Incumbent Don Beyer defeated Lorena Bruner, Michael Duffin, Adam Dunigan, and Mo Seifeldein in the Democratic primary for Virginia's 8th Congressional District on Aug. 4.
The primary reflected a broader division within the Democratic Party, with challengers framing incumbents as establishment politicians doing too little to counter President Donald Trump (R) and the Republican Party. With around 76,000 federal employees living in the 8th District, federal layoffs and employee turnover and affordability were also central themes of the election.
Beyer won election to the 8th District in 2014, defeating Micah Edmond (R) 63%-31%. Beyer also served as lieutenant governor of Virginia from 1990 to 1998 and as the United States ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein from 2009 to 2013. When announcing his 2026 campaign for re-election, Beyer said, "Today, Northern Virginia is under attack, and we need a proven fighter to stand up to Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and their corrupt Trump Administration cronies to defend our community. I am seeking reelection to Congress because I am that fighter."
