Perhaps no surprise on this one: U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8th) easily won renomination in the June 21 Democratic primary, and heads into what should be – despite headwinds for Democrats – a relatively easy amble to re-election in November.
Beyer, first elected in 2014, won 77.6 of the vote against challenger Victoria Virasingh, based on initial vote totals reported after the polls closed.
The result was not a surprise; Beyer was heavily favored against Virasingh, a first-time candidate. The challenger did slightly better, but still trailed heavily, in her home turf of Arlington.
Beyer now moves on to a general-election race that also will include Republican Karina Lipsman and independent Teddy Fikre.
The 8th District is one of the most fortress-like Democratic bastions in the nation, comprised of Arlington County and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church, plus a portion of Fairfax County. Beyer in 2014 was elected to succeed veteran incumbent Jim Moran, who retired.