Virginia's 5th Congressional District election, 2026

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Virginia's 5th Congressional District
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: Pending
Primary: June 16, 2026 General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voting in Virginia
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Republican DDHQ and The Hill: Pending Inside Elections: Solid Republican Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
See also
Virginia's 5th Congressional District U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th • 8th • 9th • 10th • 11th Virginia elections, 2026 U.S. Congress elections, 2026 U.S. Senate elections, 2026 U.S. House elections, 2026 Alabama U.S. House racesAlaska U.S. House raceArizona U.S. House racesArkansas U.S. House racesCalifornia U.S. House racesColorado U.S. House racesConnecticut U.S. House racesDelaware U.S. House raceFlorida U.S. House racesGeorgia U.S. House racesHawaii U.S. House racesIdaho U.S. House racesIllinois U.S. House racesIndiana U.S. House racesIowa U.S. House racesKansas U.S. House racesKentucky U.S. House racesLouisiana U.S. House racesMaine U.S. House racesMaryland U.S. House racesMassachusetts U.S. House racesMichigan U.S. House racesMinnesota U.S. House racesMississippi U.S. House racesMissouri U.S. House racesMontana U.S. House racesNebraska U.S. House racesNevada U.S. House racesNew Hampshire U.S. House racesNew Jersey U.S. House racesNew Mexico U.S. House racesNew York U.S. House racesNorth Carolina U.S. House racesNorth Dakota U.S. House raceOhio U.S. House racesOklahoma U.S. House racesOregon U.S. House racesPennsylvania U.S. House racesRhode Island U.S. House racesSouth Carolina U.S. House racesSouth Dakota U.S. House raceTennessee U.S. House racesTexas U.S. House racesUtah U.S. House racesVermont U.S. House raceVirginia U.S. House racesWashington U.S. House racesWest Virginia U.S. House racesWisconsin U.S. House racesWyoming U.S. House raceSubmit

All U.S. House districts, including the 5th Congressional District of Virginia, are holding elections in 2026. The general election is November 3, 2026. To learn more about other elections on the ballot, click here.

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:

• Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
• Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. House Virginia District 5

The following candidates are running in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 5 on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		John McGuire (R)
	Submit photo	Suzanne Krzyzanowski (D)
		Tom Perriello (D)
	Submit photo	Mike Pruitt (D)
		Paul Riley (D)
	Submit photo	Robert Tracinski (D)
		Kate Zabriskie (D)
		Bob Good (R)
	Submit photo	Chris Register (Independent)

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Adele Stichel (D)

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Paul Riley

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I am a retired U.S. Army veteran with over 20 years of service as a military intelligence officer, including a combat tour in Iraq. After serving at duty stations around the world, my wife Jani and our family settled in Crozet in 2010, where we raised our three children: McKenna, Nathaniel, and Keegan. From 2010 to 2023, I worked at the National Ground Intelligence Center. Today, i continue my national service as a defense contractor and intelligence professional, advising on critical security issues facing the United States. Born in Norwich, New York, i graduated from Florida State University in 1989. My wife and I have been married for over 34 years. I enjoy the outdoors—hiking, fishing, hunting, and traveling—and remains deeply committed to my family and community."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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Families across our district are being hit from every direction—grocery bills, gas, utilities, housing, and healthcare costs keep climbing while paychecks fall behind. A big part of the problem is Washington’s short-sighted trade policies. Tariffs meant to look tough are actually hidden taxes that raise prices on everything from food and clothing to the tools our small businesses rely on. When you add tariffs on top of already rising costs, it’s families, not politicians, who pay the price. I believe we need a smarter approach: reduce tariffs that punish consumers, cut wasteful government spending, and focus on policies that bring supply chains closer to home and create good-paying jobs right here. Affordability should be the foundation of

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Our tax system should be simple, fair, and work for working families—not just the well-connected. Too many middle-class families and small businesses are carrying the load while large corporations and special interests find loopholes to avoid paying their share. Here in our district, that means family farms, small manufacturers, and local shops are stretched thin while the biggest corporations exploit tax breaks and send profits overseas. I believe we need a tax system that rewards hard work, not wealth hoarding. That means lowering the burden on working families, protecting retirement savings, and ensuring big corporations and the ultra-wealthy play by the same rules as everyone else. Fair and equitable taxes aren’t about taking more—it’s

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In Virginia’s 5th District, over 48,000 veterans call this community home. They deserve more than empty promises—they deserve action. Yet, Washington continues to push cuts to the very services our veterans rely on, from healthcare to mental health support to timely claims processing. That is unacceptable. As your representative, I will fight to strengthen the Department of Veterans Affairs, not weaken it. That means fully funding local VA clinics, expanding access to care, and cutting through the red tape that keeps veterans from receiving the benefits they’ve earned. It also means protecting the hard-earned rights of our servicemembers and ensuring they have opportunities for good jobs, housing, and education when they return home.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Virginia

Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Paul Riley (D)

Families across our district are being hit from every direction—grocery bills, gas, utilities, housing, and healthcare costs keep climbing while paychecks fall behind. A big part of the problem is Washington’s short-sighted trade policies. Tariffs meant to look tough are actually hidden taxes that raise prices on everything from food and clothing to the tools our small businesses rely on. When you add tariffs on top of already rising costs, it’s families, not politicians, who pay the price.

I believe we need a smarter approach: reduce tariffs that punish consumers, cut wasteful government spending, and focus on policies that bring supply chains closer to home and create good-paying jobs right here. Affordability should be the foundation of

Our tax system should be simple, fair, and work for working families—not just the well-connected. Too many middle-class families and small businesses are carrying the load while large corporations and special interests find loopholes to avoid paying their share. Here in our district, that means family farms, small manufacturers, and local shops are stretched thin while the biggest corporations exploit tax breaks and send profits overseas. I believe we need a tax system that rewards hard work, not wealth hoarding. That means lowering the burden on working families, protecting retirement savings, and ensuring big corporations and the ultra-wealthy play by the same rules as everyone else. Fair and equitable taxes aren’t about taking more—it’s

In Virginia’s 5th District, over 48,000 veterans call this community home. They deserve more than empty promises—they deserve action. Yet, Washington continues to push cuts to the very services our veterans rely on, from healthcare to mental health support to timely claims processing. That is unacceptable.

As your representative, I will fight to strengthen the Department of Veterans Affairs, not weaken it. That means fully funding local VA clinics, expanding access to care, and cutting through the red tape that keeps veterans from receiving the benefits they’ve earned. It also means protecting the hard-earned rights of our servicemembers and ensuring they have opportunities for good jobs, housing, and education when they return home.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Paul Riley (D)

I am deeply committed to strengthening agriculture, ensuring fair and responsible tax reform, and protecting the rights and benefits of our veterans. Agriculture is the backbone of our local economy, and I will always stand with the farmers who feed our communities. I believe our tax system should be fair, simple, and work for families and small businesses—not against them. And with more than 48,000 veterans living in our district, I will fight tirelessly to safeguard the care and services they have earned through their service. These priorities reflect not only my values, but the values of our district.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Paul Riley (D)

I look up to Theodore Roosevelt for his farsighted vision in protecting our environment and conserving natural resources—he understood the importance of stewardship long before it was widely recognized. I also admire Barack Obama for his mental toughness, resilience, and ability to achieve success under intense pressure. Both exemplify leadership that balances principle, courage, and the ability to get things done—qualities I strive to emulate in my own public service.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Paul Riley (D)

The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity and moral courage. Voters deserve representatives who are honest, transparent, and willing to stand firm in their values, even when it’s not politically convenient. Integrity means doing what’s right, not what’s easy. Moral courage means having the backbone to oppose bad policies, regardless of party pressure or special interests. An elected official should never be a rubber stamp—they should be an advocate for the people they represent, asking tough questions and making decisions that reflect the best interests of their district. At the end of the day, leadership is about service, accountability, and having the courage to put principles ahead of politics.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Paul Riley (D)

The core responsibilities of someone elected to this office are first and foremost to represent the people—not a party, not special interests, but the families, workers, and communities who live here. That means listening to constituents, understanding their concerns, and making decisions that reflect their needs and priorities. It also means safeguarding taxpayer dollars, ensuring accountability in government, and making sure that laws and policies are fair, effective, and transparent.

Equally important is the responsibility to exercise oversight—to ask hard questions, challenge bad policies, and make sure government is working the way it should. An elected official must also be a bridge builder, working across the aisle when possible to find real solutions while standing firm on core values.

At its heart, this office is about service. It’s about protecting freedoms, improving quality of life, and ensuring that future generations inherit a stronger, safer, and more prosperous America.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Paul Riley (D)

I want to leave a legacy of tangible results for the people I serve—stronger communities, opportunities for families to thrive, and a government that is accountable, transparent, and focused on the needs of its citizens. I hope to be remembered as someone who listened, acted with integrity, and fought to make life better for working families, veterans, and rural communities, ensuring that my service left a lasting, positive impact.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Paul Riley (D)

The first historical event I clearly remember is the fall of Saigon. I was nine years old at the time, and the images and stories of that moment left a lasting impression on me. It shaped my understanding of global events and the impact of leadership decisions on people’s lives.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Paul Riley (D)

My very first job was on a local dairy farm, where I earned $6 for every milking. In the summertime, I also worked bailing hay, making $2 an hour. It was tough, honest work that taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and earning a dollar the old-fashioned way.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Paul Riley (D)

The Sun Also Rises is one of my favorite books because of its raw, honest portrayal of the post-World War I generation and their search for meaning in a world forever changed. Ernest Hemingway’s spare, direct prose captures the aimlessness, desires, and disillusionment of the “Lost Generation” with striking clarity. I love the complex characters, especially Jake Barnes and Lady Brett Ashley, whose struggles with love, identity, and societal expectations feel timeless. The novel’s vivid depiction of bullfighting, travel, and Parisian and Spanish life brings the story to life, while its themes of resilience, longing, and human frailty resonate deeply with me. It’s a book that combines adventure, introspection, and emotion in a way that continues to leave a lasting impression every time I read it.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Paul Riley (D)

If I could be any fictional character, I would choose James Herriot. His stories captivated me and inspired my dream of becoming a large animal veterinarian. I admired his compassion, patience, and dedication to both animals and the people who cared for them—qualities that continue to inspire how I approach challenges and serve others in my own life.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Paul Riley (D)

One of the struggles I’ve faced in my life has been overcoming the challenges of starting out with limited resources and opportunities. Growing up in a small rural community, I learned early the value of hard work and perseverance. Whether it was putting myself through college or navigating the demands of military service, these challenges taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of never giving up—lessons that continue to guide me today.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Paul Riley (D)

The U.S. House of Representatives is unique because it is the chamber closest to the people, with two-year terms that ensure members remain directly accountable to their constituents. Its size and diversity allow for broad representation across the country, reflecting the many perspectives and needs of Americans. The House also holds distinct powers—like originating revenue bills and initiating impeachment—that make it central to maintaining accountability and ensuring government serves the people.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Paul Riley (D)

No, I do not believe previous experience in government or politics is required to be an effective representative. What matters most is understanding the needs of your community, having the courage to stand up for what’s right, and being willing to work hard for the people you serve. Fresh perspectives can bring innovative solutions, accountability, and a focus on real-world results rather than political gamesmanship. Ultimately, dedication, integrity, and a commitment to public service are far more important than a résumé in politics.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Paul Riley (D)

Over the next decade, I see several critical challenges facing the United States. First and foremost is national security. We must modernize our military, strengthen intelligence capabilities, and protect our nation from evolving threats—both traditional and cyber-based—while remaining steadfast allies with those who share our values.

Second, our infrastructure requires urgent attention. Roads, bridges, and public transit systems are aging, and investments in modern infrastructure are essential to keep our economy competitive. This includes expanding high-speed rail to connect communities efficiently, and broadband access to rural and underserved areas so businesses, schools, and families can thrive in a digital economy.

Finally, all these efforts must support economic growth and opportunity. By modernizing infrastructure and investing in technology, we create jobs, empower local economies, and ensure every American has a chance to succeed. Addressing these challenges thoughtfully and decisively will determine whether the U.S. remains secure, competitive, and prosperous for generations to come.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Paul Riley (D)

Yes, I believe two years is the right term length for representatives. Short terms keep members closely accountable to their constituents and ensure they remain in touch with the needs and priorities of the people they serve. It encourages active engagement, responsiveness, and a focus on results rather than becoming too comfortable in office. While challenging, this frequent election cycle reinforces the principle that public service is a responsibility, not a lifetime career.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Paul Riley (D)

Yes, I strongly support term limits. We were never meant to have career politicians sitting in Washington for decades, disconnected from the people they represent. In our district, too many decisions that affect farmers, small businesses, and working families are made by officials who have been in office so long that they’ve lost touch with our community’s daily struggles. Our Founding Fathers envisioned public service as a duty—something citizens would step into for a time, then return to their communities and livelihoods. Term limits help keep fresh ideas flowing, prevent entrenched power, and ensure elected officials remain accountable to the people they serve. It’s time to end politics as a lifelong career and restore citizen leadership that reflects the needs of our neighbors.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Paul Riley (D)

I don’t necessarily model myself after any one representative, but I greatly admire Abigail Spanberger for her tenacity and her ability to win in a challenging district while consistently passing laws that truly benefited her constituents. What I respect most is her focus on results over politics—ensuring that the work she did in Washington had a meaningful, positive impact on the people she represented. That combination of determination, effectiveness, and commitment to constituents is something I strive to emulate in my own service.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Paul Riley (D)

While visiting Lunenburg County, I heard from residents about the lack of opportunities in their community. They spoke about how limited infrastructure makes it difficult to attract new businesses and create good-paying jobs. As a result, too many young people are leaving to find opportunities elsewhere—and many never return. This isn’t just a challenge in Lunenburg; it’s a familiar theme across many rural parts of Virginia’s 5th District. That story stuck with me because it goes to the heart of why I’m running. Our rural communities have been overlooked for too long, and the consequences are real: shrinking populations, struggling schools, and families forced apart by economic necessity. If elected, my priority will be to fight for the kinds of investments—like broadband, modern infrastructure, and workforce development—that can attract businesses, create opportunity, and give our young people a reason to stay, build their futures, and raise their families right here at home.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Paul Riley (D)

Yes, compromise is not only desirable—it is absolutely essential for effective policymaking. Our democracy works best when elected officials listen to all perspectives, seek common ground, and find solutions that reflect the needs of the majority, not just a single party or interest group. Without compromise, legislation becomes one-sided, often serving political agendas rather than the real needs of everyday Americans.

Compromise does not mean abandoning principles or values. It means recognizing that complex problems—whether it’s healthcare, the economy, national security, or infrastructure—require collaboration and nuanced solutions. By working across the aisle, policymakers can craft laws that are balanced, sustainable, and widely supported, ensuring that decisions serve the people in practical, meaningful ways.

In today’s polarized political climate, compromise is even more critical. It helps prevent gridlock, builds trust between parties, and demonstrates to voters that their representatives are capable of governing responsibly. Ultimately, compromise is the mechanism that allows our government to function effectively while remaining true to the core democratic principle: that government exists to serve the people, not ideology.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Paul Riley (D)

The Constitution requires that all bills for raising revenue originate in the House because the House is meant to be closest to the people, with members directly accountable to their constituents every two years. For me, that means protecting the taxpayers of Virginia’s 5th District and ensuring that their hard-earned dollars are spent wisely. If elected, I would use this responsibility to push for policies that strengthen our local economy—such as investing in broadband expansion so our rural communities aren’t left behind, and supporting infrastructure improvements that make it easier for farmers, small businesses, and families to thrive. I would oppose reckless spending or tax increases that place an unfair burden on working families and small businesses. At its core, this constitutional role is about ensuring that the people—not Washington insiders—set the priorities for how government raises and spends money. Would you like me to also weave in a tie to national security funding (since that’s one of your major themes), or keep this focused mostly on local economic concerns?

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Paul Riley (D)

The House’s investigative powers should be used carefully and judicially—focused on clear violations of the Constitution and the law. No one, regardless of position or party, is above the law. These powers are not meant for political theater but for accountability, transparency, and protecting the integrity of our government. By using them responsibly, we can restore public trust and ensure that those who break the law or abuse their office are held to account.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Paul Riley (D)

One of my proudest accomplishments is seeing my children grow into responsible, compassionate members of society. Watching them develop their own values, work ethic, and sense of purpose has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s a reminder of the impact that guidance, support, and example can have on the next generation.

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

Paul Riley (D)

The government has a critical role to play in the development and use of artificial intelligence. First and foremost, it must ensure there are laws and regulations in place to prevent abuse, particularly against Americans, and to protect privacy, civil liberties, and personal freedoms. At the same time, the United States must continue to invest in AI research and innovation to remain competitive in an ever-changing world. AI will shape the future of our economy, our society, and our national defense, and we cannot afford to fall behind. By striking the right balance between oversight and innovation, we can harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding our citizens and maintaining our strength on the global stage.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

Paul Riley (D)

One of the most important steps we can take to restore faith in our democracy is to eliminate partisan gerrymandering. I would support legislation that establishes a federal requirement for nonpartisan, independent commissions to draw congressional district maps. When politicians control the process, we end up with districts that protect incumbents or one party, instead of fairly representing communities. By making redistricting transparent, data-driven, and nonpartisan, we can ensure that voters are choosing their representatives—not the other way around. This reform would strengthen accountability, increase competition, and better reflect the will of the people in every district.

You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:

• Bob Good
• John McGuire
• Kate Zabriskie
• Mike Pruitt

Campaign finance

Name	Party	Receipts*	Disbursements**	Cash on hand	Date
John McGuire	Republican Party	$466,130	$182,671	$310,677	As of June 30, 2025
Suzanne Krzyzanowski	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Tom Perriello	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Mike Pruitt	Democratic Party	$223,585	$84,963	$138,622	As of September 30, 2025
Paul Riley	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Robert Tracinski	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Kate Zabriskie	Democratic Party	$13,427	$15,153	$-1,726	As of September 30, 2025
Bob Good	Republican Party	$35,267	$28,135	$11,504	As of September 30, 2025
Chris Register	Independent	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). * According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." ** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election. *** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

• Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
• Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
• Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.
• Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.

Race ratings: Virginia's 5th Congressional District election, 2026
Race tracker	Race ratings
	12/23/2025	12/16/2025	12/9/2025	12/2/2025
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Decision Desk HQ and The Hill	Pending	Pending	Pending	Pending
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week.

Ballot access

The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in Virginia in the 2026 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Virginia, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2026
State	Office	Party	Signatures required	Filing fee	Filing deadline	Source
Virginia	U.S. House	Ballot-qualified party	1,000	$3,480	TBD	Source
Virginia	U.S. House	Unaffiliated	1,000	N/A	TBD	Source

District history

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.

• 2024
• 2022
• 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House Virginia District 5

John McGuire (R) defeated Gloria Tinsley Witt (D) in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 5 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		John McGuire (R)	57.3	249,564
		Gloria Tinsley Witt (D)	42.3	184,229
		Other/Write-in votes	0.5%	2,046

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 435,839
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary

Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 5

Gloria Tinsley Witt (D) defeated Gary Terry (D) and Paul Riley (D) in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 5 on June 18, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Gloria Tinsley Witt	57.2	14,188
		Gary Terry	22.4	5,566
		Paul Riley	20.4	5,063

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 24,817
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary

Republican primary for U.S. House Virginia District 5

John McGuire (R) defeated incumbent Bob Good (R) in the Republican primary for U.S. House Virginia District 5 on June 18, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		John McGuire	50.3	31,583
		Bob Good	49.7	31,209

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 62,792
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

General election

General election for U.S. House Virginia District 5

Incumbent Bob Good (R) defeated Joshua Throneburg (D) in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 5 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bob Good (R)	57.6	177,191
		Joshua Throneburg (D)	42.2	129,996
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2%	588

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 307,775
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary

The Democratic primary scheduled for June 21, 2022, was canceled. Joshua Throneburg (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 5 without appearing on the ballot.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Lewis Combs (D)
• Thomas McLellan (D)
• Andy Parker (D)

Republican convention

Republican convention for U.S. House Virginia District 5

Incumbent Bob Good (R) defeated Dan Moy (R) in the Republican convention for U.S. House Virginia District 5 on May 21, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bob Good	84.6	1,488
	Submit photo	Dan Moy	15.4	271

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,759
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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General election

General election for U.S. House Virginia District 5

Bob Good (R) defeated Cameron Webb (D) in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 5 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bob Good (R)	52.4	210,988
		Cameron Webb (D)	47.3	190,315
		Other/Write-in votes	0.3%	1,014

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 402,317
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Democratic primary

Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 5

Cameron Webb (D) defeated Claire Russo (D), Roger Dean Huffstetler (D), and John Lesinski (D) in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 5 on June 23, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Cameron Webb	66.6	35,965
		Claire Russo	18.2	9,833
		Roger Dean Huffstetler	9.9	5,337
		John Lesinski	5.4	2,902

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 54,037
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Shadi Ayyas (D)
• Kim Daugherty (D)

Republican convention

Republican convention for U.S. House Virginia District 5

Bob Good (R) defeated incumbent Denver Lee Riggleman III (R) in the Republican convention for U.S. House Virginia District 5 on June 13, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bob Good	59.8	1,517
		Denver Lee Riggleman III	40.2	1,020

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,537
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District analysis

Click the tabs below to view information about voter composition, past elections, and demographics in both the district and the state.

• District map - A map of the district in place for the election.
• Competitiveness - Information about the competitiveness of 2026 U.S. House elections in the state.
• Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the district and the state.
• State party control - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.

• District map
• Competitiveness
• Presidential elections
• State party control

Below is the district map in place for this election. Click the map below to enlarge it.

See also: Primary election competitiveness in state and federal government, 2026

Information about competitiveness will be added here as it becomes available.

Partisan Voter Index

See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index

Heading into the 2026 elections, based on results from the 2024 and 2020 presidential elections, the Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district is R+6. This meant that in those two presidential elections, this district's results were 6 percentage points more Republican than the national average. This made Virginia's 5th the 179th most Republican district nationally.

2020 presidential election results

The table below shows what the vote in the 2024 presidential election was in this district. The presidential election data was compiled by The Downballot.

2024 presidential results in Virginia's 5th Congressional District

Kamala Harris	Donald Trump
43.0%	56.0%

Presidential voting history

See also: Presidential election in Virginia, 2024

Virginia presidential election results (1900-2024)

• 18 Democratic wins
• 14 Republican wins

Year	1900	1904	1908	1912	1916	1920	1924	1928	1932	1936	1940	1944	1948	1952	1956	1960	1964	1968	1972	1976	1980	1984	1988	1992	1996	2000	2004	2008	2012	2016	2020	2024
Winning Party	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D

See also: Party control of Virginia state government

Congressional delegation

The table below displays the partisan composition of Virginia's congressional delegation as of October 2025.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Virginia
Party	U.S. Senate	U.S. House	Total
Democratic	2	6	8
Republican	0	5	5
Independent	0	0	0
Vacancies	0	0	0
Total	2	11	13

State executive

The table below displays the officeholders in Virginia's top four state executive offices as of October 2025.

State executive officials in Virginia, October 2025

Office	Officeholder
Governor	Glenn Youngkin
Lieutenant Governor	Winsome Earle-Sears
Secretary of State	Kelly Gee
Attorney General	Jason Miyares

State legislature

Virginia State Senate

Party		As of October 2025
	Democratic Party	21
	Republican Party	19
	Other	0
	Vacancies	0
Total		40

Virginia House of Delegates

Party		As of October 2025
	Democratic Party	51
	Republican Party	48
	Other	0
	Vacancies	1
Total		100

Trifecta control

Virginia Party Control: 1992-2025
Four years of Democratic trifectas  •  Four years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99	00	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25
Governor	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R
Senate	D	D	D	D	S	S	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	R	R	D	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D
House	D	D	D	D	D	D	S	S	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	R	R	D	D

See also

Virginia	2026 primaries	2026 U.S. Congress elections
Virginia congressional delegation Voting in Virginia Virginia elections: 2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018	Democratic primary battlegrounds Republican primary battlegrounds U.S. Senate Democratic primaries U.S. Senate Republican primaries U.S. House Democratic primaries U.S. House Republican primaries	U.S. Congress elections U.S. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access

External links

• Search Google News for this topic

Footnotes

[show]

Virginia's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Tim Kaine (D)

Mark Warner (D)

Representatives

District 1

Rob Wittman (R)

District 2

Jennifer Kiggans (R)

District 3

Bobby Scott (D)

District 4

Jennifer McClellan (D)

District 5

John McGuire (R)

District 6

Benjamin Lee Cline (R)

District 7

Eugene Vindman (D)

District 8

Donald Sternoff Beyer (D)

District 9

H. Morgan Griffith (R)

District 10

Suhas Subramanyam (D)

District 11

James Walkinshaw (D)

Democratic Party (8)

Republican Party (5)

2025-2026 Elections to the United States Congress

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Election information

Ballot access for major and minor party candidates • List of candidates running for election • List of congressional challengers • Retiring senators • Retiring representatives

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Super PACs/Organizations

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