Virginia Primary 2025: Key Election Date, Leading Candidates, and Why This Vote Could Shape the National Race

Virginia voters head to the polls today, 17 June 2025, for a primary that will set the stage for a historic November contest and determine several high-profile statewide nominees. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; anyone in line by closing time will be allowed to vote. KEY TAKEAWAYS • Democratic ballots feature crowded contests for lieutenant governor (six candidates) and attorney general (two candidates). • The Republican statewide slate is uncontested after Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears secured the GOP gubernatorial nomination without opposition. • November’s governor’s race will pit Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D) against Earle-Sears (R), guaranteeing Virginia its first woman governor. • Local primaries, especially in Richmond, Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia, could reshape the General Assembly ahead of 2026 redistricting. WHEN AND WHERE TO VOTE Same-day registration is available at every precinct; bring a photo ID such as a driver’s license or U.S. passport. Absentee ballots must be postmarked today or delivered in person by 7 p.m. Curbside voting is offered for voters aged 65+ or with physical disabilities. DEMOCRATIC RACES IN THE SPOTLIGHT Lieutenant Governor: Del. Sam Rasoul, Richmond City Councilwoman Katherine Jordan, and former NAACP attorney Brian Smalls headline a six-way field. The winner will likely share the ticket with Spanberger to energize turnout in November. Attorney General: Former U.S. Attorney Zachary Terwilliger faces Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth in a race framed around abortion access and data-privacy enforcement. REPUBLICAN SIDE QUIET BUT ORGANIZED With Earle-Sears, Del. Jason Miyares (seeking a second term as AG), and former state senator Jill Vogel (running for lieutenant governor) unopposed, GOP leaders are focusing on get-out-the-vote operations and November fundraising. Party strategists say unity today could give Republicans an advantage after fiercely contested Democratic primaries siphon resources. WHY THE 2025 VIRGINIA PRIMARY MATTERS NATIONALLY Both national parties view Virginia as a bellwether for the 2026 midterms. Democrats aim to keep the governor’s mansion and showcase abortion-rights messaging in a Southern state, while Republicans hope Earle-Sears’ candidacy broadens the party’s appeal among suburban women and Black voters. The outcome could also influence which issues dominate the 2026 presidential cycle. HOW TO FOLLOW RESULTS Unofficial returns will post on the Virginia Department of Elections website shortly after polls close, with certified results expected by 24 June. Local TV affiliates in Richmond and Hampton Roads plan live coverage starting at 7 p.m., and both campaigns will stream speeches on social media. WHAT’S NEXT The winning Democratic nominees will join Spanberger on the statewide ticket at the party’s convention in August. Expect immediate fundraising appeals and new ad buys as both parties pivot to a general-election narrative likely centered on reproductive rights, the economy and Donald Trump’s national influence. Stay tuned this evening for turnout numbers, precinct-level surprises and the first indicators of how Virginians intend to shape the commonwealth’s political future in 2025 and beyond.