RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Del. Mike Jones will become the Democratic nominee for the state Senate seat recently left vacant by Lt. Gov.-Elect Ghazala Hashmi. The Democratic Party of Virginia (DPVA) announced Sunday, Dec. 7, that Jones has won the party's nomination for Hashmi's current seat represen ting Senate District 15 following its firehouse primary. Jones currently represents House District 7. He was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2023. “Mike Jones has shown through his work and leadership that he is deeply committed to serving Virginians and tackling the everyday challenges families face,” said DPVA Chair Senator Lamont Bagby. “He brings a steady, solutions-focused approach to public service, and he understands what it takes to make life more affordable and strengthen our communities. Keeping our Democratic majority in the Senate is critical to continuing that progress and I look forward to serving with him in the Senate.” The Democrats currently hold a 21-19 majority in the Virginia Senate. Jones will face off against the Republican nominee, John Thomas, in the special general election on Jan. 6, 2026. The winner will then replace Hashmi, who's resigning from her post on Jan. 17, 2026, to take office as the Commonwealth's 43rd lieutenant governor. ...read more read less