Elections for all 100 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates are taking place on November 2, 2021. Democrats hold 55 seats and Republicans hold 45 seats. There are 93 districts with both a Democratic and Republican candidate on the ballot. This is the first election cycle since 1999 with Democrats defending a majority in the chamber.
This article lists the five most expensive contested general elections this cycle. It is based on campaign finance reports that active Virginia candidate political action committees (candidate PACs) submitted to the Virginia Department of Elections. It includes activity between Jan. 1, 2020, and Aug. 31, 2021. Candidate PACs represent individuals who have run for state or local office at any point, including past and present officeholders. This article does not include non-candidate PACs.
Five most expensive general elections
#1 District 89 – $2,357,862.70
This district is located in the Hampton Roads region and includes portions of Norfolk. Incumbent Jerrauld Jones (D) raised $2,330,659 while Hahns Copeland (R) raised $27,204.
The Democratic candidate was unopposed in the 2019 general election.
#2 District 11 – $2,109,943.85
This district is located in Southwest Virginia and includes portions of Roanoke. Incumbent Sam Rasoul (D) raised $2,069,106 while Charlie Nave (R) raised $40,838.
The Democratic candidate was unopposed in the 2019 general election.
#3 District 10 – $1,427,115.04
This district is located in Northern Virginia and includes portions of Frederick and Loudon counties. Incumbent Wendy Gooditis (D) raised $713,788 while Nick Clemente (R) raised $713,327.
The Democratic candidate won 52-48 in the 2019 general election.
#4 District 41 – $1,353,323.67
This district is located in Northern Virginia and includes portions of Fairfax County. Incumbent Eileen Filler-Corn (D) raised $1,353,025 while John Wolfe (R) raised $298.
The Democratic candidate won 72-19 against an independent candidate in the 2019 general election.
#5 District 40 – $1,100,583.90
This district is located in Northern Virginia and includes portions of Fairfax County. Incumbent Dan Helmer (D) raised $751,851 while Harold Pyon (R) raised $348,733.
The Democratic candidate won 52-48 in the 2019 general election.
Comparison to the state average
Across Virginia in the 2021 election cycle, the average amount raised for a general election featuring more than one candidate was $394,827.38. The map below shades the Virginia House districts based on the amount of money raised in that district.
This article was published in partnership with Transparency USA. Click here to learn more about that partnership.