Singh Wins Democratic Nomination, Will Face Venkatachalam​ In 26th House Special Election

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — The nominees are set for the 26th House District special election on Jan. 7, 2025 in Loudoun County after the Democratic Party held its caucus over the weekend. Loudoun County Democratic Committee treasurer JJ Singh is the Democratic nominee, while former Loudoun County Transit Advisory Board chair Ram Venkatachalam is the Republican nominee.

Singh was the winner of the 26th House District caucus. Singh received 745 votes, while Brambleton Community Association's Sam Nandi received 425 votes, former Del. Ibraheem Samirah got 323 votes, School Board Vice Chair Arben Istrefi of the Sterling District got 280 votes and small business and foundation owner Lakesha Gorham-McDurfee got 66 votes. Democratic voters in the district could vote at three locations Saturday, Nov. 23 to decide the nominee.

According to the Loudoun County Democratic Committee, Singh is a small business owner with experience in the U.S. Peace Corps, White House Office of Management and Budget, Sen. Chris Coons's office, Loudoun County Economic Development Advisory Commission and National Peace Corps Association. His campaign website indicates his priorities are reproductive rights, lowering costs, gun control measures, and environmentally-friendly policies.

"Having worked with JJ in his role as Treasurer of LCDC, I have seen firsthand his leadership and tenacity," said Loudoun County Democratic Committee chair Liz Carter. "I know he will tirelessly work for a brighter future for all."

The Loudoun County Republican Committee held a caucus last week Sunday and chose Ram Venkatachalam, who was previously chair of Loudoun County's Transit Advisory Board, ran for Little River District supervisor in 2023 and was recently appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin to the Science Museum of Virginia board of trustees. He was previously on a Brambleton Community Association committee as well. Venkatachalam's campaign priorities listed on his campaign website are phasing out the car tax, opposing transgender women in women's sports and bathrooms, and supporting merit-based education.

The special election was scheduled for January as Del. Kannan Srinivasan (D-Loudoun) resigned to run for the runs for the 32nd Senate District seat. Srinivasan was first elected to the seat in 2023. The Senate seat is available as state Sen. Suhas Subramanyam (D-Loudoun) was elected to the 10th Congressional District.

The 26th House District is labeled as strong Democratic by the Virginia Public Access Project. It covers neighborhoods like Brambleton and South Riding in the southeastern part of the county.

Voters in the 26th House District and 32nd Senate District can vote in the Jan. 7, 2025 special elections. Early voting will begin on Dec. 11 through Jan. 4. Mail-in ballots may be requested through Dec. 27. The voter registration deadline is Dec. 31, but same-day registration is available to cast a provisional ballot.

More information about voting in the Jan. 7, 2025 special elections is available from the Loudoun County Office of Elections.

SEE ALSO: Democratic, Republican Nominees Chosen For 32nd Senate District Special Election