2008 United States Senate election in Virginia

none related races 2008 United States Senate elections March 2026 December 2017 2008 United States Senate election in Virginia Virginia presidential no 2002 United States Senate election in Virginia 2002 2014 United States Senate election in Virginia 2014 November 4, 2008 150x150px 67.0% (voting eligible)http://elections.gmu.edu/Turnout_2008G.html 2008 General Election Turnout Rates George Mason University Dr. Michael McDonald March 31, 2012 March 4, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130112213711/http://elections.gmu.edu/Turnout_2008G.html January 12, 2013 dead mdy-all Mark Warner, official 111th Congress photo portrait (cropped).jpg Mark Warner Democratic Party (United States) 2,369,317 65.03% Jim Gilmore 2004 NSTAC crop.jpg Jim Gilmore Republican Party (United States) 1,228,830 33.73% 300px County and independent city results 300px Congressional district results 300px Precinct results 300px Warner: #a5b0ff 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90% #0d056c >90%Gilmore: #ffb2b2 40–50% #e27f7f 50–60% U.S. Senator John Warner Republican Party (United States) Mark Warner Democratic Party (United States) The 2008 United States Senate election in Virginia was held on November 4, 2008, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the Commonwealth of Virginia. Incumbent Republican U.S. senator John Warner declined to seek re-election to a sixth term. Democratic former governor Mark Warner (no relation) defeated Republican former governor Jim Gilmore by a 31-point margin. Warner was the first Democrat to win this seat since 1966. This was also the first time since 1964 that the state voted simultaneously for a Democratic presidential candidate and a Democratic Senate candidate, having voted for Barack Obama in the concurrent presidential election, albeit by a far lesser margin. This was Virginia's first open-seat election since 1988. Since Warner took office in 2009, Democrats have held both of Virginia's Senate seats, which they had last done in 1970, when Harry F. Byrd Jr. left the Democratic Party to become an independent. Warner's large margin of victory was reflected throughout the state — Gilmore won only six counties and independent cities (Augusta, Colonial Heights, Hanover, Poquoson, Powhatan, and Rockingham), and his margin did not exceed more than 2,000 votes in any of them. Analysts attributed Warner's large margin of victory to various factors, such as Warner outraising Gilmore more than 9-to-1,April 15, 2008 Warner Crushes Gilmore In Fundraising For Virginia Senate Race https://www.cbsnews.com/news/warner-crushes-gilmore-in-fundraising-for-virginia-senate-race/ CBS News and Warner's high approval rating as governor. According to VCU's Commonwealth poll, only 23 percent of Virginian adults had a favorable view of Gilmore.Porter Mike VCU Commonwealth Poll: Mark Warner is Better Known and Has a More Favorable Image Than Jim Gilmore https://news.vcu.edu/article/vcu_commonwealth_poll_mark_warner_is_better_known_and_has_a_more 2026-01-23 VCU News en-us To date, this is the last time Amelia County and Bland County voted Democratic. This is the last time that a Democratic candidate won a majority of Virginia's counties and independent cities. Background John Warner, a former United States Under Secretary of the Navy, had served Virginia in the Senate since 1979, and had been cagey about whether he would be running for re-election. He would have been favored for a sixth term had he decided to run again, even with recent Democratic gains in the state. In early 2007, it was speculated that Warner, who had turned 80 in February of that year, would retire. When Warner reported on April 12, 2007, that he had raised only $500 in campaign contributions during the first quarter, speculation increased that he might not seek a sixth term.https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/12/AR2007041202122.html Warner's Fundraising Prompts Speculation on Reelection Plans The Washington Post April 13, 2007 B01 Tim Craig On August 31, 2007, Warner formally announced that he would not be seeking re-election.https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna20534057 Sen. Warner won't seek sixth term Associated Press via NBC News August 31, 2007 The race was expected to be competitive for Democrats, given the Democrats' two successive gubernatorial victories (2001, 2005) and the unseating of Republican senator George Allen by Jim Webb in 2006.https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/12/AR2007091201150.html Former Va. Gov. Warner Set to Seek Senate Seat The Washington Post September 13, 2007 A01 Tim Craig and Amy Gardner The Wall Street Journal reported a story of National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman Senator John Ensign outlining the 10 most competitive seats of the 2008 Senate election. When asked about the two GOP seats likely to switch parties, Virginia and New Mexico, on whether the NRSC was mulling walking away to work on other seats that could be won, Ensign said, "You don't waste money on races that don't need it or you can't win." This suggested that the NRSC might have started cutting money off.https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/06/12/sen-ensign-says-gop-majority-would-be-fairly-miraculous/ The Wall Street Journal Sen. Ensign Says GOP Majority Would Be 'Fairly Miraculous' June 12, 2008 Republican nomination Candidates Jim Gilmore, former governor of Virginia Bob Marshall, state delegate from Manassas Withdrew Tom Davis, U.S. representative from Vienna Declined John Warner, incumbent U.S. senator since 1979 thumb|300px|Republican convention results by congressional district #e27f7f Gilmore #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #5bc75b Marshall #5bc75b 50–60% #41b742 60–70% #309a30 70–80% On September 16, 2007, Republican Rep. Tom Davis of the 11th District unofficially announced that he would seek election to the seat.https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/14/AR2007091401171.html Would-Be Candidate Is Taking His Time The Washington Post September 15, 2007 B01 Bill Turque The Washington Times reported that John Warner delayed his retirement announcement specifically to help Davis.McLaughlin Seth Mum Warner likely to move on http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070625/METRO/106250073/1001 The Washington Times June 25, 2007 June 25, 2007 On October 1, 2007, the editors of the National Review encouraged Virginia voters to draft General Peter Pace, the retiring Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to run in 2008 for the Senate seat to be vacated by retiring Senator John Warner. The magazine cited Pace's conservative Catholic beliefs in making its suggestion.October 2, 2007 http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=Yjc5ZjY4MzY4NWM3MThkNDlmYzQ2MGFjMWQxZDcyMmU Draft General Pace National Review October 1, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071013174623/http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=Yjc5ZjY4MzY4NWM3MThkNDlmYzQ2MGFjMWQxZDcyMmU October 13, 2007 dead mdy-all On October 13, the Republican Party of Virginia's State Central Committee voted 47–37 to hold a statewide convention rather than a primary. Former Virginia governor Jim Gilmore argued strongly for a convention, claiming it would save the candidates money. It reportedly costs $4 million to compete in a primary, while it costs only $1 million for a convention. Davis argued that a primary would expose the candidates to the kind of environment they would face in November. A primary was thought to favor Davis due to his popularity in voter-rich Northern Virginia. In contrast, a convention was thought to favor Gilmore because most of the delegates would come from the party's activist base, which is tilted heavily to the right. With the decision, Gilmore said he was seriously considering entering the race.https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/13/AR2007101300698.html Republicans Opt for Convention to Choose Nominee - washingtonpost.com October 13, 2007 The Washington Post Tim Craig Jennifer Agiesta May 27, 2010 Davis dropped out of the race on October 25, 2007, citing the potential difficulties of defeating Gilmore in the conservative-dominated GOP convention and in taking on Warner, who is very popular in Davis' own Northern Virginia base.https://www.cbsnews.com/news/davis-out-of-senate-race-offers-lukewarm-endorsement-to-gilmore/ CBS News Davis Out Of Senate Race, Offers Lukewarm Endorsement To Gilmore October 25, 2007 Gilmore confirmed his candidacy on November 19, 2007. http://blog.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2007/11/gilmore_enters_senate_race.html Gilmore Enters Senate Race Tim Craig The Washington Post November 19, 2007 November 19, 2007 On January 7, 2008, Delegate Bob Marshall (R-Prince William County), a sixteen-year state legislator from Northern Virginia known for his social conservative values, announced he would challenge Gilmore for the Republican nomination May 31, 2008.Craig, Tim. Marshall to Challenge Gilmore For Republican Nomination. The Washington Post. January 8, 2008. The convention was held on May 31, 2008, where Gilmore won the nomination with 50.3% of the vote, just 66 votes more than Marshall. Lewis Bob http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1413116 Gilmore wins Va. GOP Senate nomination WTOP-FM May 31, 2008 May 31, 2008 Republican Convention Vote http://citizentom.wordpress.com/2008/06/01/the-2008-virginia-republican-party-convention-lessons-learned/ The 2008 Virginia Republican Party Convention Wordpress.com June 1, 2008 Candidate 1st District 2nd District 3rd District 4th District 5th District 6th District 7th District 8th District 9th District 10th District 11th DistrictTotalJim Gilmore 491 613 121 319 667 531 1036 156 552 160 557 5223 Bob Marshall 643 345 75 383 420 507 582 145 335 585 1137 5157Total 1134 958 196 702 1087 938 1618 301 887 745 1714 10380 Democratic nomination On September 12, 2007, former Governor Mark Warner (no relation to John Warner) announced his candidacy.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn-LXhkNV3k https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/pn-LXhkNV3k 2021-12-13 live Mark Warner: Join our effort MarkWarner08 September 12, 2007 May 1, 2018 YouTube Mark Warner had challenged John Warner for his Senate seat in 1996, but was narrowly defeated. Mark Warner later won election in 2001 as Governor of Virginia, and left office with a high level of popularity in 2006. He was confirmed as the party nominee at the state convention on June 10, 2008, as he went unopposed. General election Candidates Jim Gilmore, former governor of Virginia (Republican) Glenda Parker, retired United States Air Force officer and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2006 (Independent Greens) Bill Redpath, national chair of the Libertarian Party (Libertarian) Mark Warner, former governor of Virginia (Democratic) On March 29, 2008, the Libertarian Party of Virginia state convention nominated Bill Redpath as its Senate candidate.http://www.lpva.com/ LPVA - Libertarian Party of Virginia www.lpva.com May 1, 2018 January 28, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210128095244/http://www.lpva.com/ dead Redpath, who was serving as national party chair at the time, cited the importance of running a Libertarian candidate for federal office this election year, considering the fact that the Independent Greens had been fielding candidates so actively in recent years. Glenda Gail Parker from Alexandria, a retired U.S. Air Force officer, ran again for the Independent Greens as she did in the 2006 Senate election.http://votejoinrun.us/ IGVA News votejoinrun.us May 1, 2018 Campaign thumb|Former Gov. Mark Warner (D) campaigns at the Dixie Theatre in Staunton, Virginia. thumb|Republican Senator John Warner chose to retire after five terms. thumb|Former Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) After the conclusions of the state conventions, Democrat Mark Warner had emerged as the front-runner for the general election. Some early polling showed Mark Warner leading Jim Gilmore by as much as 2–1.July 2026 Pundits and analysts believed Virginia to be the single strongest pickup opportunity for the Democrats due to Warner's consistent lead in the polls. Jim Gilmore responded aggressively, mostly with ads on the Internet; his campaign had very little money. Gilmore attacked Warner for raising taxes during his term as governor, when he had pledged not to do so, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA1wQ2_aH-8 Youtube- Mark Warner's "No Tax Pledge" of 2001 Jim Gilmore for Senate July 17, 2008 flip-flopping https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P3I2UoViOA Sabato: Which is the real Mark Warner? Jim Gilmore for President July 17, 2008 among many other topics. On October 6, Warner and Gilmore debated various issues, including the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, the Iraq War and judicial nominees. The Richmond Times Dispatch sponsored the debate held at the Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke, Virginia. http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/video.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-10-04-0117.html Warner, Gilmore spill over bailout Richmond Times Dispatch October 6, 2008August 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes Mark Warner argued he'd be part of a radical centrist coalition, no matter who won the presidency. He claimed the coalition would improve cooperation in the Congress and its subsequent public perception. Warner spoke of alternative energy, and Gilmore argued for offshore drilling.http://www.rocktownweekly.com/news_details.php?AID=30001&CHID=1 The Daily News Record: Top News May 1, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20090308053044/http://www.rocktownweekly.com/news_details.php?AID=30001&CHID=1 March 8, 2009 dead The issue of the 2004 tax increase under then-Governor Mark Warner was raised at the first debate of the campaign between Gilmore and Warner. http://www.charlottesvillenewsplex.tv/news/headlines/25651514.html https://archive.today/20120722001222/http://www.charlottesvillenewsplex.tv/news/headlines/25651514.html dead July 22, 2012 Gilmore, Warner Square Off In First Senate Debate Matt Holmes July 19, 2008 WCAV July 25, 2008 The Washington Post reported on July 24 that Gilmore "submitted false information on two financial disclosure forms that hid his ties to a government contractor embroiled in a legal dispute over allegations that two of its executives had conspired to defraud the federal government." The Gilmore campaign responded by saying, the controversy was due to a "clerical error." https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/23/AR2008072303510.html Gilmore Filed False Information On Campaign Disclosure Forms Tim Craig The Washington Post July 24, 2008 July 25, 2008 On election night, Warner was declared the winner based on exit polls alone, before the votes were counted. Fundraising Money played a large role in the campaign. By July, Mark Warner had raised $9 million, while Jim Gilmore had raised $1.2 million. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/18/warner-gilmoreready-to-debate/ Warner, Gilmore ready to debate Gary Emerling The Washington Times July 18, 2008 July 26, 2008 This does not include money from the DSCC or NRSC. Endorsements Mark Warner Bristol Herald-Courier Daily Press (Newport News)http://www.dailypress.com/news/opinion/dp-ed_warnersenate_edit_1026oct26,0,4150930.story Topic Galleries - dailypress.com May 1, 2018August 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes Danville Register & Bee Fredericksburg Free Lance-Starhttp://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2008/102008/10242008/420287/printer_friendly Warner for Senate May 1, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20110522071400/http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2008/102008/10242008/420287/printer_friendly May 22, 2011 dead Loudoun Times-Mirror Martinsville Bulletinhttp://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/article.cfm?ID=16107 Vote Warner for Senate - Martinsville Bulletin May 1, 2018 February 16, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120216180019/http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/article.cfm?ID=16107 dead The News & Advance (Lynchburg) The Roanoke Timeshttp://www.roanoke.com/editorials/wb/181681 Mark Warner for U.S. Senate - Roanoke.com May 1, 2018 March 20, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120320092856/http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/wb/181681 dead The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk)http://hamptonroads.com/2008/10/mark-warner-us-senate Mark Warner for U.S. Senate The Virginian-Pilot May 1, 2018 February 29, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229144041/http://hamptonroads.com/2008/10/mark-warner-us-senate dead The Washington Posthttps://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/11/AR2008101101523.html The Washington Post Mark Warner for Senate October 12, 2008 May 27, 2010 Jim Gilmore Richmond Times-Dispatch Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political Report2008 Senate Race ratings for October 23, 2008 https://cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/139080 The Cook Political Report April 1, 2021 June 25, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210625160336/https://cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/139080 dead Likely D FlipOctober 23, 2008 CQ PoliticsRace Ratings Chart: Senate https://web.archive.org/web/20101028234525/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=ratings-senate October 28, 2010 CQ Politics Safe D FlipOctober 31, 2008 Rothenberg Political Report2008 Senate ratings https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2008-senate-ratings Inside Elections April 1, 2021 Likely D FlipNovember 2, 2008 Real Clear Politics2008 RCP Averages & Senate Results https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/senate/election_2008_senate_races.html Real Clear Politics August 31, 2021 Safe D FlipNovember 1, 2008 Polling Aggregate polls Source of pollaggregationDates administeredDates updatedJimGilmore (R)MarkWarner (D)Other/UndecidedCalculated by taking the difference of 100% and all other candidates combined.MarginRealClearPoliticsOctober 25–November 1, 2008November 1, 200832.7%61.3%6.0%Warner +28.6%Rasmussen ReportsOctober 30, 2007–October 16, 2008October 16, 200834.0%60.0%6.0%Warner +26.0%Average33.4%60.7%5.9%Warner +27.4% Poll source Date(s)administered SamplesizeKey:A – all adultsRV – registered votersLV – likely votersV – unclear "Key" Marginof error JimGilmore (R) MarkWarner (D) Other UndecidedPublic Policy Polling (D)November 2, 2008 Obama headed for comfortable win in Virginia http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_Virginia_1102.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20090203183551/http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_Virginia_1102.pdf February 3, 2009 February 28, 2026 Public Policy PollingOctober 31–November 2, 20081,557 (LV)± 2.5%36%62%–2%SurveyUSANovember 2, 2008 Results of SurveyUSA Election Poll #14737 https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=bccf3ebd-67cc-4a9d-a5fb-c77588567594 https://web.archive.org/web/20081106041523/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=bccf3ebd-67cc-4a9d-a5fb-c77588567594 November 6, 2008 February 28, 2026 SurveyUSASponsored by WDBJ Roanoke, WJHL-TV Tri-Cities, WJLA-TV Washington, WTVR-TV RichmondOctober 30–November 1, 2008672 (LV)± 3.8%35%59%5%Glenda Parker (G) with 3% and William Redpath (L) with 2%.2%Mason-Dixon Polling & StrategyOctober 29–30, 2008625 (LV)± 4.0%31%62%–7%SurveyUSAOctober 27, 2008 Results of SurveyUSA Election Poll #14664 https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=7bcdca4d-f6ea-4515-9928-119c5590638e https://web.archive.org/web/20251012083243/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=7bcdca4d-f6ea-4515-9928-119c5590638e October 12, 2025 February 28, 2026 SurveyUSASponsored by WDBJ Roanoke, WJHL-TV Tri-Cities, WJLA-TV Washington, WTVR-TV RichmondOctober 25–26, 2008671 (LV)± 3.7%32%63%2%Glenda Parker (G) with 1% and William Redpath (L) with 1%.2%The Associated PressTHE AP-GfK BATTLEGROUND STATE POLL http://www.ap-gfkpoll.com/pdf/AP-GfK_Poll_Topline_10_28_2008.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20090121044138/http://www.ap-gfkpoll.com/pdf/AP-GfK_Poll_Topline_10_28_2008.pdf January 21, 2009 February 28, 2026 Roper Public Affairs & MediaOctober 22–26, 2008601 (LV)± 3.5%32%58%2%Glenda Parker (G) with 1% and William Redpath (L) with 1%.18%The Washington PostKumar Anita Agiesta Jennifer October 27, 2008 Gilmore Still Down 30 Points in Va. Poll https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/26/AR2008102602198.html?hpid=topnews February 28, 2026 The Washington PostOctober 22–25, 2008784 (LV)± 3.5%31%61%–8%Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFunk Cary October 27, 2008 OBAMA LEADS OVER MCCAIN, WARNER STRONG LEAD OVER GILMORE AMONG VIRGINIA VOTERS https://commonwealthpoll.vcu.edu/CPOLL-Pres-Sen-Race-report-10-26-08.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20081029033942/https://commonwealthpoll.vcu.edu/CPOLL-Pres-Sen-Race-report-10-26-08.pdf October 29, 2008 February 28, 2026 Virginia Commonwealth University October 20–22, 2008817 (LV)± 4.0%27%61%–12%902 (RV)25%59%–16%Mason-Dixon Polling & StrategyOctober 20–21, 2008625 (LV)± 4.0%33%58%–9%SurveyUSAOctober 20, 2008 Results of SurveyUSA Election Poll #14604 https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=8a9f86fa-0f64-4e9b-b6dc-56b7878b9563 https://web.archive.org/web/20081021130937/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=8a9f86fa-0f64-4e9b-b6dc-56b7878b9563 October 21, 2008 February 28, 2026 SurveyUSASponsored by WDBJ Roanoke, WJHL-TV Tri-Cities, WJLA-TV Washington, WTVR-TV RichmondOctober 18–19, 2008652 (LV)± 3.8%36%60%2%Glenda Parker (G) with 1% and William Redpath (L) with 1%.2%Rasmussen ReportsOctober 20, 2008 Warner Leads by 25 Points in Virginia http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/election_2008_virginia_senate https://web.archive.org/web/20081027010245/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/election_2008_virginia_senate October 27, 2008 February 28, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsOctober 16, 2008700 (LV)± 4.0%36%61%–3%Suffolk UniversityReal Clear Politics Suffolk Final Virginia Poll https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/docs/Suffolk_Final_Virginia_100608.htm February 28, 2026 RealClearPolitics, Suffolk University https://web.archive.org/web/20211208202854/https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/docs/Suffolk_Final_Virginia_100608.htm December 8, 2021October 3–5, 2008600 (LV)–25%57%3%Glenda Parker (G) with 1% and "Refused" with 2%.15%Mason-Dixon Polling & StrategyEisman Dale October 3, 2008 Warner maintains strong lead in Senate race, poll shows http://hamptonroads.com/2008/10/warner-maintains-strong-lead-senate-race-poll-shows https://web.archive.org/web/20081009221335/http://hamptonroads.com/2008/10/warner-maintains-strong-lead-senate-race-poll-shows October 9, 2008 February 28, 2026 The Virginia PilotSeptember 9–October 1, 2008625 (LV)± 4.0%31%57%–11%Rasmussen Reports 2008 Virginia Senate https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/senate/general/2008/virginia/gilmore-vs-warner February 28, 2026 RealClearPoliticsSeptember 25, 2008700 (LV)–34%60%–6%Mason-Dixon Polling & StrategySeptember 17–22, 2008625 (LV)± 4.0%28%61%–11%SurveyUSASeptember 22, 2008 Results of SurveyUSA Election Poll #14396 https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=7446d640-921f-44c2-a6d5-570754f9218f/ https://web.archive.org/web/20110605133619/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=7446d640-921f-44c2-a6d5-570754f9218f/ June 5, 2011 February 28, 2026 SurveyUSASponsored by WDBJ Roanoke, WJHL-TV Tri-Cities, WJLA-TV Washington, WTVR-TV RichmondSeptember 19–21, 2008716 (LV)± 3.7%34%57%6%Glenda Parker (G) with 3% and William Redpath (L) with 3%.3%The Washington Post/ABC NewsSeptember 23, 2008 Washington Post-ABC News Poll https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/interactives/campaign08/virginia/092208_poll.html February 28, 2026 The Washington PostSeptember 18–21, 2008857 (RV)± 3.0%29%61%5%Glenda Parker (G) with 2%, William Redpath (L) with 1%, "None" with 1%, and "Would not vote" with 1%.5%698 (LV)± 4.0%31%61%4%Glenda Parker (G) with 1%, William Redpath (L) with 1%, "None" with 1%, and "Would not vote" with 1%.4%Public Policy Polling (D)September 17, 2008 Obama still up two in Virginia http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_Virginia_91735.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20080920160404/http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_Virginia_91735.pdf September 20, 2008 February 28, 2026 Public Policy PollingSeptember 13–14, 20081,090 (LV)± 3.0%33%57%–10%Christopher Newport UniversitySeptember 18, 2008 Presidential race is tight, Warner has big lead on Gilmore http://hamptonroads.com/2008/09/poll-shows-mccain-warner-leading-races-virginia https://web.archive.org/web/20080918034718/http://hamptonroads.com/2008/09/poll-shows-mccain-warner-leading-races-virginia September 18, 2008 February 28, 2026 The Virginia PilotSeptember 10–14, 2008500 (V)± 4.4%30%54%–16%SurveyUSASeptember 15, 2008 Results of SurveyUSA Election Poll #14371 https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=60befb4c-f092-4329-8131-0c328f9605c6 https://web.archive.org/web/20231127211906/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=60befb4c-f092-4329-8131-0c328f9605c6 November 27, 2023 February 28, 2026 SurveyUSASponsored by WDBJ Roanoke, WJHL-TV Tri-Cities, WJLA-TV Washington, WTVR-TV RichmondSeptember 12–14, 2008732 (LV)± 3.7%34%57%5%Glenda Parker (G) with 4% and William Redpath (L) with 1%.3%SurveyUSASeptember 8, 2008 Results of SurveyUSA Election Poll #14336 https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=6ca1688e-186e-4fe6-b3a3-80750285ee8b&c=77 https://web.archive.org/web/20241222170648/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=6ca1688e-186e-4fe6-b3a3-80750285ee8b&c=77 December 22, 2024 February 28, 2026 SurveyUSASponsored by WDBJ Roanoke, WJHL-TV Tri-Cities, WJLA-TV Washington, WTVR-TV RichmondSeptember 5–7, 2008717 (LV)± 3.7%35%56%7%Glenda Parker (G) with 4% and William Redpath (L) with 3%.3%Public Policy Polling (D)August 24, 2008 Obama continues to lead narrowly in Virginia http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_Virginia_824.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20080904060211/http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_Virginia_824.pdf September 4, 2008 February 28, 2026August 20–22, 20081,036 (LV)± 3.0%32%55%–13%Rasmussen ReportsAugust 14, 2008 Election 2008: Virginia Senate Warner Still Way Ahead in Virginia’s Senate Race https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/election_2008_virginia_senate usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20080816230756/https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/election_2008_virginia_senate August 16, 2008 February 18, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsAugust 12, 2008700 (LV)± 4.5%35%61%–5%Rasmussen ReportsJuly 18, 2008 Election 2008: Virginia Senate Virginia Senate: Warner Still Way Ahead https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/election_2008_virginia_senate usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20080718181701/https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/election_2008_virginia_senate July 18, 2008 February 18, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsJuly 16, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%36%59%–5%Public Policy Polling (D)June 18, 2008 Obama holds slight lead in Virginia http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_Virginia_618.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20080904060259/http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_Virginia_618.pdf September 4, 2008 February 28, 2026 Public Policy PollingJune 14–16, 2008893 (LV)± 3.3%28%59%–13%Rasmussen ReportsJune 16, 2008 Election 2008: Virginia Senate Virginia Senate: Warner Widens Lead in the Old Dominion https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/election_2008_virginia_senate usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20080622184045/https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/election_2008_virginia_senate June 22, 2008 February 18, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsJune 12, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%33%60%2%5%Rasmussen ReportsMay 12, 2008 Virginia: Warner 55% Gilmore 37% http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/virginia_warner_55_gilmore_37 usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20080623062214/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/virginia_warner_55_gilmore_37 June 23, 2008 February 18, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsMay 8, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%37%55%3%4%Rasmussen ReportsApril 1, 2008 Virginia Senate: Warner 55% Gilmore 39% http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/virginia_senate_warner_55_gilmore_39 usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20080522090125/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/virginia_senate_warner_55_gilmore_39 May 22, 2008 February 18, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsMarch 26, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%39%55%3%4%Rasmussen ReportsFebruary 21, 2008 Virginia Senate: Warner 57% Gilmore 37% http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/virginia_senate_warner_57_gilmore_37 usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20080517133248/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/virginia_senate_warner_57_gilmore_37 May 17, 2008 February 18, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsFebruary 19, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%37%57%–6%Rasmussen ReportsJanuary 8, 2008 Virginia Senate: Warner 53% Gilmore 38% http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/virginia_senate_warner_53_gilmore_38 usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20080517132935/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/virginia_senate_warner_53_gilmore_38 May 17, 2008 February 18, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsJanuary 2, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%38%53%5%4%SurveyUSANovember 5, 2007 Results of SurveyUSA Election Poll #12873 https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=598a91f1-da29-409e-a6b4-8f850f765632 live https://web.archive.org/web/20081027060538/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=598a91f1-da29-409e-a6b4-8f850f765632 October 27, 2008 February 18, 2026 SurveyUSASponsored by Roll CallOctober 27–30, 2007644 (RV)± 3.9%35%57%–8%Rasmussen ReportsOctober 30, 2007 Virginia Senate: Warner 53% Gilmore 37% http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/virginia_senate_warner_53_gilmore_37 usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20080517132910/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/virginia_senate_warner_53_gilmore_37 May 17, 2008 February 18, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsOctober 24, 2007500 (LV)± 4.5%37%53%6%4%The Washington PostOctober 12, 2007 Washington Post Poll https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/elections/2007/polls/postpoll101107.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20081010132036/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/elections/2007/polls/postpoll101107.html October 10, 2008 February 18, 2026 The Washington PostOctober 4–8, 20071,144 (A)± 4.0%31%61%3%Neither with 3%.5%Christopher Newport UniversityOctober 18, 2007 Warner shows early lead over GOP hopefuls in Senate race http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=134867&ran=3171 usurped https://archive.ph/20070811044721/http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm August 13, 2013 February 18, 2026 The Virginia PilotSeptember 27–October 1, 2007700 (RV)± 3.7%27%51%–22%SurveyUSASeptember 17, 2007 Here Are The Results of SurveyUSA Election Poll #12625 https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=80809153-635a-4331-991c-063d6743cddc live https://web.archive.org/web/20210314170344/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=80809153-635a-4331-991c-063d6743cddc March 14, 2021 February 17, 2026 SurveyUSASponsored by WLJA-TV Washington DC, WTVR-TV Richmond, WAVY-TV Norfolk, WDBJ RoanokeSeptember 14–16, 2007783 (RV)± 3.5%32%60%–8%Rasmussen ReportsSeptember 11, 2007 Democrat Warner Holds Large Lead Over Davis and Gilmore http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/democrat_warner_holds_large_lead_over_davis_and_gilmore usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20080517132659/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/virginia/democrat_warner_holds_large_lead_over_davis_and_gilmore May 17, 2008 February 17, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsSeptember 5, 2007500 (LV)± 4.5%34%54%2%9% Results 2008 United States Senate election in Virginiahttp://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/2008/2008Stat.htm#stateVA 2008 Election Statistics clerk.house.gov May 1, 2018 Democratic Party (United States) Mark Warner 2,369,327 65.03% +65.03% Republican Party (United States) Jim Gilmore 1,228,830 33.73% -48.84% Independent Greens (Virginia) Glenda Parker 21,690 0.60% +0.60% Libertarian Party (United States) Bill Redpath 20,269 0.56% +0.56% 3,178 0.09% -0.47% 3,643,294 100.00% N/A Democratic Party (United States) Republican Party (United States) Counties and independent cities that flipped from Republican to Democratic 25em Accomack (largest city: Chincoteague) Amelia (no municipalities) Amherst (largest city: Amherst) Appomattox (largest city: Appomattox) Bath (largest city: Hot Springs) Bedford (largest city: Bedford) Bland (largest city: Bland) Botetourt (largest city: Cloverdale) Buckingham (largest city: Dillwyn) Buchanan (largest city: Grundy) Buena Vista (independent city) Bristol (independent city) Campbell (largest city: Altavista) Carroll (largest city: Hillsville) Charlotte (largest city: Keysville) Chesapeake (independent city) Chesterfield (no municipalities) Clarke (largest city: Berryville) Craig (largest city: New Castle) Cumberland (largest city: Farmville) Culpeper (largest borough: Culpeper) Dickenson (largest borough: Clintwood) Dinwiddie (largest town: McKenney) Essex (largest city: Tappahannock) Emporia (independent city) Fauquier (largest city: Warrenton) Floyd (largest city: Floyd) Franklin (largest city: Rocky Mount) Fluvanna (largest city: Monticello) Galax (independent city) Giles (largest city: Pearisburg) Frederick (largest city: Winchester) Gloucester (largest city: Gloucester Point) Goochland (no municipalities) Grayson (largest city: Independence) Greene (largest city: Twin Lakes) Halifax (largest city: South Boston) Henry (largest city: Martinsville) Highland (largest city: Monterey) Isle of Wight (largest city: Smithfield) James City (no municipalities) King and Queen (largest city: King and Queen Courthouse) King George (largest city: King George) King William (largest city: West Point) Lancaster (largest city: Kilmarnock) Lee (largest city: Pennington Gap) Loudoun (largest city: Leesburg) Louisa (largest city: Louisa) Lunenburg (largest city: Victoria) Lexington (independent city) Lynchburg (independent city) Madison (largest city: Madison) Matthews (no municipalities) Mecklenburg (largest city: South Hill) Middlesex (largest city: Urbanna) Northumberland (largest city: Heathsville) New Kent (no municipalities) Norton (independent city) Radford (independent city) Nottoway (largest city: Blackstone) Orange (largest city: Orange) Page (largest city: Luray) Patrick (largest city: Stuart) Pittsylvania (largest city: Chatham) Prince George (largest city: Fort Gregg-Adams) Pulaski (largest city: Pulaski) Salem (independent city) Staunton (independent city) Rappahannock (largest city: Washington) Richmond (largest city: Warsaw) Roanoke (largest city: Vinton) Rockbridge (largest city: Lexington) Russell (largest city: Lebanon) Scott (largest city: Gate City) Shenandoah (largest city: Strasburg) Smyth (largest city: Marion) Southampton (largest municipality: Courtland) Spotsylvania (largest municipality: Spotsylvania Courthoouse) Stafford (no municipalities) Tazewell (largest city: Richlands) Warren (largest city: Front Royal) Washington (largest city: Abingdon) Wise (largest city: Big Stone Gap) Westmoreland (largest city: Colonial Beach) Winchester (independent city) Virginia Beach (independent city) Waynesboro (independent city) Wythe (largest city: Wytheville) York (largest city: Grafton) Albemarle (largest municipality: Scottsville) Fairfax (largest municipality: Herndon) Nelson (largest municipality: Nellysford) Prince Edward (largest municipality: Farmville) Danville (independent city) Fairfax (independent city) Williamsburg (independent city) Caroline (largest borough: Bowling Green) Harrisonburg (independent city) Henrico (largest borough: Richmond) Hopewell (independent city) Manassas (independent city) Manassas Park (independent city) Montgomery (largest borough: Blacksburg) Prince William (largest borough: Manassas) Suffolk (independent city) Covington (independent city) Martinsville (independent city) Brunswick (largest borough: Lawrenceville) Charlottesville (independent city) Northampton (largest borough: Exmore) Surry (no municipalities) Emporia (independent city) Roanoke (independent city) Richmond (independent city) Falls Church (independent city) Norfolk (independent city) Hampton (independent city) Portsmouth (independent city) Newsport News (independent city) Alexandria (independent city) Buena Vista (independent city) Alleghany (largest borough: Clinfton Forge) Arlington (no municipalities) Greensville (largest city: Jarratt) Sussex (largest city: Waverly) Petersburg (independent city) Charles City (no municipalities) Franklin (largest city: Rocky Mount) See also 2008 Virginia elections 2008 United States presidential election in Virginia 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia Notes Partisan clients References External links General Virginia State Board of Elections U.S. Congress candidates for Virginia at Project Vote Smart Virginia, U.S. Senate from CQ Politics Virginia U.S. Senate from OurCampaigns.com Virginia Senate race from 2008 Race Tracker Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets Gilmore (R) vs M. Warner (D) graph of multiple polls from Pollster.com Official campaign websites (archived) Jim Gilmore for Senate, Republican nominee Mark Warner for Senate, Democratic nominee Bill Redpath for Senate, Libertarian nominee 2008 Virginia United States Senate Category:Mark Warner