GOP hopefuls face long odds challenging Mark Warner
Three Republicans are competing in Virginia's Aug. 4 primary for the chance to face Democratic Sen. Mark Warner in November, but the eventual nominee faces steep odds. Warner enters with nearly $22 million raised and more than $14 million cash on hand, while no GOP rival has topped $200,000.
Key Takeaways
- Republican voters will pick a Senate nominee on Aug. 4 to challenge Mark Warner in the Nov. 3 general election.
- Warner has raised nearly $22 million for reelection and reported more than $14 million cash on hand.
- None of the three GOP candidates has raised more than $200,000; Bert Mizusawa leads that field.
- Virginia has not elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since John Warner won in 2002.
- Early in-person voting continues through Aug. 1; the voter registration deadline is July 24.
Who is running to challenge Mark Warner?
The Republican ballot features Bert Mizusawa, a retired Army major general and national security consultant; Kim Farington, a certified public accountant and former federal executive; and David Williams, a Marine Corps veteran and former CIA officer.
Warner is the only Democrat who qualified for the primary ballot as he seeks a fourth six-year term. He has represented Virginia in the Senate since 2009 after serving as governor from 2002 to 2006.
Four other Republicans, including state Sen. Bryce Reeves, dropped out before the primary, leaving a smaller field racing for the nomination.
Why do Republicans face long odds against Mark Warner?
Fundraising is the clearest gap. As of March 31 reporting cited in coverage of the race, Mizusawa had raised about $192,000 with more than $55,000 cash on hand. Farington had raised more than $125,000 with about $22,700 remaining. Williams had raised more than $55,000 with roughly $6,600 left.
Warner, by contrast, has raised nearly $22 million and reported more than $14 million cash on hand, according to The Center Square citing the Virginia Public Access Project.
That war chest, plus Warner's statewide name recognition and more than two decades in statewide office, leaves the GOP nominee with a difficult path. Democrats have swept Virginia Senate contests since 2002.
When is the Virginia Senate primary, and what comes next?
Primary Day is Aug. 4. Early in-person voting continues through Aug. 1. The deadline to register or update an existing voter registration is July 24.
The Republican nominee will face Mark Warner in the Nov. 3 general election for a six-year term beginning in January. Political observers have framed that race as an uphill climb for Republicans, citing Warner's past margins and recent Democratic statewide success.
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