Protecting Democrats’ one-seat majority in the chamber was a top priority for the DLCC
WASHINGTON — With several key races yet to be called, Democrats have already secured enough seats to protect their majority in the Virginia House of Delegates tonight – the most competitive legislative chamber on the ballot this year. Voters also elected a Democratic governor and a Democratic lieutenant governor, delivering a mandate for a progressive agenda and for leaders who will stand up for their economic opportunities as Trump raises prices and eliminates jobs. This is the first time Democrats have successfully defended a Virginia House majority in nearly 30 years. Democratic majorities in the states are a critical bulwark against the worst of Trump’s MAGA administration, and Virginia voters have bolstered the Democratic firewall in the states with these key wins.
Defending the House of Delegates majority also ensures that three constitutional amendments that would enshrine abortion rights, secure marriage equality, and restore voting rights to people who have completed their jail sentences have a stronger chance of passing through the legislature again to appear on the 2026 ballot for voters.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:
“Voters are sick of the chaos in DC as well as the state Republicans who refuse to stand up on behalf of their communities. This huge win in Virginia sets the tone for the 2026 midterms when Democrats have an opportunity to not only win back power in Congress but to make historic gains in our state legislatures. 56 million Americans live in the states on DLCC’s target map in 2026, and Virginia is just the opening act in winning back power across the map.
“The DLCC will continue to work year-round to recruit bold candidates, invest in tough races, and look for opportunities in all 50 states to win. Our job now is to channel this energy for Democrats into the opportunities we have in 2026 to build our power in state legislatures across the country. We’re ready to defend and gain ground where it matters most.”
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is the campaign arm of Democratic state legislatures and leads the national strategy for building power and winning new majorities. Over the last three decades, we have strategized cycle over cycle to win majorities and lead the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level, winning nearly a dozen new chamber majorities over the last decade. Our work has ensured that nearly half of Americans are represented by at least one Democratic majority in their statehouse. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class and advancing opportunity, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.
###
