Four Candidates Will Compete in Virginia 3rd District

The race for the congressional seat will conclude with voting on November 3, 2026.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a ballot box in deep red and cream, representing the upcoming electoral process. — Four candidates, including incumbent Bobby Scott, are competing for Virginia's 3rd Congressional District seat in the election concluding on November 3, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Four candidates are running to represent Virginia's 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Voters will cast their ballots in person during the early voting window or on Election Day, November 3, 2026.

Why it matters

This election determines who will hold the congressional seat for the district, influencing how local interests are represented in Washington. Candidates in the race have the opportunity to define their policy platforms through informational surveys.

Four candidates are currently listed on the ballot for the 3rd District race. The race is set to conclude with a final decision on November 3, 2026.

The players

Bobby Scott

Bobby Scott is the incumbent Democrat currently serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Edwin Rivera

Edwin Rivera is one of the four candidates vying for the 3rd Congressional District seat.

Makiba Gaines

Makiba Gaines is a 42-year-old candidate from Portsmouth who is running for the House seat.

Stephen Woll

Stephen Woll is a 64-year-old candidate competing in the Virginia congressional race.

The details

The candidates competing for the seat are incumbent Democrat Bobby Scott, Edwin Rivera, Makiba Gaines, and Stephen Woll. Residents can participate in the electoral process by casting their ballots in person during the early voting period or at polling stations on Election Day.

In-person early voting began on September 18, 2026.
In-person early voting ends on October 31, 2026.
Election Day is November 3, 2026.

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Political Context

Opposition parties frequently argue that current congressional representation has failed to keep pace with the 2009 federal minimum wage adjustment. This election serves as a referendum on whether voters support the current incumbent or desire a new legislative approach.

Residents in the 3rd District will see their representation in Congress decided by the outcome of this race. The result will impact how legislative priorities, such as regional infrastructure and federal policy, are managed in the coming term.

The takeaway

Voters should review candidate platforms before heading to the polls to understand how each individual approaches federal legislative duties. Early voting is available for those who prefer to cast their ballots ahead of the November 3 deadline.