Two Virginia Democrats plot their returns to Congress

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With the 2026 midterm elections now just a little over 10 months away, two former members of Congress in Virginia are plotting their returns to the nation’s capital. 

“Not only have they run before, but they’ve won before,” Randolph-Macon Political Science Professor Rich Meagher told 8News. 

Democrat Elaine Luria, who served in Congress from 2019 to 2023, is challenging incumbent Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R) in Virginia’s 2nd congressional district. 

Meanwhile, former Congressman Tom Perriello (D) is challenging incumbent Congressman John McGuire (R) in Virginia’s 5th congressional district. 

Meagher said the national political environment, along with potential redistricting, has high-profile Democrats feeling optimistic about their chances in 2026. 

“Because of the nature of national politics right now, the chaos out of Washington, the Trump administration, the idea of an experienced hand, somebody who already knows how Congress works, somebody who has a track record of getting things done, I think that argument can carry a lot of weight,” said Meagher. 

Despite that, Meagher said it will likely be other factors that decide the outcome of this year’s midterm elections. 

“But for John McGuire and Jen Kiggans, I think it's really just the national mood, everything seeming to shift against Republicans and particularly the Trump administration, and then this redistricting push could really, really damage their chances of reelection. I think they have much more to worry about than whether their candidate is experienced or not,” Meagher told 8News. 

Both Luria and Perriello will have to win the Democratic nomination in their respective districts. The Democratic primaries are scheduled for June 16.