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Democratic Challengers Macy and Perriello Outraise GOP Incumbents, Complicating Redistricting Plans
New campaign finance reports show two Democratic challengers in deep-red districts have more money than Republican incumbents, raising questions about how to redraw Virginia's congressional maps.
Feb. 1, 2026 at 9:31am
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New campaign finance reports show that Democratic challengers Beth Macy and Tom Perriello have raised more money than the Republican incumbents they hope to face, Ben Cline and John McGuire, in Virginia's 6th and 5th congressional districts. This development complicates Democratic plans to redraw the state's congressional districts to create a 10-1 Democratic advantage, as Macy and Perriello could end up in the same district under proposed maps.
Why it matters
The fundraising success of Macy and Perriello in deep-red districts highlights the potential for Democratic gains in Virginia, but also creates a political challenge as Democrats in the state legislature work to redraw congressional maps to their advantage. Combining Macy and Perriello into the same district could undermine Democratic efforts to maximize their representation in Congress.
The details
Macy, a first-time candidate and best-selling author from Roanoke, has $527,708 on hand, compared to $521,194 for incumbent Republican Ben Cline. Perriello, a former congressman from Albemarle County, has $676,616 on hand, more than twice the $314,375 held by incumbent Republican John McGuire. This fundraising advantage over the Republican incumbents could make Macy and Perriello more viable challengers, but it also complicates Democratic efforts to redraw the state's congressional maps to create a 10-1 Democratic advantage.
- The latest campaign finance reports were released over the weekend.
- Democrats in the Virginia General Assembly are working to redraw the state's congressional districts ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.
The players
Beth Macy
A first-time Democratic candidate and best-selling author from Roanoke, Virginia.
Tom Perriello
A former Democratic congressman from Albemarle County, Virginia, who is now challenging for a congressional seat.
Ben Cline
The incumbent Republican representative for Virginia's 6th congressional district.
John McGuire
The incumbent Republican representative for Virginia's 5th congressional district.
Louise Lucas
A Democratic state senator from Portsmouth, Virginia, who has vowed to create a 10-1 Democratic congressional map.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
What’s next
Democrats in the Virginia General Assembly will continue to work on redrawing the state's congressional districts, with the goal of creating a 10-1 Democratic advantage. The outcome of this process will have major implications for the 2022 midterm elections.
The takeaway
The fundraising success of Democratic challengers Macy and Perriello in deep-red districts highlights the potential for Democratic gains in Virginia, but also creates a political challenge as the party works to redraw congressional maps to their advantage. The final redistricting plan will be crucial in determining the balance of power in Virginia's congressional delegation.
