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Northern Virginia voters will choose two new state lawmakers Tuesday after an appointment by Gov. Abigail Spanberger set off a chain of vacancies in the General Assembly.
The Feb. 10 special elections cover Virginia Senate District 39 and House District 5, both considered Democratic strongholds. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Spanberger nominated Sen. Adam Ebbin to lead the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, leaving his Senate District 39 seat open. Democratic Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker is giving up her House District 5 seat to run for Ebbin’s position, triggering the second election.
Bennett-Parker faces Republican Julie Robben Lineberry in the Senate contest. Democrat Kirk McPike and Republican Mason Butler are competing to replace Bennett-Parker in the House of Delegates.
The contests continue a rapid reshaping of Northern Virginia’s legislative delegation following Spanberger administration appointments. Earlier special elections selected new delegates for House districts 11, 17 and 23.
Where and when to vote
Senate District 39 covers Alexandria, south Arlington and a small part of Fairfax County. House District 5 includes portions of Alexandria.
Voters can confirm whether they live in a participating district through the Virginia Department of Elections.
Early in-person voting ran from Jan. 31 through Feb. 7. The voter registration deadline was Feb. 3, while requests for mail-in or absentee ballots were due Jan. 30.
Voters casting ballots in person should bring valid identification. Those without an ID may sign an identification confirmation statement or cast a provisional ballot.
Anyone voting provisionally because of an identification issue has until noon Feb. 13 to provide a copy of an acceptable ID to the local electoral board or sign a confirmation statement.
Curbside voting is available for voters who are 65 or older and those with disabilities.
Mail ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 10 and received by Feb. 13. Completed absentee ballots may also be delivered to an authorized drop-off site. Local election offices can provide information about available drop boxes.
Senate District 39
Bennett-Parker, a Democrat who has served in the House of Delegates since 2022, has emphasized economic opportunity, reproductive rights and education during her campaign.
Lineberry, the Republican nominee, worked in Northern Virginia real estate for 45 years before retiring and served for a decade on the Alexandria Electoral Board. She has made affordability a central issue and presented herself as an independent check on Democratic control in Richmond.
House District 5
McPike, the Democratic nominee, has served on the Alexandria City Council since 2022. More than 15 years ago, he managed a state Senate campaign for Ebbin. His stated priorities include expanding housing, addressing climate change and supporting federal workers.
Butler, the Republican nominee, is a business executive with experience in technology and management. He has described himself as a moderate and has highlighted affordability and education as campaign priorities.