RICHMOND, VA – The Republican Party of Virginia has certified three candidates to compete in the party’s Aug. 4 primary for the U.S. Senate nomination, setting the stage for a contest that will determine who will challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Mark Warner in the general election on Nov. 3.
Party officials announced that Bert Mizusawa, Kim Farington, and David Williams submitted enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot and have been certified to the Virginia Department of Elections. A fourth hopeful, Chuck Smith, remains in contention pending the outcome of a lawsuit that could result in his addition to the ballot at a later date.
Under Virginia election law, candidates seeking statewide office must gather a required number of signatures from registered voters to qualify for the ballot. The Republican Party reviewed the submissions before certifying the candidates to state election officials.
The Aug. 4 primary will give Republican voters the opportunity to select the party’s nominee for one of Virginia’s most closely watched races. The winner will advance to face Warner, who is seeking another term in the U.S. Senate.
In 2008, Warner won an open-seat race against Republican former Governor Jim Gilmore, receiving about 65% of the vote. Followed by his toughest Senate reelection race in 2014 against Republican Ed Gillespie and won by just 17,727 votes (49.15% to 48.34%). In 2020, Warner defeated Republican Daniel Gade, winning 56% to 44%.
Warner is seeking a fourth term and is expected to face the winner of the Republican primary between Bert Mizusawa, Kim Farington, and David Williams along with Chuck Smith if added.
In a statement announcing the certified candidates, the Republican Party of Virginia praised the field of contenders and expressed confidence in the party’s prospects for the race.
“The Republican Party of Virginia is fortunate to have these distinguished Virginians seeking our nomination,” the party said. “Any of whom would make a better United States Senator than Mark Warner.”
Early voting for the Aug. 4 election has already begun and will close on Aug. 1. With the primary now taking shape, candidates are expected to intensify their campaigns in the coming weeks as they compete for support from Republican voters across the Commonwealth.
