While some final votes in Virginia’s 2021 elections are being tallied, the likely outcomes will bring significant change to Capitol Square in Richmond, with Republican sweeps in the statewide races and a new Republican majority in the House of Delegates.

Throughout 2021, the Virginia REALTORS^® Political Action Committee spent nearly $450,000 engaged in 29 House of Delegates races through our campaign services program—nine during the June Primary Election and 20 during the November General Election. The campaign services program provides REALTOR^® champion candidates with significant campaign support in the form of activities such as digital ads and direct mail.

RPAC-supported candidates were victorious in 83% (24 of 29) of the elections in which we participated. While all our supported candidates didn’t win, because of our bipartisan efforts over the years, Virginia REALTORS^® is well positioned to work with the incoming House and the remaining Senate leadership to support policies that benefit housing, housing providers, and commercial real estate in Virginia.

Election Details

Late breaking momentum helped push Republican Glenn Youngkin to an approximate 50.83% victory over former Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe (48.4%) and Independent Princes Blanding (0.69%).  Tracking the top of the ticket, Republican Winsome Sears beat Democrat Hala Ayala 50.99% to 48.9% to win the Lt. Governor race. In the Attorney General campaign, Republican Jason Miyares defeated incumbent Democrat Mark Herring 50.63% to 49.29%. These are the first Republican statewide election victories in Virginia since 2009. The RPAC of Virginia Disbursement Trustees remained neutral in the statewide contests.

In the House of Delegates, Republicans regained the majority they lost in 2019 by likely picking up seven House of Delegates seats. Republicans held all their 45 seats and apparently knocked off seven Democratic incumbents to take the majority.  Two of the races could be close enough to request recounts, but if these outcomes hold, Republicans will take a 52-48 majority in the House of Delegates.

Republican victories will mean significant changes to both personnel and policy objects of state executive agencies and the reshuffling of leadership in the House of Delegates and legislators who serve on key committees. Virginia also enters a cycle of closely divided government, with Democrats holding a slim 21-19 majority in the state Senate, which was not up for election this year.

If you have any questions about the 2021 Virginia Elections, feel free to contact the government relations team at advocacy@virginiarealtors.org.