Andrew Rice Wins Virginia's 98th District Special Election

Rice secures 62.5% of the vote to fill the seat of the late Del. Barry Knight

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a special election to fill the Virginia House of Delegates seat for the 98th District, Republican Andrew Rice has emerged victorious, securing 62.5% of the vote. The seat was previously held by Del. Barry Knight, a Republican who represented the district for nearly two decades before passing away last month.

Why it matters

This special election was called to fill the remainder of Knight's two-year term, and Rice's win maintains Republican control of the seat. The 98th District encompasses parts of Virginia Beach, including the Pungo, Sandbridge, and Red Mill areas, where Rice has pledged to focus on issues like lowering taxes and utility bills while balancing development with protecting farms and coastal areas.

The details

With 21 of 21 precincts partially reporting, Rice defeated his opponent Cheryl Smith, who secured 37.5% of the vote. Rice, a local prosecutor, said he had a long friendship with Knight's family and sought their blessing before entering the race. Virginia House GOP Leader Terry Kilgore welcomed Rice to the Caucus, stating "The road back starts here."

  • The special election was called after the passing of Del. Barry Knight last month.
  • The election was held on March 18, 2026.

The players

Andrew Rice

The Republican winner of the special election to fill the 98th District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Cheryl Smith

The Democratic opponent of Andrew Rice in the special election.

Barry Knight

The late Republican delegate who previously held the 98th District seat for nearly two decades before passing away last month.

Terry Kilgore

The Virginia House GOP Leader who welcomed Andrew Rice to the Caucus.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We didn't even have time to grieve — the canvass was before the funeral, so it was very emotional.”

— Andrew Rice, Delegate-Elect, Virginia's 98th District

“I am thrilled to welcome Andrew Rice to our Caucus as the newest Delegate from the 98th District. The road back starts here.”

— Terry Kilgore, Virginia House GOP Leader

What’s next

Rice will be sworn in to serve the remainder of the late Del. Barry Knight's two-year term in the Virginia House of Delegates.

The takeaway

This special election victory for the Republican Party maintains their control of the 98th District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates, which will be an important district to watch as the state legislature navigates issues like development, taxes, and utility costs in the coming years.