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Alexandria has already seen three elections in 2026 — and three more are coming this year alone. Beyond 2026, some years on the horizon carry more weight than others. Here is the full picture.
McPike's departure from the city council triggered a third firehouse primary, held on February 21.
The year opened with three Democratic firehouse primaries in five weeks.
On January 14, Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker won the Senate District 39 Democratic firehouse primary with 70.6% of the vote, defeating former Del. Mark Levine, activist Charles Costen-Sumpter, and former Vice Mayor Amy Jackson. A total of 4,647 voters cast ballots — about 3.1% of the district's 151,411 registered voters.
On January 20, City Councilman Kirk McPike won the House District 5 Democratic firehouse primary with 60.5% of the vote, defeating former School Board member Eileen Cassidy Rivera, criminal defense attorney Chris Leibig, and Gregory Darrall. A total of 2,115 voters cast ballots — about 3% of the district's 71,996 registered voters.
Both nominees then won their February 10 special elections. Bennett-Parker and McPike now hold their respective seats in Richmond.
McPike's departure from the city council triggered a third firehouse primary, held on February 21. Sandy Marks won the Democratic nomination for the vacant council seat with 1,573 votes (39.6%) in a five-candidate field. A total of 3,975 voters participated — including 1,191 who voted online, the first time online voting was offered in an Alexandria Democratic firehouse primary.
April 21 — City Council Special Election and Constitutional Amendment
The next election is less than two months away — and Alexandria voters should be aware that the April 21 ballot contains two separate contests with two different voter registration deadlines.
For the city council special election, the deadline to register or update an existing registration is Friday, April 10. For the statewide proposed constitutional amendment on congressional redistricting, the deadline is Tuesday, April 14. Voters who miss the April 10 deadline can still vote on the constitutional amendment if they register by April 14, but cannot vote in the council race.
Three candidates are in the city council race: Democrat Sandy Marks, Republican Gerry Chandler, and independent Frank Fannon.
The constitutional amendment would temporarily allow the General Assembly to redraw Virginia's congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterms, in response to mid-decade redistricting in Republican-controlled states. A state court blocked the referendum last week, though its legal status remains uncertain. All six Democratic members of Virginia's congressional delegation — including 8th District Rep. Don Beyer — published an op-ed Thursday arguing that Trump's pressure on Republican-controlled states to redraw congressional maps amounts to an attempt to lock in a House majority before a single 2026 ballot is cast. They are urging a yes vote.
Other key dates for April 21: early voting for the constitutional amendment begins Friday, March 6; the early voting start date for the city council race is to be determined. The deadline to apply for a by-mail ballot is 5 p.m. on Friday, April 10 for both contests. Polls on Election Day are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mail ballots must be postmarked by April 21 and received by the registrar's office by 12 p.m. on Friday, April 24.
August 4 — Congressional Primary
Virginia's congressional primaries were moved from June 16 to August 4 after Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation giving more time for candidate filings amid the ongoing redistricting fight. Note: the state's official six-year election calendar still reflects the original June 16 date and has not yet been updated.
Alexandria voters will participate in two congressional primaries in August.
In the 8th Congressional District — which covers Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, and parts of Fairfax County — seven-term incumbent Rep. Don Beyer, 75, faces five Democratic challengers: former Alexandria City Council member Mohamed "Mo" Seifeldein, Arlington energy manager Daniel Gray, Adam Dunigan, Michael Duffin, and Frank Ferreira. Seifeldein, who served a single term on council from 2019 to 2021 as the first Muslim and Sudanese American elected to the position, has been the most visible challenger. Both Gray and Dunigan have raised Beyer's age as a campaign issue. Gov. Spanberger endorsed Beyer earlier this week. Three Republicans — Heerak Christian Kim, Luke Nathan Phillips, and Tony Sabio — are competing for the GOP nomination. The district voted for Kamala Harris over Donald Trump by more than 73% in 2024.
In the U.S. Senate race, three-term incumbent Sen. Mark Warner, 71, is seeking reelection and faces four Democratic primary challengers: Spotsylvania County School Board member Lorita Daniels, former investment banker and reality TV personality Mark Moran, Fredericksburg progressive Jason Reynolds, and Gregory Eichelberger. On the Republican side, five candidates are vying for the nomination after the best-known GOP contender, state Sen. Bryce Reeves of Spotsylvania, dropped out in December. The Cook Political Report rates the Senate race solidly Democratic.
Key dates for August 4: early voting begins Friday, June 19 — or Thursday, June 18 if the local office is closed for Juneteenth. The last day to register and the last day to request an absentee ballot by mail or online is Friday, July 24. Same-day registration begins Saturday, July 25. The last day of early voting is Saturday, August 1. Election Day is Tuesday, August 4. All mailed ballots must be received by the registrar's office by noon on Friday, August 7.
November 3 — General Election
The November general election will include the U.S. Senate race and all 11 Virginia congressional seats, including the 8th District. Early voting runs Friday, September 18, through Saturday, October 31. The last day to register to vote and the last day to request an absentee ballot by mail or online is Friday, October 23. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, with polls open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Looking ahead: 2027–2031
While Alexandria voters go to the polls every November, some years carry more weight than others. In 2027, Alexandrians will choose their Mayor, City Council, and School Board — all on the same ballot as Virginia State Senate and House of Delegates races. A June 15 primary is expected for Mayor and Council, if called by the party committees.
2028 brings a presidential election year. Alexandrians will vote in a presidential primary on March 7, a U.S. House primary on June 20, and the general election on November 7.
2029 is Virginia's gubernatorial year. Voters will choose a Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, House of Delegates members, Commonwealth's Attorney, and Sheriff, with a primary expected June 19 and the general election on November 6.
2030 brings another significant convergence: U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Mayor, and City Council all appear on the same November 5 general election ballot, with a June 18 primary expected.
2031 brings Virginia State Senate and House of Delegates elections, with a June 17 primary and November 4 general.
All primary dates are subject to being called by the relevant party committees. The state's official calendar does not include special elections, which can occur at any time there is a vacancy in office — as Alexandria has seen three times already this year.
Where to vote and how to register
All Alexandria elections are administered by the Office of Voter Registration and Elections at 132 North Royal Street, Suite 100. Voters can check their registration status, apply for a mail ballot, or find their polling place at vote.elections.virginia.gov or by calling 703.746.4050.
