Governor-Elect Abigail Spanberger isn’t wasting any time consolidating power. By poaching three Democrat delegates for her cabinet, she’s triggered a costly wave of special elections that Fairfax County taxpayers will have to fund—all so she can reward political allies with cushy appointments.
But here’s the silver lining: Spanberger’s power grab just gave Republicans three chances to pick up seats in the first four months of 2026.
Here’s your complete guide:
Election Day: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
GOP Candidate: Adam Wise
Adam Wise is running to cut taxes, make communities safer, and lower the cost of living. He previously ran against David Bulova in November 2025.
Democrat Candidate: Gretchen Bulova (wife of outgoing Delegate David Bulova, who was appointed Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources by Spanberger)
KEY DATES:
District: Fairfax City and parts of Fairfax County
Election Day: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
GOP Candidate: Chris Cardiff
Chris Cardiff describes himself as a devoted Christian, husband of over 40 years, father of three, and grandfather of five. He served as Chief Operating Officer of i360, the leading data and technology firm powering thousands of Republican campaigns nationwide.
Democrat Candidate: Garrett McGuire
KEY DATES:
District: Parts of Fairfax County (seat vacated by Mark Sickles, appointed Secretary of Finance by Spanberger)
Election Day: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Conservative Candidate: Saundra Davis (Independent)
Saundra Davis—a mother of three and GOP-endorsed candidate in 2023—has announced plans to run. Davis is a champion of parental rights, academic excellence, and transparency who ran on a platform of “Trust, Transparency, and Together.” She criticized school closures and declining test scores and has been endorsed by Fairfax Republicans in the past.
Democrat Candidates: Tom Dannan and Alexa Krezel are competing for the Democrat endorsement in a January 10 caucus.
KEY DATES:
District: Braddock District only (seat vacated by Rachna Sizemore Heizer, now Braddock District Supervisor)
Expected Date: Mid-April 2026 (likely April 14–22)
VOTE NO on this Democrat Power Grab!
Virginia Democrats are trying to bypass the bipartisan redistricting commission that 66% of Virginians voted for in 2020. This constitutional amendment would let the Democrat-controlled General Assembly gerrymander congressional districts to protect their incumbents.
As Republican State Senator Chris Head put it: “The citizens of the commonwealth voted overwhelmingly in a presidential election year referendum—66.1% voted to eliminate the ability to do exactly what they are trying to do, and people should be outraged at this overreach power grab.”
The bottom line: Virginians already voted for fair, nonpartisan redistricting. Democrats want to override your vote—again.
✅ Check your voter registration at vote.elections.virginia.gov
✅ Mark these dates on your calendar
✅ Share this guide with your neighbors
✅ Volunteer for GOP candidates at fairfaxgop.org/volunteer
