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Virginia's 8th congressional district

U.S. House district for Virginia

Virginia's 8th congressional district

U.S. House district for Virginia

FieldValue
stateVirginia
district number8
image name
image captionInteractive map of district boundaries since 2023
representativeDon Beyer
partyDemocratic
residenceAlexandria
distribution ref
percent urban99.71
percent rural0.29
population788,825
population year2024
median income$133,323
percent white49.4
percent hispanic20.5
percent black12.3
percent asian12.2
percent more than one race4.8
percent other race0.8
cpviD+26

| percent more than one race = 4.8

Virginia's 8th congressional district from January 3, 2023

Virginia's 8th congressional district is a U.S. congressional district located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. It comprises several populous cities and suburbs in Northern Virginia, including all of Alexandria, Arlington, and Falls Church, as well as parts of eastern Fairfax County. It has been represented by Democrat Don Beyer since 2015. With a Cook Partisan Voting Index rating of D+26, it is the most Democratic district in Virginia.

The 8th district is heavily influenced by the federal government in neighboring Washington, with nearly a quarter of its working population employed in the public sector. Though commuting into the nation's capital for work is common, several government agencies have their headquarters in the 8th district. The most prominent of these are the United States Department of Defense (located in the Pentagon) and the Central Intelligence Agency. Their presence has established a flourishing aerospace and defense industry in the area, with Northrop Grumman being one of the district's top private sector employers. Other major corporations are also located within its boundaries, most notably AES.

The seat has long been a liberal stronghold, having backed every Democratic presidential nominee since 1992. However, those margins have grown dramatically; in 2020, Joe Biden carried the 8th district by over 55 points. Once a popular destination for white flight, the district has seen an influx of Asian, Black, and Hispanic residents in recent years and is now majority nonwhite. It also has the nation's fifth-highest share of individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher, in large part due to the nearby government presence.

Recent election results from statewide races

YearOfficeResults
2008[President](2008-united-states-presidential-election-in-virginia)Obama 68% - 31%
[Senate](2008-united-states-senate-election-in-virginia)Warner 74% - 25%
2009[Governor](2009-virginia-gubernatorial-election)Deeds 60% - 40%
[Lt. Governor](2009-virginia-lieutenant-gubernatorial-election)Wagner 62% - 38%
[Attorney General](2009-virginia-attorney-general-election)Shannon 62% - 38%
2012[President](2012-united-states-presidential-election-in-virginia)Obama 67% - 31%
[Senate](2012-united-states-senate-election-in-virginia)Kaine 69% - 31%
2013[Governor](2013-virginia-gubernatorial-election)McAuliffe 68% - 27%
[Lt. Governor](2013-virginia-lieutenant-gubernatorial-election)Northam 73% - 36%
[Attorney General](2013-virginia-attorney-general-election)Herring 70% - 29%
2014[Senate](2014-united-states-senate-election-in-virginia)Warner 67% - 31%
2016[President](2016-united-states-presidential-election-in-virginia)Clinton 72% - 21%
2017[Governor](2017-virginia-gubernatorial-election)Northam 76% - 23%
[Lt. Governor](2017-virginia-lieutenant-gubernatorial-election)Fairfax 75% - 25%
[Attorney General](2017-virginia-attorney-general-election)Herring 75% - 25%
2018[Senate](2018-united-states-senate-election-in-virginia)Kaine 78% - 19%
2020[President](2020-united-states-presidential-election-in-virginia)Biden 77% - 21%
[Senate](2020-united-states-senate-election-in-virginia)Warner 76% - 24%
2021[Governor](2021-virginia-gubernatorial-election)McAuliffe 72% - 27%
[Lt. Governor](2021-virginia-lieutenant-gubernatorial-election)Ayala 73% - 27%
[Attorney General](2021-virginia-attorney-general-election)Herring 73% - 27%
2024[President](2024-united-states-presidential-election-in-virginia)Harris 73% - 24%
[Senate](2024-united-states-senate-election-in-virginia)Kaine 75% - 25%
2025[Governor](2025-virginia-gubernatorial-election)Spanberger 80% - 20%
[Lt. Governor](2025-virginia-lieutenant-gubernatorial-election)Hashmi 78% - 22%
[Attorney General](2025-virginia-attorney-general-election)Jones 74% - 25%

Demographics

As of 2000, the district has 643,503 residents, 13.7% are African American, 9.5% are Asian, 16.4% are Hispanic and 64.5% are white.

Virginia's eighth congressional district is traditionally a Democratic stronghold, most notably in the urban communities of Arlington and Alexandria.

Composition

For the 118th and successive Congresses (based on redistricting following the 2020 census), the district contains all or portions of the following counties and communities:

Arlington County (1)

: Arlington

Fairfax County (24)

: Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Belle Haven, Fort Belvoir, Fort Hunt, Franconia (part; also 11th), Groveton, Hayfield, Huntington, Hybla Valley, Idylwood, Kingstowne, Lake Barcroft, Lincolnia, Mason Neck, McLean (part; also 11th), Mount Vernon, North Springfield, Pimmit Hills, Rose Hill, Seven Corners, Springfield (part; also 11th), West Falls Church, Woodlawn

Independent cities (2)

: Alexandria, Falls Church

Elections since 1960

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

2020s

List of members representing the district

RepresentativePartyYearsCong
ressElectoral history
District established March 4, 1789
[[File:Josiah-parker.png100px]]
**Josiah Parker**
(Macclesfield)Anti-AdministrationnowrapMarch 4, 1789 –
March 3, 1793[Elected in 1789](1789-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1790](1790-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Elected to Virginia 11th District
[[File:Thomas Claiborne.jpg100px]]
**Thomas Claiborne**
(Brunswick County)Anti-AdministrationnowrapMarch 4, 1793 –
March 3, 1795[Elected in 1793](1793-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1795](1795-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1797](1797-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Lost re-election.
Democratic-RepublicannowrapMarch 4, 1795 –
March 3, 1799
[[File:Samuel Goode (Virginia Congressman).jpg100px]]
**Samuel Goode**
(Chesterfield County)Democratic-RepublicannowrapMarch 4, 1799 –
March 3, 1801[Elected in 1799](1799-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[[File:Thomas Claiborne.jpg100px]]
**Thomas Claiborne**
(Brunswick County)Democratic-RepublicannowrapMarch 4, 1801 –
March 3, 1803[Elected in 1801](1801-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Redistricted to the .
**Walter Jones**
(Hayfield)Democratic-RepublicannowrapMarch 4, 1803 –
March 3, 1811[Elected in 1803](1803-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1805](1805-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1807](1807-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1809](1809-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Retired.
**John Hungerford**
(Leedstown)Democratic-RepublicannowrapMarch 4, 1811 –
November 29, 1811[Elected in 1811](1811-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Lost election contest.
**John Taliaferro**
(Fredericksburg)Democratic-RepublicannowrapNovember 29, 1811 –
March 3, 1813[Won election contest](1811-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Redistricted to the and lost re-election.
**Joseph Lewis Jr.**
(Upperville)FederalistnowrapMarch 4, 1813 –
March 3, 1817Redistricted from the and [re-elected in 1813](1813-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1815](1815-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Retired.
[[File:Charles F. Mercer.jpg100px]]
**Charles F. Mercer**
(Aldie)FederalistnowrapMarch 4, 1817 –
March 3, 1823[Elected in 1817](1817-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1819](1819-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1821](1821-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Redistricted to the .
**Burwell Bassett**
(Williamsburg)Democratic-Republican (Crawford)nowrapMarch 4, 1823 –
March 3, 1825Redistricted from the and [re-elected in 1823](1823-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1825](1825-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1827](1827-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Lost re-election.
JacksonnowrapMarch 4, 1825 –
March 3, 1829
**Richard Coke Jr.**
(Williamsburg)JacksonnowrapMarch 4, 1829 –
March 3, 1833[Elected in 1829](1829-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1831](1831-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Retired.
[[File:Henry A Wise CDV.jpg100px]]
**Henry A. Wise**
(Accomac)JacksonnowrapMarch 4, 1833 –
March 3, 1837[Elected in 1833](1833-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1835](1835-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1837](1837-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1839](1839-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1841](1841-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Redistricted to the .
WhignowrapMarch 4, 1837 –
March 3, 1843
**Willoughby Newton**
(Hague)WhignowrapMarch 4, 1843 –
March 3, 1845[Elected in 1843](1843-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Lost re-election.
[[File:RbrtMTHntr (rotated).jpg100px]]
**Robert M. T. Hunter**
(Lloyds)WhignowrapMarch 4, 1845 –
March 3, 1847[Elected in 1845](1845-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Elected to U.S. Senate
[[File:Richard L. T. Beale - Brady-Handy.jpg100px]]
**Richard L. T. Beale**
(Hague)DemocraticnowrapMarch 4, 1847 –
March 3, 1849[Elected in 1847](1847-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Retired.
**Alexander R. Holladay**
(Mansfield)DemocraticnowrapMarch 4, 1849 –
March 3, 1853[Elected in 1849](1849-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1851](1851-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Retired.
[[File:Charles J. Faulkner 1806-1884 - Brady-Handy.jpg100px]]
**Charles J. Faulkner, Sr.**
(Martinsburg)DemocraticnowrapMarch 4, 1853 –
March 3, 1859[Elected in 1853](1853-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1855](1855-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1857](1857-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Appointed Minister to France.
[[File:Alexander Boteler.jpg100px]]
**Alexander R. Boteler**
(Shepherdstown)OppositionnowrapMarch 4, 1859 –
March 3, 1861[Elected in 1859](1859-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Retired.
*District inactive*nowrapMarch 4, 1861 –
January 28, 1870*Civil War and Reconstruction*
[[File:James King Gibson (Virginia Congressman).jpg100px]]
**James K. Gibson**
(Abingdon)ConservativenowrapJanuary 28, 1870 –
March 3, 1871[Elected in 1870](1870-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Retired.
[[File:Congressman William Terry.jpg100px]]
**William Terry**
(Wytheville)DemocraticnowrapMarch 4, 1871 –
March 3, 1873[Elected in 1870](1870-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Lost re-election.
[[File:Eppa Hunton, photo portrait seated no damage.jpg100px]]
**Eppa Hunton**
(Warrenton)DemocraticnowrapMarch 4, 1873 –
March 3, 1881[Elected in 1872](1872-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1874](1874-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1876](1876-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1878](1878-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Retired.
[[File:BARBOUR, John S (BEP engraved portrait).jpg100px]]
**John S. Barbour Jr.**
(Alexandria)DemocraticnowrapMarch 4, 1881 –
March 3, 1887[Elected in 1880](1880-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1882](1882-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1884](1884-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Retired.
[[File:WHF Lee LOC.jpg100px]]
**William H. F. Lee**
(Ravensworth)DemocraticnowrapMarch 4, 1887 –
October 15, 1891[Elected in 1886](1886-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1888](1888-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1890](1890-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Died.
*Vacant*nowrapOctober 16, 1891 –
December 8, 1891
[[File:ElishaEMeredith.jpg100px]]
**Elisha E. Meredith**
(Brentsville)DemocraticnowrapDecember 9, 1891 –
March 3, 1897[Elected to finish Lee's term](1891-virginia-s-8th-congressional-district-special-election).
[Re-elected in 1892](1892-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1894](1894-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Retired.
[[File:JohnFranklinRixey.jpg100px]]
**John F. Rixey**
(Brandy)DemocraticnowrapMarch 4, 1897 –
February 8, 1907[Elected in 1896](1896-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1898](1898-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1900](1900-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1902](1902-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1904](1904-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1906](1906-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Died.
*Vacant*nowrapFebruary 9, 1907 –
November 4, 1907
[[File:CharlesCreightonCarlin.jpg100px]]
**Charles C. Carlin**
(Alexandria)DemocraticnowrapNovember 5, 1907 –
March 3, 1919[Elected to finish Rixley's term](1907-virginia-s-8th-congressional-district-special-election).
[Re-elected in 1908](1908-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1910](1910-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1912](1912-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1914](1914-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1916](1916-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1918](1918-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Resigned.
*Vacant*nowrapMarch 4, 1919 –
April 26, 1919
[[File:MOORE, R. WALTON. HONORABLE LCCN2016858497 (3x4a).jpg100px]]
**R. Walton Moore**
(Fairfax)DemocraticnowrapApril 27, 1919 –
March 3, 1931[Elected to finish Carlin's term](1919-virginia-s-8th-congressional-district-special-election).
[Re-elected in 1920](1920-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1922](1922-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1924](1924-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1926](1926-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1928](1928-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Retired.
[[File:Rep. Howard Smith LCCN2016877200 (cropped).jpg100px]]
**Howard W. Smith**
(Alexandria)DemocraticnowrapMarch 4, 1931 –
March 3, 1933[Elected in 1930](1930-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Redistricted to the .
*District inactive*nowrapMarch 4, 1933 –
January 3, 1935
[[File:Rep. Howard W. Smith (D-VA) (cropped).jpg100px]]
**Howard W. Smith**
(Broad Run)DemocraticnowrapJanuary 3, 1935 –
January 3, 1967Redistricted from the and [re-elected in 1934](1934-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1936](1936-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1938](1938-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1940](1940-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1942](1942-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1944](1944-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1946](1946-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1948](1948-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1950](1950-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1952](1952-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1954](1954-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1956](1956-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1958](1958-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1960](1960-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1962](1962-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1964](1964-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Lost re-election.
[[File:William Lloyd Scott.jpg100px]]
**William L. Scott**
(Fairfax)RepublicannowrapJanuary 3, 1967 –
January 3, 1973[Elected in 1966](1966-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1968](1968-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1970](1970-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Elected to U.S. Senate.
[[File:Stanford Parris.jpg100px]]
**Stanford Parris**
(Fairfax Station)RepublicannowrapJanuary 3, 1973 –
January 3, 1975[Elected in 1972](1972-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Lost re-election.
[[File:Herbert Harris.jpg100px]]
**Herbert E. Harris**
(Alexandria)DemocraticnowrapJanuary 3, 1975 –
January 3, 1981[Elected in 1974](1974-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1976](1976-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1978](1978-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Lost re-election.
[[File:Stanford Parris.jpg100px]]
**Stanford Parris**
(Fairfax Station)RepublicannowrapJanuary 3, 1981 –
January 3, 1991[Elected in 1980](1980-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1982](1982-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1984](1984-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1986](1986-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1988](1988-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Lost re-election.
[[File:James Moran Official Congressional Portrait.jpg100px]]
**Jim Moran**
(Arlington)DemocraticnowrapJanuary 3, 1991 –
January 3, 2015[Elected in 1990](1990-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1992](1992-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1994](1994-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1996](1996-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 1998](1998-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 2000](2000-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 2002](2002-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 2004](2004-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 2006](2006-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 2008](2008-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 2010](2010-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 2012](2012-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
Retired.
[[File:Rep. Don Beyer, official portrait (118th Congress).jpg100px]]
**Don Beyer**
(Alexandria)DemocraticnowrapJanuary 3, 2015 –
present[Elected in 2014](2014-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 2016](2016-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 2018](2018-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 2020](2020-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 2022](2022-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia).
[Re-elected in 2024](2024-united-states-house-of-representatives-elections-in-virginia-district-8).

Historical district boundaries

The Virginia Eighth District started in 1788 covering the counties of Norfolk, Accomack, Northampton, Princess Anne, Nansemond, Isle of Wight, Surry and Southampton.

'''2003–2013'''}}
'''2013–2023'''}}

References

References

  1. "Congressional Districts Relationship Files (state-based)". US Census Bureau Geography.
  2. "My Congressional District". Center for New Media & Promotion (CNMP), US Census Bureau.
  3. "My Congressional District".
  4. (April 3, 2025). "2025 Cook PVI℠: District Map and List (119th Congress)".
  5. (March 11, 1981). "N.Va. Minority Population Grew Sharply in 1970s". The Washington Post.
  6. "DRA 2020".
  7. "Congressional District 8, Virginia - Fact Sheet".
  8. "Virginia – Congressional District 8". [[United States Census Bureau]].
  9. "November 6, 2012 General Election Official Results". Virginia State Board of Elections.
  10. "Election Results {{pipe}} Virginia Department of Elections".
  11. "2020 U.S. House General Election: District 8". Virginia Department of Elections.
  12. "2022 U.S. House General Election: District 8". Virginia Department of Elections.
  13. "November 5, 2024 General and Special Elections". Virginia Department of Elections.
  14. [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433081883278&seq=658 Statute of 20 November 1788]
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