Virginia Democrats Hold State Senate Seat, Keep Trifecta Ahead of Spanberger Inauguration

Mike Jones won a special election in a Richmond-area district, preserving Democrats’ Senate majority as they prepare to take full control of the state.

Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger arrives on stage at her election night watch party at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Va., on Nov. 4, 2025. Alex Wong/Getty Images

Virginia Democrats held onto a Richmond-area state Senate seat in a special election this week, preserving their narrow majority in the state’s upper chamber as Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger (D) prepares to take office later this month.

Voters in Virginia’s 15th Senate District elected Democrat Mike Jones on Jan. 6, defeating Republican John Thomas by about 67.8 percent to 32 percent, according to unofficial results from the Virginia Department of Elections. The contest drew roughly 15,409 votes, the department stated.

Although Virginia does not require or record party registration, the non-partisan Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) rates the district as “strong Democratic.”

The win keeps Democrats at a 21-19 majority in the Virginia Senate heading into the 2026 General Assembly session, which begins on Jan. 14.

With Democrats holding majorities in both chambers, Democrats can advance their agenda without any Republican votes.

Jones had served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates before running for the Senate seat, which became vacant after Sen. Ghazala Hashmi won election as lieutenant governor in November. Spanberger, who will succeed Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and Hashmi are set to be inaugurated on Jan. 17.

If Republicans had won the seat, the Virginia Senate could have ended up split 20–20 after Hashmi leaves office on Jan. 17, which could have made it harder for Democrats to advance a proposed constitutional amendment to allow mid-decade congressional redistricting. Similar map changes were made in other states last year.

The Democratic National Committee described the result as an early signal heading into the 2026 congressional midterms this fall, saying that the party is gaining traction by focusing on costs and health care.

“Dr. Jones’ victory tonight is yet another proof point that Democrats—who remain focused on lowering costs for families—have the momentum across the country,” DNC Chair Ken Martin said in a statement.

“Democrats will use the trifecta in the Commonwealth to grow Virginia’s economy and protect the fundamental freedoms Virginians rely on. Tonight’s election is just the beginning—as we kick off 2026, Democrats are on offense.”

Democrat Wins House Race

Democrats also won a second Richmond-area race on the same ballot. In House District 77, which the VPAP also rates as “strong Democratic,” Democrat Charlie Schmidt defeated Republican Richard Stonage Jr. by about 90 percent to 9 percent, according to the unofficial results.

State Sen. Lamont Bagby, chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia, said the wins showed Democrats’ approach heading into the new session.

“I am proud to congratulate Senator-elect Mike Jones and Delegate-elect Charlie Schmidt on their decisive victories,” Bagby said in a statement, calling the races “two more crucial wins for the Democratic Party of Virginia.”