The Virginia state legislature will soon hold special elections to replace two state senators, John McGuire and Suhas Subramanyam, who were elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
McGuire, a Republican, represented a rural district in central Virginia, while Subramanyam, a Democrat, represented a Washington-area exurb.
Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas announced that the election to replace Subramanyam will be held on January 7, though no date has been set for McGuire’s replacement.
The Virginia Senate currently holds a narrow 21-19 Democratic majority, making these elections pivotal for both parties.
In Subramanyam’s district, several Democrats, including State Del. Kannan Srinivasan, former Del. Ibraheem Samirah, and former Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj, are seeking the Democratic nomination.
Meanwhile, Republicans vying for McGuire’s seat include former state Sen. Amanda Chase, her former staffer Shayne Snavely, Duane Adams, and Jean Gannon.
Political analysts suggest that while these races are important, it would take an extraordinary set of circumstances for the balance of power to shift significantly.
A contentious nomination process, low voter turnout, or a highly energized opposition could impact the results, but such events are considered unlikely.