Virginia House Delegate Kannan Srinivasan has won the Democratic nomination for the 32nd Senate District seat in a special election. The seat was vacated by State Senator Suhas Subramanyam, who recently transitioned to the U.S. House of Representatives. Srinivasan’s victory positions him to appear on the January 7, 2025, ballot, aiming to maintain the slim Democratic majority in the Virginia State Senate.

Srinivasan, the first Indian-American immigrant elected to the Virginia House, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the nearly 6,000 voters who participated, setting a record turnout. “Over the past nine days, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with the amazing people of District 32. These conversations reaffirmed the strength of our diverse and value-driven community,” he said.

Sharing his dedication to service, Srinivasan added, “My passion to serve this district has only grown stronger. I am committed to fulfilling the promises of this campaign, working to preserve the Democratic majority, addressing community concerns, and ensuring effective legislative results that propel Virginia forward.”

In the January election, Srinivasan will face education activist Tumay Harding. This race is pivotal, as it will determine the balance of power in the Senate, which currently leans Democratic with 21 Democrats and 19 Republicans. A win for Srinivasan would secure the Democratic majority; a loss would create an evenly split Senate, granting Republican Lt. Governor Winsome Sears the tie-breaking vote.

State Senator Suhas Subramanyam expressed his support, saying, “Congratulations Kannan! Thank you to everyone who stepped up to run, and I look forward to keeping this seat blue on January 7.”

Srinivasan’s campaign has prioritized issues such as reproductive rights, healthcare, gun safety, and combating “Trump-era extremism.” Backed by notable figures like Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger and House Speaker Don Scott, he emphasized the significance of maintaining Democratic control in Virginia’s Senate.