Tonight, in one of the first elections of 2026, Virginia Democrat Dr. Mike Jones clinched victory in the Senate District 15 special election, ensuring Democrats keep their Senate majority. With this win, Democrats retained control of both chambers of the statehouse as well as the governor’s mansion, with Gov-elect Spanberger’s swearing-in set to happen on January 17. 

Senator-elect Jones’ victory comes on the heels of Democrats’ dominating streak of overperformances and wins in special elections throughout 2025, where Democrats overperformed or won in 229 out of 257 key elections throughout the year. Make no mistake: Democrats are entering 2026 with momentum on our side, and voters across the country are ready to elect Democrats who are fighting to lower their costs and protect health care. 

In response to Jones’ victory, DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement: 

“Dr. Jones’ victory tonight is yet another proof point that Democrats — who remain focused on lowering costs for families — have the momentum across the country. In election after election, voters are rejecting Donald Trump and his unaffordable, out-of-touch agenda and are instead putting their faith in Democrats who will fight for working families instead of billionaires. While Trump and his Republican allies continue to make life more expensive for Virginia families, Democrats will use the trifecta in the Commonwealth to grow Virginia’s economy and protect the fundamental freedoms Virginians rely on. Tonight’s election is just the beginning — as we kick off 2026, Democrats are on offense.”