Margaret Angela Franklin, a Prince William County supervisor, won a special election Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, to represent Virginia’s House District 23, strengthening Democratic efforts to maintain control of the closely divided House of Delegates.
Franklin’s victory was one of two Democratic wins in special elections held to fill vacant seats in the General Assembly, according to Decision Desk HQ. The contests were triggered by appointments made by Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger, who will be inaugurated next week and has selected several lawmakers to serve in her administration.
Franklin replaces Del. Candi Mundon King (D), who is set to become Virginia’s next secretary of the commonwealth. Her election ensures the district remains in Democratic hands at a moment when party leaders are working to preserve a razor-thin 49–48 majority in the House of Delegates.
In nearby House District 11, voters elected Democrat Gretchen Bulova, who succeeds her husband, outgoing Del. David Bulova (D). David Bulova was appointed as Virginia’s secretary of natural and historic resources in Spanberger’s incoming administration.
Both districts were expected to favor Democrats, having supported former Vice President Kamala Harris by margins exceeding 30 points in the 2024 presidential election. Still, party officials stress the significance of the results as the General Assembly prepares to confront high-stakes legislative and constitutional debates.
Franklin’s win comes as lawmakers gear up to address major policy issues, including proposed constitutional amendments on abortion access, mid-decade redistricting, and other contentious reforms. The balance of power is similarly tight in the Virginia Senate, where Democrats currently hold a 21–19 majority.
The special elections continue a broader pattern of Democratic momentum in Virginia. Just last week, Democrat Mike Jones won a special election in Senate District 15, replacing Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi.
The victories build on Spanberger’s successful gubernatorial campaign last fall, which flipped the governor’s mansion for Democrats.
Additional contests are on the horizon. A January 20 special election will be held to replace Del. Mark Sickles, who has been named Spanberger’s secretary of finance. Meanwhile, State Sen. Adam Ebbin is resigning to serve as senior adviser at the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, prompting a Feb. 10 special election.
With Franklin’s election now certified, Democrats retain a critical foothold in the House as Virginia enters a consequential legislative year.
