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Gretchen Bulova won the Democratic nomination for Virginia’s 11th House of Delegates District, placing her in position to seek the seat being vacated by her husband, Del. David Bulova.

David Bulova was nominated by Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger to serve as secretary of natural and historic resources.

Gretchen Bulova received 47.7% of the roughly 1,188 votes cast in the five-candidate firehouse primary. The district includes Fairfax City and part of Fairfax County.

A special election is scheduled for Jan. 13, one day before Virginia lawmakers convene for the 2026 legislative session. No Republican candidate has entered the race.

Bulova has led the Office of Historic Alexandria since 2019. She also chairs the Fairfax County 250th Commission and the county’s History Commission.

She said decisions made in Richmond have a major effect on residents’ quality of life and pointed to her Fairfax roots, public-service career and community involvement. Her experience includes work in Democratic politics, social justice, scouting, parent-teacher organizations and Fairfax County commissions.

Bulova said she wants to be a strong advocate for the district and ensure every child has an opportunity to succeed. She added that her leadership record and knowledge of the community would allow her to begin working immediately.

Former Alexandria City Councilwoman and Vice Mayor Amy Jackson welcomed Bulova’s candidacy, saying she was excited for the family and pleased to see Gretchen Bulova pursue the seat David Bulova will leave.

The other candidates were former Fairfax City Councilmember So Lim; Vanessa Cardenas, executive director of America’s Voice; Douglas Shuster, president of the Miller Heights Neighborhood Association; and Denver Supinger, a former chief of staff to Del. Karrie Delaney.