The Race

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) is seeking re-election in Virginia's 3rd Congressional District and faces a Democratic primary challenge from Justin Maffett on Aug. 4. Republicans did not nominate a candidate through the primary process, and Edwin Rivera (R-VA) is expected to advance to the Nov. 3 general election.

Virginia's 3rd Congressional District stretches across portions of Hampton Roads and the Richmond metropolitan area. The district has long been one of Virginia's safest Democratic seats and has consistently supported Democratic candidates in federal elections.

The Candidates

Bobby Scott (D-VA) has represented Virginia's 3rd Congressional District since 1993, making him the dean of Virginia's congressional delegation. He serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the House Committee on the Budget. During the 116th Congress, he chaired the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Justin Maffett is an attorney and adjunct professor based in Norfolk. His campaign argues the district would benefit from new leadership after more than three decades of Scott's representation.

Edwin Rivera (R-VA) is an Army veteran and former police officer. His campaign focuses on public safety, veterans' issues, economic opportunity and Second Amendment rights.

Show Us The Money

Candidates have raised approximately $718,679 across all campaigns in Virginia's 3rd Congressional District. As of late July, no independent expenditures or electioneering communication costs had been reported to the Federal Election Commission, making the contest one of the lower-profile House races in terms of outside spending during the 2026 cycle.

Ratings

The nation's leading election forecasters agree that Virginia's 3rd Congressional District strongly favors Democrats. The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, and Sabato's Crystal Ball all rate the race Solid Democratic, indicating broad agreement that Democrats are expected to retain the seat in November.

Experts vs. Markets

Professional election forecasters and prediction markets point to the same likely outcome in Virginia's 3rd Congressional District.

While traditional race ratings classify the district as Solid Democratic, Kalshi assigns Democrats a 97.8% probability of victory. Both forecasting methods indicate the Democratic nominee enters the general election as the overwhelming favorite in one of Virginia's safest Democratic districts.

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