(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 pediatrician and the only physician currently serving in the General Assembly, according to his campaign.
“As a doctor, I look into the eyes of parents doing everything they can to do right by their children but are being squeezed by the rising costs of health care, housing, child care, and other everyday necessities,” Downey said. “I’m running for the Senate because our children and families need a Senator who not only understands the struggles they face but can turn those problems into practical legislation and results.”
Downey’s campaign also announced endorsements from Del. Jessica Anderson, Del. Virgil Thornton, Newport News Sheriff Gabe Morgan and James City County supervisors John McGlennon and Jim Icenhour.
Parker is president of the Virginia State Building and Construction Trades Council and is also seeking the Democratic nomination.
The general election will be held in November 2027.
This post was originally published on The Center Square.
