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

Chris Graham
virginia 10-1 map
Photo: Virginia Legislative Information System

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.

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Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to Substack or his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].