VA Election Results 2022: Beyer Wins 8th District Democratic Primary

NORTHERN VIRGINIA — Rep. Don Beyer has won the Democratic nomination for the 8th congressional district of Virginia, The Associated Press projected at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Beyer faced off against political newcomer Victoria Virasingh for the Democratic nomination in the 8th district, which includes the City of Alexandria, Arlington County, City of Falls Church and part of Fairfax County.

With 153 of 182 precincts reporting as of 8:45 p.m., Beyer was leading with 39,744 votes, or 77.58 percent of the vote, and Virasingh had 11,488, 22.42 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results.

"I am grateful to voters in Northern Virginia for again making me their Democratic nominee to represent Virginia’s 8th District," Beyer said in a statement Tuesday evening. "Their trust in me is humbling, and I will continue to do all I can to earn it."

Beyer thanked Virasingh for her "spirited challenge" and her "commitment to progressive ideals we both share."

"This is a challenging moment for the Democratic Party, and I look forward to throwing myself into that fight and making the case for equality, shared prosperity, and progress,” Beyer said.

Because the district leans strongly Democratic, Beyer will have a big edge in the November general election. Republicans have already chosen Karina Lipsman, a refugee from Ukraine who became a U.S. citizen, as their candidate for the 8th congressional district.

Virasingh, an Arlington native and former technology industry employee, was Beyer's first primary challenger since he was elected to Congress in 2014. Beyer is the only congressional Democrat in Virginia who faced a primary opponent this year.

Beyer, who is seeking a fifth term in Congress, served as Virginia's lieutenant governor for two terms in the 1990s. He won the 2014 election to succeed Rep. Jim Moran as congressman in the 8th congressional district.

Polls were open Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Any registered voter in the 8th congressional district was allowed to vote in the Democratic primary, as Virginia does not register voters by party.

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