Alexandria’s Democrats celebrated a blue wave of election wins in Virginia yesterday (Tuesday) with a night of whoops, cheers and excitement in Del Ray.
Voters and local officials packed Pork Barrel BBQ, cheering on Democrats’ three high-profile statewide wins, including Abigail Spanberger for governor. They pointed to these as evidence that Democratic momentum is up and political tides are turning against President Donald Trump.
“This is day one, when we take back our country from a dictatorship,” U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) told the crowd. “This is the first step to taking back the House in 2026 … In the meantime, we have a powerful governor, lieutenant governor [and] attorney general, that will once again make Virginia the shining star in our wonderful country.”
While claiming the governorship, Virginia Democrats also expanded their reach in the House of Delegates. Alexandria Democratic Committee Chair Sandy Marks said the victories reflect a denial of “Trumpism” in Alexandria and statewide.
She celebrated high voter turnout in Alexandria despite Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter and Sheriff Sean Casey running unopposed for reelection, and pushed last night’s crowd to continue showing up in future elections.
“We will staff these polls, come hell or high water,” Marks said. “We need to make our Republican Party of white Christian nationalism to think long and hard about whether or not they want to take us on.”
While celebrating his own win, Porter told ALXnow he felt optimistic about Spanberger and Attorney General-elect Jay Jones, who he thinks will “push back on the weaponization and politicization” of the criminal system at the federal level.
“I was at a law enforcement event with [Spanberger] last week, and I think she really understands where we’re coming from,” Porter said. “I think she knows what we’re fighting for here: the idea of an independent, impartial rule of law.”
Under Spanberger’s leadership, Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-3) told ALXnow he looks forward to seeing more Democratic bills and legislation succeed, citing issues like gun violence prevention and health care.
“The good ideas and the good pieces of legislation that would move Virginia forward, but were vetoed by Governor Youngkin, will now be able to be signed into law and passed,” Lopez, who retained his statehouse seat unopposed, said.
He added that the Democratic sweep represents “a clear referendum” that voters want to see change.
“If I ever saw a mandate, this is it,” Lopez said. “If I ever saw a mandate for a new direction, this is it in Virginia.”
James Cullum contributed to this story.
