Who is Mark Warner and what is Warner running on in the 2026 Virginia Senate race?
Mark Warner (D) is on the ballot in the 2026 Virginia Senate race, a seat rated Solid D.
Answer from Mary's digital twin. Checkmark turns Green once she confirms it.
Mark Warner is the Democratic candidate for Virginia U.S. Senate, and the incumbent. U.S. senator since 2009 and vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee; former Virginia governor (2002-2006) and telecom entrepreneur. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
The race
No betting market for this seat; nonpartisan rating shown
- The seat: Incumbent Mark Warner (D) seeking a fourth term.
- Rating: Solid D (Cook, Sabato Safe D, Inside Elections).
- Polling: Warner 51, Mizusawa 33 (June 12 to 16, 2026, per Wikipedia).
Why Warner’s race looks the way it does
- Democrats have won every Virginia Senate race since 2002 and Trump has never carried the state.
- Massive money gap: Warner raised about $25.2M vs Mizusawa’s ~$376K as of July 15, 2026.
- Warner leads every public poll by 18+ points.
- Warner is a two-time statewide winner and former governor; Mizusawa is a first-time statewide nominee who won a three-way primary with 51.5%.
What Warner is running on
- Cost of living. Centers his campaign on lowering costs for Virginians.
- Economy / AI. Focuses on job creation and preparing workers and businesses for AI-driven change.
- Technology / security. Works on tech, AI regulation, cybersecurity and supply-chain security legislation.
- Foreign policy. Criticized Trump administration military action against Iran and wants stronger congressional oversight.
- Federal workers. Has advocated protecting federal workers during budget fights and shutdowns.
In Warner’s own words
“After five days on the road across the commonwealth, I’ve heard the same message from Virginians everywhere: lower costs, get things done, and make sure our economy is ready for the changes ahead.”
“My focus has always been on delivering real results for Virginia, lowering costs, creating good-paying jobs, and making sure our workers and businesses are ready to lead as technologies like artificial intelligence transform the economy.”
The other candidates
Every race
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