Michael Jones will return to the General Assembly as a senator after winning a special election to the state Senate on Tuesday, while attorney Charlie Schmidt claimed his former House of Delegates seat.

Jones and Schmidt will represent Senate District 15 and House District 77, which cover South Richmond and parts of Chesterfield County. Jones resigned his delegate seat last year to run for the Senate seat vacated by Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi, while Schmidt’s win keeps the district in Democratic hands. 

“We all came together to make this victory possible,” Jones said Tuesday during an election watch party. “I pledge to be a senator, not just for a few, but for all constituents regardless of party or background.” 

Election results saw Jones beat Republican candidate John Thomas with nearly 70% of votes cast, while Schmidt earned 79% of the vote compared to Republican Richard Stonage’s 20%, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. 

Both campaigns focused on reducing the cost of living, housing and health care; LGBTQ+ rights; environmental protection; and strong support for education. Both candidates also cited their years of professional and community work as evidence of their commitments to progress and change. 

Their Republican opponents emphasized different priorities. Thomas built his Senate campaign around his work as a government contractor, small-business growth, workforce development and education, while Stonage focused on public safety, education and the state economy. Both faced an uphill battle in districts that have heavily favored Democratic candidates for years. 

Democratic Party of Virginia Chairman Lamont Bagby congratulated both candidates, highlighting Jones’ years of political and religious work as an example of “what it means to lead with results, integrity and a deep commitment to the people.” 

He also welcomed Schmidt’s “proven leadership as an accomplished attorney and longtime community advocate” to the General Assembly. 

“Together, these victories send a clear message: When we remain laser-focused on making Virginia more affordable and a place where all can thrive, we can win and will keep winning,” Bagby said. 

The victories keep Virginia Democrats in control of the state Senate and House ahead of the 2026 General Assembly session. Several more special elections are scheduled in the coming weeks to fill seats vacated by Democrats joining Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s administration. 

Michael Jones celebrates with supporters at his campaign watch party at Bella Italia Restaurant in Chesterfield. (Photo by Paulette Singleton )