House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries are set to campaign in Virginia Beach this weekend, underscoring the high stakes in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District as early voting concludes Saturday at 5 p.m. Both parties are deploying national figures to support their candidates ahead of Tuesday’s election, reflecting the competitive nature of several key races across the state.
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The outcome in multiple Virginia districts is expected to be close, with control of important congressional seats and the direction of the next Congress potentially at stake. The attention from national leaders highlights how Virginia has become a focal point in the battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Virginia’s 2nd District, where Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans faces former Democratic Rep. Elaine Luria, has drawn significant attention from both parties. Jeffries will appear with Luria on Saturday, aiming to energize Democratic voters in the final hours of early voting. On the Republican side, Johnson is scheduled to join Kiggans at a rally on Monday, signaling the party’s commitment to defending the seat. Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin and country singer Colton James are also expected to campaign for Republicans in the final days, adding further star power to the GOP’s efforts.
"We want to demonstrate to the people of Virginia how important this race is. Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District will determine the state of the country because this will be a close election."
— Mike Johnson, House Speaker
The Center for Politics at the University of Virginia rated the 2nd District as "leans Democratic" in its final forecast, suggesting a competitive but slight advantage for Luria. A Christopher Newport University poll conducted earlier in October showed Luria leading Kiggans 46% to 43%, within the survey’s 4-point margin of error. This close margin indicates that the race could go either way, and both campaigns are working to turn out their supporters before polls close.
Tight Races Across Districts
Other districts in Virginia are also seeing competitive contests. In the 6th District, Democratic candidate Beth Macy is challenging Rep. Ben Cline. U.S. Sen. Mark Warner will campaign with Macy on Saturday, lending his support as Democrats seek to expand their reach in traditionally Republican areas. Macy’s campaign noted that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee recently added the 6th District to its "Districts in Play" list, signaling increased national interest and resources. However, no public polling has been conducted in the district this cycle, leaving the outcome uncertain.
Sen. Warner, who has held his seat since 2008, is seeking what he says will be his final term. He faces Bert Mizusawa, a retired Army major general. Mizusawa told NBC4 that he believes the president deserves support on foreign policy, referencing his own experience with military planning. Warner’s campaign has emphasized his long record in the Senate and his focus on bipartisan solutions.
In the 1st District, Democrat Shannon Taylor has criticized Republican Rep. Rob Wittman for not voting to end the war, stating she would do so on her first day in Congress. Taylor has also called for lifting tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump, arguing that such measures have hurt Virginia businesses and consumers. Wittman, who has emphasized national security throughout his campaign, urged lawmakers to pass a $67 billion defense appropriations bill and plans to rally with Johnson on Monday. The contest has become a referendum on both national security and economic policy, with both candidates drawing sharp contrasts.
Forecasts and Ballot Measures
Sabato’s Crystal Ball rated both the 1st and 5th Districts as toss-ups, reflecting the uncertainty and competitiveness of these races. In the 5th District, Republican Rep. John McGuire is being challenged by former Rep. Tom Perriello, who will campaign with former Rep. Denver Riggleman in Lynchburg. McGuire secured his nomination after defeating Bob Good in the Republican primary, a contest that drew significant attention from conservative activists and national observers.
Voters statewide will also decide on three constitutional amendments on Tuesday, adding further significance to the election. Early voting ends at 5 p.m. Saturday, and polls open at 6 a.m. on Election Day, giving voters one last opportunity to cast their ballots in what is shaping up to be a closely watched and potentially decisive election for Virginia and the nation.
The competitive landscape in Virginia’s congressional races has drawn national attention, with both parties making last-minute pushes to sway undecided voters. The presence of high-profile surrogates and the influx of campaign resources underscore the importance of every vote in determining the outcome of these pivotal contests. As early voting wraps up and Election Day approaches, Virginia remains at the center of the national political conversation.
