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11th District Voters To Choose New Delegate In Jan. 13 Special Election

Joliet, IL Patch · January 12, 2026

The Jan. 13 special election will determine who will be the 11th District's representative in the Virginia House of Delegates.

FAIRFAX, VA — Voters in the 11th District head to the polls on Tuesday to determine who will represent them in the Virginia House of Delegates. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Democrat Gretchen Bulova and Republican Adam J. Wise are on the ballot for Tuesday's special election. View a sample ballot. Early in-person voting ended on Saturday.

Once elected, the winner will have to move quickly to jump into the job because the 2026 Virginia General Assembly legislative session begins on Wednesday.

After the polls close, check back here to view Patch's election night coverage.

The 11th District covers all of Fairfax City and parts of Fairfax County, including Fair Oaks and Oakton. The non-profit Virginia Public Information Project describes the district as "Strong Democratic."

The seat became vacant when Bulova's husband, David Bulova, stepped down to become incoming Gov. Abigail Spanberger's nominee as the next secretary of natural and historic resources. The new governor will be sworn in during a ceremony in Richmond on Saturday.

Patch asked both candidates to answer a few questions to help voters learn more about them. Here are their responses to Patch's candidate questionnaire:

Affordability Top Issue Facing 11th District Voters: Gretchen Bulova

Government Not The Answer To Our Problems, Says Adam J. Wise

Visit the Virginia Department of Elections website to check your registration status, or find a polling place near you. Unregistered voters will be able to cast a provisional ballot at the polls on Tuesday.

Fairfax County voters can return their voted absentee ballots in person to the designated drop box located outside the Fairfax County Government Center or to the drop box at each of the county's polling locations by 7 p.m. on Jan. 13.

In Fairfax City, voters can return their voted absentee ballots in person to the designated drop box located outside City Hall, to the registrar’s office, or to the drop box at each of Fairfax City’s polling locations by 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Voters can also return their voted absentee ballots via mail. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Election Day, Jan. 13, and must be received by noon on Friday, Jan. 16.

Also See ...

GOP Chooses Candidate For Jan. 13 Special Election

Winner Named In 11th House District Firehouse Primary