Bennett-Parker Elected to Virginia Senate

Democrat wins special election for 39th District seat with 83% of the vote.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, a Democrat representing Alexandria in the Virginia House of Delegates, has won a special election for the 39th District in the state Senate. Bennett-Parker received nearly 83% of the vote, defeating her Republican opponent Julie Robben Lineberry. She will complete the term of Sen. Adam Ebbin, who has taken a position with the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.

Why it matters

Bennett-Parker's victory means Democrats will maintain their 21-19 edge in the Virginia Senate. Her win also highlights the continued political influence of the Democratic Party in the state, particularly in the Northern Virginia region.

The details

The 39th District includes parts of Fairfax and Arlington counties, as well as the City of Alexandria. Before being elected to the House of Delegates in 2022, Bennett-Parker served as the vice mayor of Alexandria and on the city council. In a separate special election, Democrat R. Kirk McPike won the 5th District House of Delegates seat previously held by Bennett-Parker.

  • The special election was held on February 10, 2026.
  • Bennett-Parker will be sworn in to the Virginia Senate on February 18, 2026.

The players

Elizabeth Bennett-Parker

A Democrat representing Alexandria in the Virginia House of Delegates who won the special election for the 39th District state Senate seat.

Julie Robben Lineberry

The Republican candidate who ran against Bennett-Parker in the 39th District state Senate special election.

Adam Ebbin

The previous state Senator for the 39th District who has accepted a position as senior advisor to the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.

R. Kirk McPike

The Democrat who won the special election to replace Bennett-Parker in the 5th District of the Virginia House of Delegates.

Marvin Mason Butler

The Republican candidate who ran against McPike in the 5th District House of Delegates special election.

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What they’re saying

“Both Bennett-Parker and McPike ran strong campaigns rooted in service, leadership, and a deep commitment to their communities.”

— Lamont Bagby, Democratic Party of Virginia Chair (annandaletoday.com)

What’s next

Bennett-Parker will be sworn in to the Virginia Senate on February 18, 2026, where she will complete the remainder of Adam Ebbin's term.

The takeaway

Elizabeth Bennett-Parker's victory in the 39th District state Senate special election demonstrates the continued political strength of the Democratic Party in Northern Virginia, as they maintain their slim majority in the Virginia Senate.