ARPS Media - Democrats retain House Districts 11 and 23 in Tuesday’s special elections

Just hours before the Virginia General Assembly was set to convene, Democrats on Tuesday held onto two House of Delegates seats in special elections, extending a winning streak that has followed a wave of legislative departures to fill key roles in Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s incoming administration.

By 8 p.m., Democrat Gretchen Bulova defeated Republican Adam Wise in House District 11 by 69.7–29.8% out of 5,932 votes cast, according to unofficial results from the Virginia Department of Elections. Bulova will succeed her husband, former Del. David Bulova, who retired his seat after being tapped last month as Virginia’s next secretary of natural and historic resources.

And in House District 23, Democrat Margaret Franklin defeated Republican Vern Robinson by 77.2–22.6% out of 6,428 votes cast, filling the seat vacated by Del. Candi Mundon King, D-Prince William, who is joining Spanberger’s cabinet as secretary of the commonwealth.

The two contests were the latest in a series of special elections triggered by lawmakers leaving the General Assembly to serve in Spanberger’s administration. Democrats have so far managed to defend each of the vacated seats, maintaining their majority in the House of Delegates and the state Senate as the new governor prepares to take office.

While the districts in Tuesday’s elections lean Democratic, Republicans had hoped the off-cycle contests might present an opening to flip at least one seat amid typically lower participation.

“We congratulate Delegate-elect Gretchen Bulova and Delegate-elect Margaret Franklin on their special election victories in HD-11 and HD-23,” House Democrats said in a statement.

“As the General Assembly prepares to get to work, we look forward to serving alongside them, rolling up our sleeves, and delivering strong, responsible leadership that meets the moment and delivers for Virginians across the commonwealth.”

HD-11, located in northern Fairfax County, has long been a Democratic stronghold. The district backed Democratic candidates at every level in recent statewide elections and is home to a large number of federal workers and college-educated voters.

Gretchen Bulova enters the House with deep ties to the district and state politics. She previously served as a member of the Fairfax County School Board and has worked as an advocate on education and environmental issues.

On the campaign trail, she emphasized continuity with her husband’s record, highlighting priorities such as public education funding, environmental protection and transportation.

David Bulova, a veteran environmental legislator first elected in 2005, was selected by Spanberger to lead the natural and historical resources secretariat, overseeing agencies responsible for environmental regulation, conservation and historic preservation.

His appointment was part of a broader effort by the incoming governor to draw experienced lawmakers into her cabinet.

HD-23, which covers parts of Prince William County, has also trended Democratic in recent cycles as the region has grown more diverse and suburban.

Franklin campaigned on a platform centered on public education, health care access and economic opportunity.

A longtime community advocate, Franklin has worked with local nonprofit organizations and emphasized her experience navigating state and local systems on behalf of families.

Her victory ensures Democrats retain control of a seat that King had represented since winning it in a 2021 special election. King’s move into the administration created the vacancy that Franklin will now fill.

Tuesday’s outcomes mean Democrats have successfully defended multiple seats vacated by lawmakers joining Spanberger’s cabinet, reinforcing the party’s strong hold on the House as the 2026 legislative session approaches.

Another special election is scheduled for Jan. 20 in House District 17, also in Fairfax County, where Democrat Garrett McGuire will face Republican Christopher Cardiff.

Both are vying to succeed Del. Mark Sickles, D-Fairfax, who is set to become Virginia’s next secretary of finance in Spanberger’s administration.

Source: Democrats retain House Districts 11 and 23 in Tuesday’s special elections • Virginia Mercury