WRIC-TV

Virginia's midterm House races produced several competitive outcomes. In the 1st District, Democrat Shannon Taylor leads longtime Republican Rep. Rob Wittman with all precincts reporting but mail-in votes still being counted and results unofficial pending December certification; Taylor dominated her home base of Henrico County while Wittman has held the seat since 1977. In the 2nd District, former Rep. Elaine Luria unseated Republican incumbent Jen Kiggans in a rematch, flipping that seat for Democrats. Republican John McGuire appears to have held the 5th District against Democrat Tom Perriello, while Democratic incumbent Jennifer McClellan won reelection easily in the 4th District. Democrats, who entered the cycle with six of Virginia's 11 House seats, are now positioned to hold eight.

Three competitive Virginia congressional races are drawing national attention as potential bellwethers for House control. In the 1st District, Republican Rep. Rob Wittman faces Democrat Shannon Taylor in a toss-up contest; analysts say a Taylor win would signal strong odds of a Democratic House takeover nationally. The 2nd District race between Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans and Democrat Elaine Luria leans Democratic, while the 5th District matchup between Republican Rep. John McGuire and Democrat Tom Perriello leans Republican. Political scientists note that if Republicans sweep all three seats, they are likely to retain the House. Early voting runs through Oct. 31, with Election Day set for Nov. 3.

Goochland County's board of supervisors has postponed a vote on a conditional use permit for a proposed sports park and shooting range, pushing the decision to February 2027. The developer, Virginia Sports Park, requested the delay during an Oct. 6 board meeting; supervisors agreed.

The project would be built on 125 acres along Old Fredericksburg Road near Interstate 64 and includes plans for an indoor archery range and an outdoor skeet shooting course. VSP Vice President Adnan Hamidi has said the goal is to create opportunities for youth through training and gun safety education.

The plan has drawn opposition from nearby residents, who cite concerns about noise and lead pollution. At Tuesday's meeting, resident Andrew Baucom said the community has waited two years for a decision and urged officials to prioritize residents' interests over what he called a non-essential development. The board is now expected to take up the permit at its Feb. 2, 2027 meeting.

Controversy is growing over a series of federally funded advertisements praising President Trump, which critics say amount to taxpayer-financed self-promotion. The Associated Press reported the three ads have cost nearly $1.5 million, with the newest spot closely resembling a 2024 Trump campaign ad. The Wall Street Journal reported the Department of Homeland Security helped finance the spots.

Virginia Democrats have been especially vocal. Sen. Tim Kaine called the ads illegal and said they reflect Trump's sagging popularity amid rising costs tied to tariffs and his handling of conflict with Iran. Rep. Eugene Vindman said Trump is trying to change the subject ahead of the midterms, while former Rep. Tom Perriello, a congressional candidate, criticized Republican rival John McGuire for staying silent. Several Virginia Republicans facing competitive House races did not respond to requests for comment.

The White House defended the ads as public service announcements reminding Americans to "love their country," insisting they are not campaign material since Trump is not on any ballot.

Early voting in Virginia's 2025 midterm elections is running far ahead of the 2022 cycle, according to data from the Virginia Public Access Project. As of the latest count, 183,217 Virginians had cast ballots, more than double the 75,819 recorded at the same point four years ago. Political scientist Stephen Farnsworth of the University of Mary Washington attributes part of the surge to voter uncertainty stemming from the political climate under President Donald Trump, noting that early voting tends to be most pronounced in areas where Trump is less popular.

By congressional district, Virginia's 1st District leads the state with 25,774 early votes cast, reflecting a closely watched race between Republican incumbent Rob Wittman and Democratic challenger Shannon Taylor. Farnsworth says the elevated turnout in competitive districts like the 1st and 2nd signals voters see these races as tight. Early voting in Virginia continues through October 31.