The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) announced on Tuesday a $100,000 investment in two Northern Virginia state legislature special elections scheduled for January, The Hill reported. The contests, though expected to favor Democrats, are being positioned as a strategic preview of the competitive 2025 election year in Virginia.
The elections will fill vacancies in the 32nd state Senate district and the 26th state House district. Both districts are located in Loudoun County, a Democratic stronghold near Washington, D.C. Despite the region’s Democratic lean, Vice President Kamala Harris underperformed President Joe Biden’s 2020 margins in the 2024 election, raising concerns for the party.
In a statement, the DLCC emphasized the importance of these early contests, saying, “The stakes couldn’t be higher as we approach the first special elections of 2025. We must preserve our majorities to lead the upcoming legislative agenda and position Democrats for success heading into November’s elections. … We know the importance of early investments in laying the foundation for success, which is why we’re building the infrastructure now – not next year – for Democratic power in Virginia.”
The 32nd state Senate district race features Democratic State Del. Kannan Srinivasan against Republican Tumay Harding. This seat was vacated by Rep.-elect Suhas Subramanyam. Meanwhile, in the 26th state House district, Democrat J.J. Singh faces Republican Ram Venkatachalam.
These races are seen as key indicators for upcoming statewide contests, where the positions of governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and the state House will be on the ballot. The DLCC’s early investment underscores the party’s effort to secure Virginia’s political landscape and maintain momentum heading into the 2025 elections.
