(The Center Square) – Gretchen Bulova won the Democratic firehouse primary Tuesday in Virginia’s 11th House District, securing the party’s nomination ahead of a January special election.
Several candidates competed in the party-run contest, including Bulova, So Lim, Vanessa Cardenas and Denver Supinger.
According to results posted by the HD-11 Democratic Unassembled Caucus, Bulova received 567 votes, or 47.73% of ballots cast. Lim finished second with 209 votes, followed by Cardenas with 178 votes and Supinger with 87 votes.
The firehouse primary was held at multiple locations in Fairfax City and Fairfax County. Firehouse primaries are organized by political parties rather than the state and typically draw lower turnout than state-run elections.
Firehouse primaries are often used during special election cycles, allowing parties to move quickly when vacancies occur.
House District 11 includes all of Fairfax City and portions of Fairfax County. The district is considered strongly Democratic, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.
The seat is open after Del. David Bulova stepped down following his appointment to Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s administration.
Democratic Party of Virginia Chairman Lamont Bagby included Bulova in a statement reacting to the results, saying the victories reflected voters’ desire for “experienced, principled leaders committed to protecting fundamental rights, strengthening communities, and delivering results.”
The special election to fill the vacant House seat is set for Jan. 13, and the winner will serve as the district’s next delegate.
