Key Races to Determine Democratic Nominees for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General
Virginians are casting their ballots today, June 17, 2025, in primary elections across the Commonwealth to select party nominees for the upcoming November general election. While the gubernatorial candidates for the two major parties are already set, voters will decide crucial down-ballot races, particularly on the Democratic side.
The most watched contests are the Democratic primaries for lieutenant governor and attorney general. In the race for the second-highest office in the state, a crowded field of six Democrats are vying for the nomination: Alex Bastani, state Sens. Ghazala Hashmi and Aaron Rouse, Prince William County School Board Chair Babur Lateef, former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, and former federal prosecutor Victor Salgado. The winner of this competitive primary will face Republican nominee John Reid in the general election.
For the office of attorney general, Democrats will choose between former Del. Jay Jones and Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney Shannon Taylor. The victor will challenge incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares, who is seeking re-election and faced no primary challenger.
The gubernatorial race, which will not be on the primary ballot, is set for a historic showdown between former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger for the Democrats and current Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears for the Republicans. Both secured their party's nomination without a primary opponent. The November 4th general election will see Virginians elect their first female governor, as incumbent Governor Glenn Youngkin is barred by the state's constitution from seeking a consecutive term.
In addition to the statewide races, voters in various districts will also decide primaries for seats in the House of Delegates and local offices. A special election is also being held to fill the U.S. House seat in the 11th Congressional District.
Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The results of today's primaries will finalize the party tickets for the November general election, setting the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched and competitive election season in the Commonwealth.
