Your cheat sheet to Virginia's June congressional primaries
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Early voting for Virginia's June congressional primaries is underway.
Why it matters: The outcomes will determine the Democratic and Republican candidates going head-to-head in November, and the winners of those elections will be representing you in Congress.
The big picture: All of Virginia's 11 U.S. House of Representatives seats are up for grabs this November.
- So is one of its two spots in the Senate: Sen. Tim Kaine's seat.
- Since there's no one challenging Kaine for the Democratic nomination, there's no Democratic primary for him in June.
- But there are five Republicans hoping to take Kaine on.
Between the lines: This means Richmonders only have a Senate Republican primary to vote for this time around, since Democratic Rep. Jennifer McClellan — whose 4th District includes Richmond — is running unopposed.
- Sen. Mark Warner's seat is up for election in 2026.
Key dates:
- May 28: deadline to register to vote or update registration.
- June 7: deadline to apply for a mailed absentee ballot.
- June 15: last in-person early voting day.
- June 18: primary day.
Where to vote:
- Look up your polling place here.
What do you need to vote?
- A form of ID, but if residents who don't have one when they go to vote can cast a provisional ballot that's counted once officials verify eligibility.
A look at the Richmond-area races:
1st District
Areas it includes: Parts of Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties among others.
Democrats:
Republicans:
- Rep. Rob Wittman (incumbent and only Republican candidate).
5th District (one of the most competitive primary elections)
Areas it includes: While it's mostly seen as a Charlottesville-area district, it does include parts of Goochland, parts of Hanover County and Powhatan.
Democrats:
Republicans:
- Bob Good, a two-term incumbent.
- John McGuire, a state senator representing Goochland.
The Republicans going for Kaine's Senate spot:
What we're watching: Rep. Abigail Spanberger leaving her 7th District seat to run for governor has drawn seven Democrats and six Republicans vying to replace her.
- The last 7th District race in 2022 was seen as one that could determine party control of the House. Spanberger flipped the GOP-held seat in 2018.