In one of Virginia’s most closely contested delegate races, Democrat John McAuliff narrowly defeated incumbent Republican Geary Higgins in the 30th House District. As of 10:26 pm on Tuesday night, the Virginia Department of Elections released unofficial election results, showing McAuliff securing 50.66% of the vote (21,885) compared to Higgins’ 49.18% (21,249). This election saw the participation of nearly 70,000 registered voters in western Loudoun and Fauquier counties.

The victory marks a significant political shift in a district that has historically leaned Republican. McAuliff, a Warrenton-based business owner and former U.S. Department of Agriculture official under the Biden administration, ran on a message of pragmatic governance and community investment. His campaign’s fundraising strength proved decisive—bringing in more than $3 million, roughly triple the amount raised by Higgins.

Higgins, a Waterford resident, had previously served on both the Loudoun County School Board and Board of Supervisors, as well as chairing the 10th District Republican Congressional Committee. Elected to the House of Delegates in 2023 after defeating Democrat Rob Banse by a margin of 5.5%, Higgins entered this race with name recognition and a record of local service, but ultimately fell short in a year marked by high turnout and shifting suburban demographics.