General Assembly Special Elections Since 2000

Since 2000, there have been 86 special elections for the Virginia General Assembly. This year is on track to have the second-highest number in that period, driven by the appointment of legislators by Governor Abigail Spanberger to her cabinet and state agencies. Cascading special elections have followed to fill their seats, as well as the seats of sitting delegates who won special elections for the state Senate.

Number of House and Senate Special Elections

A chart showing the number of special elections in the Virginia General Assembly from 2020 to 2026

Note: Includes the special election scheduled for March in HD 98.

Source: Virginia Department of Elections, VPAP research.