ELECTION NEWS: Democrats win 2 special state House elections

January 14, 2026

From The Hill: Democrats have won two special elections to fill a pair of open seats in Virginia’s General Assembly, according to Decision Desk HQ.

The Tuesday contests are part of a series of special elections prompted when Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger (D), who was elected governor last year and is set to be inaugurated next week, tapped state lawmakers to join her administration.

Voters in the Fairfax County-area state House District 11 picked Democrat Gretchen Bulova to replace her husband, outgoing Del. David Bulova (D), as he takes on the role of Virginia’s secretary of natural and historic resources.

Democrat Margaret Angela Franklin, a Prince William County supervisor, won in nearby state House District 23. She replaces Del. Candi Mundon King (D), who is on deck to be the state’s secretary of the commonwealth.

The report notes that Democrats were actually expected to win both elections.

Democrats currently have a very slim 49-48 majority in the Virginia House of Delegates, and a 21-19 majority in the Virginia State Senate.

Congrats to Delegates-elect Gretchen Bulova for an overwhelming victory! The Republican opponent has now lost the race for this seat to both David Bulova and now Gretchen Bulova. No rush Gretchen, but you need to be in Richmond tomorrow morning! pic.twitter.com/M9xOppghzS

— Braddock Democrats 🌊 (@BraddockDems) January 14, 2026

I’m honored to represent District 23 in the Virginia House of Delegates! 💙

Thank you to every volunteer, supporter, and voter who made this possible. I’m ready to get to work and serve District 23 with purpose and dedication! pic.twitter.com/EbbzT0TjpH

— Margaret Angela Franklin (@MargaretforVA) January 14, 2026