Bennett-Parker wins Va. Senate District 39 special election

Democrat holds seat for party, preserving narrow majority in state Senate

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Democrat Elizabeth Bennett-Parker won a special election Tuesday to represent Virginia's 39th Senate District, holding the seat for her party and preserving Democrats' narrow majority in the chamber as longtime state Sen. Adam Ebbin departs to join Gov. Abigail Spanberger's administration.

Why it matters

The special election in Virginia's 39th Senate District was closely watched as it determined whether Democrats would maintain their narrow 21-19 majority in the state Senate. Bennett-Parker's victory ensures that Democrats will retain control of the chamber, even as several lawmakers depart for positions in the Spanberger administration.

The details

Bennett-Parker defeated Republican Julie Robben Lineberry with 81.2% of the vote out of 7,254 ballots cast, according to unofficial results. In a separate special election for Bennett-Parker's former House of Delegates seat, Democrat Kirk McPike also prevailed against a Republican challenger. Bennett-Parker, who has served in the House of Delegates since 2018, is replacing longtime state Sen. Adam Ebbin, who is leaving the legislature to join Gov. Spanberger's administration.

  • The special election was held on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Bennett-Parker's victory was announced by 7:45 p.m. on election night.

The players

Elizabeth Bennett-Parker

A Democrat who won the special election to represent Virginia's 39th Senate District. She has served in the House of Delegates since 2018 and previously served on the Alexandria City Council.

Adam Ebbin

The longtime state senator whose departure to join Gov. Abigail Spanberger's administration triggered the special election. Ebbin had served in the General Assembly since 2003, first in the House of Delegates and then the state Senate since 2011.

Abigail Spanberger

The governor of Virginia, who has been appointing several Democratic lawmakers to positions in her administration, leading to a series of special elections.

Kirk McPike

The Democrat who won a separate special election on Tuesday to fill Bennett-Parker's former seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Lamont Bagby

The chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia, who praised the Democratic winners in Tuesday's special elections.

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What they’re saying

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

— Lamont Bagby, Chairman, Democratic Party of Virginia

“2026 is the year we will move cannabis sales off the street corner and behind the age-verified counter.”

— Adam Ebbin, Outgoing state senator

What’s next

The Virginia Department of Elections will certify the results of the special elections in the coming days, officially seating Bennett-Parker and McPike in their new roles.

The takeaway

The special election results in Virginia's 39th Senate District and House District 5 demonstrate the Democratic Party's ability to maintain its legislative majorities, even as some lawmakers depart for positions in the Spanberger administration. The elections also highlight the ongoing policy debates around issues like cannabis legalization that will continue to shape Virginia politics.