New law moves 2026 midterm primaries in Virginia from June to August

Good news for all of us here in Virginia ahead of the 2026 midterms: the party primaries have been moved from June to August, with the expectation that we’re going to have new congressional districts.

The primary date was changed from June 16 to Aug. 4 by the General Assembly in a bill signed into law on Feb. 20.

Note: the new primary date change is not contingent on the passage of the April 21 referendum, nor whether the referendum is held.

It’s just one of those makes sense things, considering how the proposed new 10-1 congressional map has everybody scrambling.

The candidate filing deadlines for U.S. House candidates have moved to May 26 (deadline extended due to the Memorial Day holiday) for party candidates and Aug. 4 for independent candidates.

Filing deadlines for all other offices will remain April 2 for party candidates and June 16 for independents.