is throwing his support behind 21 Virginia House candidates running in the most competitive districts. These are the races we need to win in order to #KeepVABlue. https://t.co/fmuGwaiMYm" (Tweet ). Archived from the original on October 23, 2021. Retrieved October 24, 2021 – via Twitter .
^ "2021 June Republican Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections . Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021 .
^ "2021 June Republican Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections . Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021 .
^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections . Archived from the original on June 15, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021 .
^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections . Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021 .
^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections .[permanent dead link ]
^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections .[permanent dead link ]
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^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections . Archived from the original on June 15, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021 .
^ Palermo, Jill (May 3, 2021). "Bristow dentist Dr. Steve Pleickhardt wins GOP 'firehouse primary' for 50th District House seat" . Prince William Times . Retrieved June 3, 2021 .
^ "2021 June Republican Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections . Archived from the original on June 15, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021 .
^ Aird, Lashrecse [@delegateaird] (October 23, 2021). "π₯I cannot believeπ₯ I have @barackobama alongside me in our fight to win this re-election! I'm incredibly proud to have his endorsement and to finish strong! Too much is on the line, let's do this! Vote #TeamAird now or Nov. 2nd! https://t.co/x0nUb42qme" (Tweet ). Archived from the original on October 23, 2021. Retrieved October 24, 2021 – via Twitter .
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^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections . Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021 .
^ "2021 June Republican Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections . Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021 .
^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections . Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021 .
^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections . Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021 .
^ Coutu, Peter (June 5, 2021). "Anne Ferrell Tata wins Republican nomination for 82nd district" . Retrieved June 5, 2021 .
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^ "2021 June Democratic Primary" . Virginia Department of Elections . Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021 .
^ Shenk, Scott (April 24, 2021). "Republicans choose 88th District candidate" . The Free Lance-Star . Retrieved April 27, 2021 .
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