Labor Day marks the unofficial kickoff for the 2025 election cycle here in Virginia. With no rest for the weary, after a contentious 2024 election, Virginia takes its place on the political stage as a bellwether ahead of the 2026 national midterms.

In the commonwealth this year, Virginians will vote for three statewide offices: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General. In addition, all 100 seats in the House of Delegates are up for reelection as well. With President Donald J. Trump having been elected last year, historic trends would seem to be favoring the Democrats this cycle. Regardless of who wins, Virginia will make history this year, electing a woman as Governor for the first time in statewide history.

At the top of the Democratic ticket, former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger is the nominee for Governor. She is joined by State Senator Ghazala Hashmi as the nominee for Lieutenant Governor and former Delegate Jay Jones as the nominee for Attorney General.

For the Republicans, current Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears is the nominee for Governor. She is joined by former radio host John Reid as the nominee for Lieutenant Governor, while current Attorney General Jason Miyares is running for reelection for a second term.

The current House Democratic majority is led by Speaker Don Scott, defending a one-seat majority, 51-49. The Democratic majority is on offense this cycle, targeting a number of races as pickup opportunities. Democrats have identified 14 to 16 seats they feel could be winnable, depending on top-of-the-ticket margins and other factors. In contrast, House Republicans have identified four seats as pickup opportunities and feel confident that they will successfully win reelection in many, if not all, of their current seats.

With housing costs continuing to rise and cost of living repeatedly identified as a critical issue this election cycle, YOUR Virginia REALTORS® Government Relations team continues to engage our REALTOR® Champions as the election cycle unofficially gets underway. Your team has also identified key races to engage in politically, sending mail and digital impressions in races with the goal of reelecting REALTOR® Champions.

Early voting begins in Virginia in one week (September 19th), making this election cycle critical for REALTORS® to get engaged. As a trade association, our members have an astounding 90% voter registration; REALTOR® votes will make a difference this election cycle. In 2017, the House majority came down to a single vote, determined by drawing a name out of a bowl; every vote in Virginia really does matter. Beginning next week, REALTORS® have the chance to make their voices heard.

We’ll have resources for you next week when early voting opens!