State-Run House Primaries: 1999-2025

A look at state-run primaries this year for the House of Delegates shows different trends for the two major parties. The number of Democratic primaries has declined from a record high in 2017, while the number of Republican primaries is in-line with the most recent election cycles. Numbers for 2025 are preliminary, and may change as the Virginia Dept. of Elections finalizes their candidate list.

All House of Delegates nomination contests this year are state-run primaries, in order to comply with a new law that took effect in 2024. This law prohibits nomination contests that would prevent qualified voters from participating if they are unable to physically attend for certain reasons, such as military service or disability. Other traditional methods of nomination, such as conventions or firehouse primaries, may not meet the law's requirements.

Notes: Preliminary list subject to change as the Virginia Dept. of Elections finalizes the official ballot list for June primaries.

Sources: Democratic Party of Virginia announcement (accessed 4/10/2025), Virginia Dept. of Elections, VPAP research. Nomination contests referenced at Virginia Code § 24.2-509(A).