WASHINGTON — Virginia voters will select candidates in a primary election Tuesday in which redistricting has forced a record number of retirements and created several high-profile contests between incumbents of the same party.
The winners will face off in a November general election that will decide control of the closely divided state legislature.
In 2021, Republicans won a narrow 52-48 majority in the House of Delegates and swept every statewide constitutional office. This year, they aim for a complete lock on the commonwealth’s legislative agenda by winning back the state Senate, which Democrats now control by a 22-18 majority.
One of the top races to watch is the Democratic primary in the 13th Senate District, where the candidates’ positions on abortion have played a key role. First-term incumbent Joe Morrissey, a former independent, opposes abortion rights and has backed some Republican efforts to restrict the procedure in the commonwealth. His opponent is Lashrecse Aird, a former state delegate who describes her support of abortion rights as “100%.”
Another key race is the Democratic primary in the 18th Senate District in southeastern Virginia between incumbents Lionell Spruill Sr. and Louise Lucas, veteran Black lawmakers who were drawn into the same district.
Here’s a look at what to expect on election night:
ELECTION DAY
Polls close at 7 p.m. ET.
HOW VIRGINIA VOTES
Virginia’s primaries are open to all voters. Voters choose a party ballot, and the choice is recorded.
The AP will declare winners in 50 races – 22 for state Senate, 25 for House of Delegates and three local races for commonwealth’s attorney. There are no statewide elections. The first votes are expected a few minutes after polls close.
In the 2022 general election, election-night updates wrapped up around 11:30 p.m. ET. Historically, Virginia counts at least 97% of votes by noon the next day.
DECISION NOTES
The AP does not make projections and will only declare a winner when it’s…
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