Downey joins race for Virginia Senate seat

(The Center Square) – Two Democrats are now seeking the nomination to challenge Republican Sen. Danny Diggs in Virginia’s 24th Senate District next year.

Del. Mark Downey announced his campaign Thursday, joining Jason Parker in the race. Diggs is seeking reelection to a second term. The district includes York County, Williamsburg and Poquoson, along with portions of Newport News and James City County.

Diggs won the seat in 2023 by 725 votes over Democratic Sen. Monty Mason. Diggs received 50.4% of the vote, while Mason received 49.4%.

Democrats have carried the district in several statewide and federal races since then.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger received 57.7% of the district’s vote in 2025, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. Kamala Harris received 53.1% there in the 2024 presidential election, while U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine received 55%.

Diggs, a former York-Poquoson sheriff, has served in the Senate since 2024.

Downey is a first-term delegate representing House District 69. He is also a pediatrici...