Virginia's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024

2026 → ← 2022
Virginia's 3rd Congressional District
Democratic primary Republican primary General election
Election details
Filing deadline: April 4, 2024
Primary: June 18, 2024 General: November 5, 2024
How to vote
Poll times: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voting in Virginia
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Democratic DDHQ and The Hill: Safe Democratic Inside Elections: Solid Democratic Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Democratic
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2024
See also
Virginia's 3rd Congressional District U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th • 8th • 9th • 10th • 11th Virginia elections, 2024 U.S. Congress elections, 2024 U.S. Senate elections, 2024 U.S. House elections, 2024 Alabama U.S. House racesAlaska U.S. House racesArizona U.S. House racesArkansas U.S. House racesCalifornia U.S. House racesColorado U.S. House racesConnecticut U.S. House racesDelaware U.S. House racesFlorida 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 racesOhio 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 racesTennessee U.S. House racesTexas U.S. House racesUtah U.S. House racesVermont U.S. House racesVirginia U.S. House racesWashington U.S. House racesWest Virginia U.S. House racesWisconsin U.S. House racesWyoming U.S. House racesSubmit

All U.S. House districts, including the 3rd Congressional District of Virginia, held elections in 2024. The general election was November 5, 2024. The primary was June 18, 2024. The filing deadline was April 4, 2024. The outcome of this race affected the partisan balance of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 119th Congress. All 435 House districts were up for election.

At the time of the election, Republicans held a 220-212 majority with three vacancies. As a result of the election, Republicans retained control of the U.S. House, winning 220 seats to Democrats' 215. To read more about the 2024 U.S. House elections, click here.

In the 2022 election in this district, the Democratic candidate won 67.4%-32.6%. Daily Kos calculated what the results of the 2020 presidential election in this district would have been following redistricting. Joe Biden (D) would have defeated Donald Trump (R) 68.3%-30.0%.

For more information about the primaries in this election, click on the links below:

• Virginia's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (June 18 Democratic primary)
• Virginia's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (June 18 Republican primary)

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for U.S. House Virginia District 3

Incumbent Robert C. Scott defeated John Sitka III in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 3 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Robert C. Scott (D)	70.0	219,926
		John Sitka III (R)	29.8	93,801
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2	670

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 314,397
= 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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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Rhoda Taylor-Young (Independent)
• Shanise Williams (Independent)

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Robert C. Scott advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 3.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. John Sitka III advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Virginia District 3.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Jim Wright (R)

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.

John Sitka III

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  ""I’m Dr. John Sitka, a retired Navy veteran, educator, and longtime resident of Norfolk since 1979. Growing up as the eldest of eight siblings, I learned the value of hard work and resilience. My career spans service in the Navy, where I retired as a Chief Quartermaster, and later as an educator in maritime studies. I hold advanced degrees in counseling and educational leadership, and I’m passionate about serving our community by focusing on veterans' issues, education reform, and protecting our constitutional rights.""

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Key Messages

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

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Here’s a refined version: "I’m running as the Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in VA-03 because I see our country facing perilous times. It’s time someone stood up for the hardworking Americans—the 'little guy'—who are being crushed by an out-of-control government that ignores the needs of the middle and lower classes. Our leaders are recklessly spending money we don’t have on illegal immigration, foreign countries, and bloated government agencies. I’m here to fight for common sense and fiscal responsibility in Washington."

---

I am concerned about our country's direction over the past three years for my children and grandchildren. It is rapidly heading toward a Socialist and Marxist government. I worry that our government's overreach has affected every aspect of life and freedom. I see people in office constantly tramp on the Constitution. These same politicians are not being held accountable for their lawlessness while attacking their opponents for the actions these same politicians are committing themselves.

---

Close the Border Now! Build the Wall, and remove the violent illegal immigrants immediately. I want less red tape/regulations for those seeking Legal Immigration. Let's reward those who want to be U.S. citizens without violating Border Laws. Illegal immigration is not only costing our Nation untold Billions of dollars, but even at the State and local level, the cost is overburdening resources in Health Care, Schools, and crime.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Virginia District 3 in 2024.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Virginia

Election information in Virginia: Nov. 5, 2024, election.

What was the voter registration deadline?

• In-person: Nov. 5, 2024
• By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 15, 2024
• Online: Oct. 15, 2024

Was absentee/mail-in voting available to all voters?

Yes

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?

• In-person: Oct. 25, 2024
• By mail: Received by Oct. 25, 2024
• Online: Oct. 25, 2024

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?

• In-person: Nov. 5, 2024
• By mail: Postmarked by Nov. 5, 2024

Was early voting available to all voters?

Yes

What were the early voting start and end dates?

Sep. 20, 2024 to Nov. 2, 2024

Were all voters required to present ID at the polls? If so, was a photo or non-photo ID required?

N/A

When were polls open on Election Day?

6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (EST)

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?

John Sitka III (R)

Here’s a refined version: "I’m running as the Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in VA-03 because I see our country facing perilous times. It’s time someone stood up for the hardworking Americans—the 'little guy'—who are being crushed by an out-of-control government that ignores the needs of the middle and lower classes. Our leaders are recklessly spending money we don’t have on illegal immigration, foreign countries, and bloated government agencies. I’m here to fight for common sense and fiscal responsibility in Washington."

I am concerned about our country's direction over the past three years for my children and grandchildren. It is rapidly heading toward a Socialist and Marxist government. I worry that our government's overreach has affected every aspect of life and freedom. I see people in office constantly tramp on the Constitution. These same politicians are not being held accountable for their lawlessness while attacking their opponents for the actions these same politicians are committing themselves.

Close the Border Now! Build the Wall, and remove the violent illegal immigrants immediately. I want less red tape/regulations for those seeking Legal Immigration. Let's reward those who want to be U.S. citizens without violating Border Laws. Illegal immigration is not only costing our Nation untold Billions of dollars, but even at the State and local level, the cost is overburdening resources in Health Care, Schools, and crime.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

John Sitka III (R)

The economy is a significant issue for Hampton Roads. It costs much more for rent/mortgages, groceries, and fuel. The rate of inflation has diminished their buying power. Buying a home or a new car for most is out of the question. They said they don't see their futures as positive and worry about whether social security will exist and whether their investments and 401k will survive. Additionally, parents are upset with our schools since it is based on political indoctrination and not real education that matters for their children's futures.

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

John Sitka III (R)

I look up to my grandfather. He took a special interest in me and was someone I could always rely on for guidance. He was incredibly knowledgeable and wise, traits that I deeply admire and strive to emulate. His example of kindness, wisdom, and dedication to family is something I carry with me in all aspects of my life. Following his example, I aim to be someone who others can trust and look to for advice, just as I did with him.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

John Sitka III (R)

The Bible and the writings of the Founding Fathers, such as 'The Federalist Papers' and the Declaration of Independence, are foundational to my political philosophy. The Bible guides my moral compass and principles, while the works of the Founding Fathers shape my understanding of governance, individual rights, and the importance of limited government.

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

John Sitka III (R)

Commitment to the Constitution: An elected official must have a deep respect for the Constitution, understanding its relevance and the protection it offers against government overreach.

Integrity and Courage: Upholding the oath to defend the Constitution against all threats, even when it requires standing against popular or political pressures.

Defending Rights: A strong belief in the right to self-defense and opposing measures that threaten the safety and freedom of citizens.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

John Sitka III (R)

I believe my experience as a Navy Chief Petty Officer has equipped me with the qualities needed to be a successful officeholder. In that role, I learned how to mentor and guide young sailors, helping them develop their skills and confidence. Additionally, I gained valuable experience in working with difficult people, finding ways to resolve conflicts and foster teamwork. These skills—leadership, mentorship, and effective communication—are crucial for navigating the challenges of public office and serving the needs of my constituents.

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

John Sitka III (R)

1. Upholding the Constitution: Defend the principles and rights enshrined in the Constitution, ensuring government actions do not infringe upon citizens' freedoms.

2. Protecting Citizens: Prioritize the safety and security of the community, including supporting the right to self-defense and opposing measures that threaten this.

3. Representing Constituents: Act in the best interests of the people, addressing their concerns and advocating for policies that enhance their well-being and prosperity.

4. Fiscal Responsibility: Ensure responsible government spending, focusing on essential services and reducing unnecessary expenses.

What legacy would you like to leave?

John Sitka III (R)

I would like to leave a legacy of service, integrity, and dedication to the people I represent. My goal is to be remembered as someone who genuinely cared about the needs of my community, who stood up for what was right, and who worked tirelessly to protect the freedoms and values that make our country great. I want to inspire others to get involved, make a difference, and continue the work of building a better future for all Americans.

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

John Sitka III (R)

My dad encouraged me to take the job as a paperboy, which I did for two years. Being Catholic, part of my pay went towards helping cover the cost of my siblings' Catholic school education. This experience not only taught me responsibility and financial management but also instilled in me a strong sense of duty to my family and the importance of contributing to our collective well-being. It was an early lesson in the value of hard work and the role of family support.

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

John Sitka III (R)

My very first job was as a paperboy, a position I held for two years. It taught me valuable lessons in responsibility, as I had to be faithful in delivering newspapers every morning. It also helped me develop communication skills by interacting with customers and managing accounts, which included making collections. This experience laid the foundation for my work ethic and understanding of the importance of consistency and customer service.

What is your favorite book? Why?

John Sitka III (R)

My favorite book is the Bible. It’s more than just a book to me; it’s a guide for life, offering wisdom, comfort, and direction in every situation. The Bible provides timeless teachings that help me navigate challenges, make decisions, and stay grounded in my faith. Its influence on my values, principles, and outlook on life is profound, and it continually inspires me to be a better person.

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

John Sitka III (R)

I’d choose either Batman or Superman. Batman appeals to me because of his resourcefulness, intelligence, and determination to fight for justice, all without superpowers. On the other hand, Superman represents the ideal of using great power for good, with a strong moral compass guiding his actions. Both characters embody qualities I admire: bravery, commitment to doing what's right, and a relentless drive to protect others.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

John Sitka III (R)

The last song that got stuck in my head was "Baby Shark." It's catchy and repetitive, which makes it hard to shake once it's in your mind!

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

John Sitka III (R)

One of the biggest struggles in my life has been dealing with situations when things didn't go the way I planned or hoped. Overcoming these challenges required perseverance, adaptability, and the determination to find solutions even when the odds seemed stacked against me. Each time, I've learned valuable lessons that have strengthened my resolve and prepared me to handle future obstacles with greater resilience. This ability to bounce back and keep moving forward is something I carry with me in everything I do.

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

John Sitka III (R)

The U.S. House of Representatives is unique because its members are elected every two years, making it more directly accountable to voters. This frequent election cycle ensures that representatives stay closely connected to the needs and concerns of their constituents. The House is designed to be the "people's chamber," where the voices of the electorate are heard and acted upon with urgency. This structure fosters a strong link between representatives and the communities they serve, ensuring that public opinion plays a significant role in policymaking.

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

John Sitka III (R)

No, I don't believe previous experience in government or politics is necessary for a representative. In fact, having a fresh perspective can be incredibly valuable. Representatives who come from diverse backgrounds outside of politics bring real-world experience and a different approach to problem-solving. They are often more in tune with the everyday struggles of their constituents and less influenced by the political establishment. What matters most is a commitment to serve the people and uphold the principles of our Constitution.

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

John Sitka III (R)

Over the next decade, I believe the United States' greatest challenges will be preserving our freedoms and preventing a shift away from capitalism. Our nation was founded on principles of individual liberty and free-market economics, which have driven our prosperity and innovation. However, increasing government overreach and the expansion of socialist policies threaten these foundations. We must remain vigilant in defending our constitutional rights and promoting economic policies that encourage entrepreneurship, personal responsibility, and limited government intervention to ensure a prosperous future for all Americans.

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

John Sitka III (R)

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

John Sitka III (R)

My opinion on term limits is clear: they are essential for a healthy democracy. The 22nd Amendment limits the President's terms, and similar limits should apply to Congress. Politicians often cling to power, which can lead to corruption and complacency. I propose a constitutional amendment to limit senators to 12 years and House representatives to 6 years, ensuring fresh perspectives and reducing the risk of entrenched political power. If Congress won't act, I support states invoking Article V to push for this change through a constitutional convention.

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

John Sitka III (R)

Yes, I admire and want to model myself after representatives like Chip Roy and Ted Cruz. Both are strong conservatives who are unafraid to stand up for their principles, even when it means going against the grain. They are dedicated to defending the Constitution, advocating for limited government, and prioritizing the needs of their constituents over political expediency. Like them, I aim to be a bold and unwavering voice for conservative values and to fight tirelessly for the rights and freedoms of the American people.

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?

John Sitka III (R)

There was an incident that deeply impacted me, where parents voiced their concerns at a meeting about explicit sexual content being introduced in schools. Despite their heartfelt pleas, their voices seemed to fall on deaf ears, and the meeting continued without addressing their concerns. This experience highlighted for me the growing disconnect between elected officials and the people they are supposed to serve. It reinforced my commitment to truly listen to and advocate for my constituents, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.

Tell us your favorite joke.

John Sitka III (R)

A man sees a boy with a box of kittens labeled "Democrat kittens." The next week, the same boy has the box labeled "Republican kittens." The man asks, "Weren't they Democrat kittens last week?" The boy replies, "Yes, but now their eyes are open."

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

John Sitka III (R)

Compromise is a part of policymaking, and while I may need to compromise within my own party to achieve practical results, I’m concerned about the lack of willingness from the opposition to do the same. Too often, compromises seem to lean towards their agenda, rather than finding a middle ground that genuinely serves the American people. My priority is to stand firm on core principles while being open to reasonable compromises that truly benefit my constituents and the nation as a whole.

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?

John Sitka III (R)

The power of originating revenue bills in the House is crucial to ensuring that the people's representatives have direct control over taxation and government spending. If elected, I would use this authority to prioritize fiscal responsibility, reduce unnecessary spending, and ensure that tax policies benefit hardworking Americans. This power would allow me to advocate for measures that align with my commitment to reducing the national debt, combating inflation, and promoting economic growth, all while holding the government accountable to the taxpayers.

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

John Sitka III (R)

The U.S. House should use its investigative powers to root out political corruption, ensure strict oversight of government agencies' spending and regulations, and hold accountable any politicians profiting off the people. These investigations are vital to maintaining transparency, enforcing ethical standards, and protecting the interests of the American people. By using its investigative authority effectively, the House can help restore trust in government and ensure that public officials and agencies are acting in the best interests of the nation.

What committees interest you?

John Sitka III (R)

The committees that interest me most are Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Energy, and Defense. My experience as a Navy veteran and educator in maritime studies has given me a deep understanding of veterans' issues and the importance of strong national defense. Additionally, I am committed to addressing energy challenges and improving our transportation infrastructure, both of which are crucial for economic growth and national security. Serving on these committees would allow me to leverage my background to make meaningful contributions in these critical areas.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

John Sitka III (R)

I believe financial transparency and government accountability are crucial to restoring trust in our institutions. The situation in Ukraine highlights why we shouldn't hand out taxpayer money without strict oversight. Unfortunately, some politicians have profited from this conflict, and it's time to put an end to such practices. I’m committed to ensuring that our government spends responsibly, prioritizing the needs of American citizens, and cutting wasteful spending that drives inflation and burdens the middle class.

Campaign finance

Name	Party	Receipts*	Disbursements**	Cash on hand	Date
Robert C. Scott	Democratic Party	$869,637	$899,192	$162,863	As of December 31, 2024
John Sitka III	Republican Party	$5,866	$5,771	$95	As of December 31, 2024
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2024. 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.

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 3rd Congressional District election, 2024
Race tracker	Race ratings
	November 5, 2024	October 29, 2024	October 22, 2024	October 15, 2024
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic
Decision Desk HQ and The Hill	Safe Democratic	Safe Democratic	Safe Democratic	Safe Democratic
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball	Safe Democratic	Safe Democratic	Safe Democratic	Safe Democratic
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 2024 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Virginia, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2024
State	Office	Party	Signatures required	Filing fee	Filing deadline	Source
Virginia	U.S. House	Ballot-qualified party	1,000	$3,480.00	4/4/2024	Source
Virginia	U.S. House	Unaffiliated	1,000	N/A	6/18/2024	Source

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 2024 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 was the map in use at the time of the election. Click the map below to enlarge it.

See also: Primary election competitiveness in state and federal government, 2024

This section contains data on U.S. House primary election competitiveness in Virginia.

Virginia U.S. House competitiveness, 2014-2024
Office	Districts/ offices	Seats	Open seats	Candidates	Possible primaries	Contested Democratic primaries	Contested Republican primaries	% of contested primaries	Incumbents in contested primaries	% of incumbents in contested primaries
2024	11	11	2	53	22	6	3	40.9%	2	22.2%
2022	11	11	0	33	16	1	4	31.3%	2	18.2%
2020	11	11	0	31	15	4	2	40.0%	2	18.2%
2018	11	11	2	37	17	6	3	52.9%	2	22.2%
2016	11	11	2	29	20	1	4	25.0%	2	22.2%
2014	11	11	2	32	20	1	3	20.0%	2	22.2%

Post-filing deadline analysis

The following analysis covers all U.S. House districts up for election in Virginia in 2024. Information below was calculated on June 16, 2024, and may differ from information shown in the table above due to candidate replacements and withdrawals after that time.

Fifty-three candidates ran for Virginia’s 11 U.S. House districts, including 33 Democrats and 20 Republicans. That’s an average of 4.81 candidates per district.

This was also the most candidates who ran in primary elections in Virginia in the last 10 years.

The 7th and 10th Congressional Districts were open in 2024. The last time a seat was open in Virginia was in 2018 when two seats were open.

Incumbent Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-07) did not run for re-election because she will run for Governor of Virginia in 2025. Incumbent Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-10) retired from public office.

Sixteen candidates—12 Democrats and four Republicans—ran for the open 10th Congressional District, the most candidates who ran for a district in Virginia in 2024.

Nine primaries—six Democratic and three Republican—were contested in 2024. Between 2014 and 2022, an average of 5.8 primaries were contested each election year.

Two incumbents—Gerald Edward Connolly (D-11) and Bob Good (R-05)—were in contested primaries in 2024. Since 2014, there have been two incumbents in contested primaries in Virginia in every election year.

Candidates filed to run in the Republican and Democratic primaries in all 11 districts, meaning no seats are guaranteed to either party.

Partisan Voter Index

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

Heading into the 2024 elections, based on results from the 2020 and 2016 presidential elections, the Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district was D+17. This meant that in those two presidential elections, this district's results were 17 percentage points more Democratic than the national average. This made Virginia's 3rd the 83rd most Democratic district nationally.

2020 presidential election results

The table below shows what the vote in the 2020 presidential election would have been in this district. The presidential election data was compiled by Daily Kos.

2020 presidential results in Virginia's 3rd based on 2024 district lines
Joe Biden	Donald Trump
68.3%	30.0%

Inside Elections Baselines

See also: Inside Elections

Inside Elections' Baseline is a figure that analyzes all federal and statewide election results from the district over the past four election cycles. The results are combined in an index estimating the strength of a typical Democratic or Republican candidate in the congressional district. The table below displays the Baseline data for this district.

Inside Elections Baseline for 2024
Democratic Baseline	Republican Baseline	Difference
66.9	32.0	R+34.9

Presidential voting history

See also: Presidential election in Virginia, 2020

Virginia presidential election results (1900-2020)

• 17 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
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

See also: Party control of Virginia state government

Congressional delegation

The table below displays the partisan composition of Virginia's congressional delegation as of May 2024.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Virginia
Party	U.S. Senate	U.S. House	Total
Democratic	2	5	7
Republican	0	5	5
Independent	0	0	0
Vacancies	0	1	1
Total	2	11	13

State executive

The table below displays the officeholders in Virginia's top four state executive offices as of May 2024.

State executive officials in Virginia, May 2024
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 February 2024
	Democratic Party	21
	Republican Party	19
	Other	0
	Vacancies	0
Total		40

Virginia House of Delegates

Party		As of February 2024
	Democratic Party	51
	Republican Party	49
	Other	0
	Vacancies	0
Total		100

Trifecta control

The table below shows the state's trifecta status from 1992 until the 2024 election.

Virginia Party Control: 1992-2024
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
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District history

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2018.

2022

See also: Virginia's 3rd Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Virginia District 3

Incumbent Robert C. Scott defeated Terry Namkung in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 3 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Robert C. Scott (D)	67.4	139,659
		Terry Namkung (R)	32.6	67,668

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 207,327
= 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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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• JaPharii Jones (Independent)

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Robert C. Scott advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 3.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• James Taylor (D)
• Luis Rivera (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Virginia District 3

Terry Namkung defeated Theodore Engquist in the Republican primary for U.S. House Virginia District 3 on June 21, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Terry Namkung	60.5	6,293
		Theodore Engquist	39.5	4,116

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 10,409
= 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.

2020

See also: Virginia's 3rd Congressional District election, 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House Virginia District 3

Incumbent Robert C. Scott defeated John Collick in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 3 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Robert C. Scott (D)	68.4	233,326
		John Collick (R)	31.4	107,299
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2	736

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 341,361
= 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

• Kyle Roberts (Independent)

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Robert C. Scott advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 3.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Virginia District 3

John Collick defeated Madison Downs and George Yacus in the Republican primary for U.S. House Virginia District 3 on June 23, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		John Collick	39.7	9,004
		Madison Downs	34.5	7,816
		George Yacus	25.8	5,853

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 22,673
= 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

• Geoffrey Burke (R)

2018

See also: Virginia's 3rd Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Virginia District 3

Incumbent Robert C. Scott won election in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 3 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Robert C. Scott (D)	91.2	198,615
		Other/Write-in votes	8.8	19,107

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 217,722
= 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 election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Robert C. Scott advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 3.

See also

Virginia	2024 primaries	2024 U.S. Congress elections
Virginia congressional delegation Voting in Virginia Virginia elections: 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

Vacant

Democratic Party (7)

Republican Party (5)

Vacancies (1)

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