Arlington Democrats Celebrate ‘Blue Tsunami’ of Local, State and National Victories in 2026 Midterms
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Owen Williams, Press & Public Relations Chair
ARLINGTON, Va. Nov. 4, 2026 — The Arlington County Democratic Committee (“Arlington Democrats”) celebrates a series of victories in Tuesday's general election, including the landslide reelections of U.S. Senator Mark Warner and Congressman Don Beyer, victories by all three Democratic-endorsed local candidates, the historic passage of all three proposed amendments to the Constitution of Virginia, and approval of all five school and county bond referenda.
Arlington voters reelected County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti and School Board Member Bethany Zecher Sutton, while also electing Kim Rucker to serve as Arlington County Treasurer. Each won by a resounding margin. Together, the victories reaffirm Arlington voters' trust in experienced, effective Democratic leadership at every level of government.
“Arlington voters have again shown their commitment to effective government and the fundamental freedoms that define our Commonwealth,” said Arlington Democrats Chair Paul Ruiz. “We congratulate our entire Democratic ticket on their victories and are especially grateful to the thousands of volunteers who knocked on doors, greeted voters at the polls, and worked tirelessly to make these results possible.”
Virginia Voters Make History with Three Constitutional Amendments
The passage of all three constitutional amendments marks a historic victory for reproductive freedom, marriage equality, and voting rights in Virginia. Arlingtonians backed each amendment with roughly 79% to 85% support. The amendments protect the right to make personal reproductive health care decisions, including decisions about abortion care, contraception, and fertility care. They repeal Virginia’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and guarantee equal treatment for all marriages between two adults, regardless of sex, gender, or race. They also automatically restore voting rights upon release from incarceration, ending a system that leaves restoration to the governor’s discretion.
“These amendments represent a generational victory for civil rights and individual freedom in Virginia,” Ruiz said. “Voters have made clear that decisions about reproductive health care belong to patients and their doctors, that every Virginian deserves the freedom to marry the person they love, and that the right to vote should not depend on the discretion of a governor.”
“At a time when fundamental rights are under attack nationally, Virginians have chosen to protect and expand those rights for generations to come,” Ruiz added.
Arlington Democrats Celebrate Local Victories
Arlington Democrats congratulate all three endorsed candidates on their victories and thank them for continuing to serve our community.
County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti secured a third term on the Arlington County Board, winning 69.4% of the vote in a three person race, where he will continue his work on housing affordability, transportation, climate change, economic development, and the delivery of essential county services.
“I want to thank Arlingtonians from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to continue to serve you. I am determined to meet this moment and excited to help us adapt and thrive over the years to come,” said de Ferranti.
Treasurer Kim Rucker won the special election with 86% of the vote to continue serving through 2027. She served 12 years as Arlington's Chief Deputy Treasurer before succeeding Carla de la Pava upon her retirement in July.
“I’m deeply grateful to the voters of Arlington for such a strong show of confidence in my continuing to serve as their Treasurer. I will keep doing what this office does best: treating every taxpayer with courtesy, protecting every public dollar, and keeping Arlington’s finances strong,” Rucker said.
School Board Member Bethany Zecher Sutton, who earned the Arlington Democrats' endorsement for a second term earlier this year, won reelection to the Arlington School Board with 78% of the vote, where she will continue advocating for Arlington students, educators, and families.
“I'm honored and grateful to have earned the voters' trust to continue serving on the Arlington School Board,” said Sutton. “There is nothing I care about more than providing safe, supportive, and inclusive schools for our kids, where they can learn and grow to their fullest potential.”
Voters also approved all five bond referenda, totaling $264 million, for Metro and public transportation, local parks and recreation, community infrastructure, utilities, and Arlington Public Schools.
‘Blue Tsunami’ of Democratic Victories Sends a Message to Washington
The victories in Arlington and Virginia came amid a national wave that gave Democrats control of both chambers of Congress. Democrats flipped at least seven Republican-held U.S. Senate seats and more than two dozen U.S. House seats, with races still being counted.
For Arlington, the stakes could not be more personal. Our community has been particularly affected by the administration’s attacks on the federal workforce, which have upended the livelihoods of dedicated public servants and their families. Across the metro area, federal employment fell by more than 63,000 jobs, a nearly 17% decline, between January 2025 and September 2026. The administration’s immigration enforcement tactics have also left families in Arlington and across Northern Virginia living in fear. A Congress that will finally hold this administration accountable is a victory for all of them.
“Tuesday’s victories are a testament to what we can accomplish when we organize,” Ruiz said. “We thank every candidate, precinct captain, poll greeter, and volunteer who made them possible. We have much to celebrate, but our work is far from over. Arlington Democrats will continue fighting for our neighbors, defending our democracy, and building a future in which everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
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