| New race ratings from the non-partisan Cook Political Report make it clear: Democrats are squarely on offense across Virginia.
Cook writes that “under the new map, Democrats are favored in 10 of the state’s 11 seats.”
They write that Congresswoman Jen Kiggans is “highly vulnerable,” Congressman Rob Wittman “has no chance at winning” his existing district, and that neither Congressman John McGuire or Congressman Ben Cline “has the record or background to seriously contest” whatever seat they may choose to run in.
DCCC Spokesperson Eli Cousin:
“Virginia voters have spoken, and they made it clear that they are sick and tired of Washington Republicans’ jacking up their costs and ripping away their health care. We are on offense in Virginia and well positioned to flip seats up and down the Commonwealth in November.”
Read more from Cook:
ON VA-02:
- “The new lines leave Kiggans highly vulnerable, and we’re shifting this district from Toss Up to Lean Democrat.”
- “[Rep. Elaine Luria] outraised Kiggans by several hundred thousand dollars last quarter and had $2.3 million on hand.”
- “[Kiggans] has already faced $1.7 million in attack ads from a liberal dark money group, slamming her for voting to cut Medicaid.”
ON VA-05:
- “The transformed 5th District would be incredibly difficult for a Republican to win, shifting from a district that Trump won by 12 points in 2024 to one that he would have lost by nine.”
- “Regardless of who wins the GOP nomination, this race is rated Solid Democrat.”
- “45% of the new district’s population comes from Richmond suburbs that were previously in the 1st District — making it a natural fit for Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor, who announced she would run here in February. Taylor has raised $1.3 million this cycle and isn’t expected to face much serious opposition in the Democratic primary.”
ON VA-06:
- “In 2024, this district would have voted for Kamala Harris by three points, and in 2025, Abigail Spanberger carried it by 12.”
- “Whether or not this seat is open, Republicans are at a clear disadvantage. Neither of the potential candidates has the record or background to seriously contest a light blue district in a difficult political environment, so we’re rating this race Likely Democrat.”
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