Two of the five Virginia House districts with the lowest total donations this cycle are 2019 rematches

Elections for all 100 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates are taking place on November 2, 2021. Democrats hold 55 seats and Republicans hold 45 seats. There are 93 districts with both a Democratic and Republican candidate on the ballot. This is the first election cycle since 1999 with Democrats defending a majority in the chamber.

This article lists the five least expensive contested general elections this cycle, by contributions. It is based on campaign finance reports that active Virginia candidate political action committees (candidate PACs) submitted to the Virginia Department of Elections. It includes activity between Jan. 1, 2020, and August 31, 2021. Candidate PACs represent individuals who have run for state or local office at any point, including past and present officeholders. This article does not include non-candidate PACs.

Five least expensive general elections, by total contributions

1. District 23 – $27,064.85

This district is located in West Central Virginia and includes portions of Lynchburg City and Bedford and Amherst counties. Incumbent Wendell Walker (R) raised $27,060 while Natalie Short (D) raised $5.

The Republican candidate won 64-36 in the 2019 general election.

2. District 98 – $34,702.80

This district is located in Eastern Virginia and includes portions of Essex, Gloucester, King & Queen, King William, Mathews, and Middlesex counties. Incumbent Keith Hodges (R) raised $34,703 while Ella Webster (D) raised $0.

Hodges defeated Webster 69-31 in the 2019 general election.

3. District 16 – $43,278.02

This district is located in the Southside region and includes portions of Martinsville City and Henry and Pittsylvania counties. Incumbent Les Adams (R) raised $41,038 while Chance Trevillian (D) raised $2,240.

The Republican candidate defeated a Libertarian Party candidate 75-25 in the 2019 general election.

4. District 54 – $53,230.00

This district is located in Central Virginia and includes portions of Caroline and Spotsylvania counties. Incumbent Bobby Orrock (R) raised $52,385 while Eric Butterworth (D) raised $845.

The Republican candidate won 58-42 in the 2019 general election.

5. District 61 – $56,926.59

This district is located in the Southside region and includes portions of Amelia, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, and Nottoway counties. Incumbent Tommy Wright (R) raised $39,615 while Trudy Bell Berry (D) raised $4,913 and Joseph Paschal (L) raised $12,399.

Wright defeated Bell Berry 67-33 in the 2019 general election.

Comparison to the state average

Across Virginia in the 2021 election cycle, the average amount raised for a general election featuring more than one candidate was $394,827.38. The map below shades the Virginia House districts based on the amount of money raised in that district.

This article was published in partnership with Ballotpedia. Click here to learn more about that partnership.