If you’re living in Virginia and wondering when is Mark Warner up for reelection, mark your calendar for Tuesday, November 3, 2026. That’s the big day. Senator Warner, the former Governor and current Senate Intelligence Committee Chair, is officially seeking a fourth term. Honestly, he’s been a fixture in Virginia politics for so long that it's easy to lose track of which seat is up when, but 2026 is his year to face the music.
The race is basically already in motion. You’ve likely noticed the early fundraising numbers or the specific tone of his recent press releases—politicians usually start "running" long before they formally announce it. In Warner's case, he made it official on December 2, 2025. He’s positioning himself as a steady hand during a period of intense technological change, particularly focusing on how artificial intelligence is going to shake up the job market.
The 2026 Election Timeline You Need to Know
Election Day isn't the only date that matters. If you’re a Virginian, there are several checkpoints before we get to November.
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First, there’s the primary. June 16, 2026, is when the parties decide their definitive nominees. While Warner is the heavyweight incumbent, he does have challengers from within his own party—people like Lorita Daniels and Jason Reynolds have thrown their hats in the ring. On the Republican side, the field is still taking shape after some big names like Governor Glenn Youngkin opted out of the race.
Then you’ve got the administrative deadlines. If you’re not registered, the cutoff is October 23, 2026, for mail-in registration. Virginia is actually pretty flexible these days with same-day registration at the polls, but why deal with that headache? Just get it done early. Early in-person voting starts way back on September 18, 2026. It’s a huge window.
Why Mark Warner is Up for Reelection Now
Senators serve six-year terms. It’s a long time. Warner was last elected in 2020, a year most of us remember for... well, everything but the Virginia Senate race. Back then, he beat Daniel Gade with about 56% of the vote. Because of that six-year cycle, his term is coming to a close at the start of 2027, making the 2026 election the bridge to his next potential term.
He’s currently one of the wealthiest members of the Senate, which naturally draws a lot of eyes to his campaign finance reports. As of late 2025, his campaign was sitting on over $11 million in cash. That’s a massive war chest. It makes it extremely difficult for any challenger—Democrat or Republican—to get much traction without a serious influx of national party money.
The Stakes of the 2026 Virginia Race
This isn't just about one guy in a suit. The 2026 midterm elections will determine the balance of power in the Senate for the second half of whatever presidential administration is in power. Currently, the "Safe Democratic" or "Solid Democratic" ratings from groups like The Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball suggest Warner is the favorite. But in politics, "safe" is a relative term.
Virginia has been leaning blue in federal elections for a while, but it's still a state that elected a Republican governor in 2021. The mood of the electorate can shift fast. Warner’s strategy seems to be sticking to "kitchen table" issues—lowering costs, child care, and healthcare—while leaning into his tech expertise.
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What to Watch For in the Coming Months
Keep an eye on the Republican primary. Since Youngkin isn't running, the GOP is looking for a "new" face. Candidates like Kim Farington and David Williams are in the mix, but the real question is whether a high-profile Republican with statewide name recognition enters the fray before the April 2026 filing deadline.
Also, watch the polling. Early polls from the VCU Wilder School showed Warner with a lead over potential rivals, but those numbers are just a snapshot. As the Trump administration's second-term policies play out throughout 2026, the local impact on Northern Virginia’s federal workforce could become a central theme of the campaign.
Key Action Steps for Virginia Voters
Don't just wait for the TV commercials to tell you what's happening. Be proactive.
- Check your status: Go to the Virginia Department of Elections website and make sure your address is current.
- Review the challengers: Don't just look at Warner; see what the primary challengers are saying about AI and the economy.
- Note the primary date: June 16, 2026. If you want a say in who the GOP or Democratic nominee is, you have to show up then, not just in November.
- Request a ballot: If you prefer voting from home, you can apply for a mail-in ballot now for the upcoming cycle.
Warner is definitely the man to beat in 2026, but the road to November 3 is long. Whether you're a supporter or someone looking for a change, knowing the dates is the first step to actually having a say in who represents the Commonwealth.