As Virginians head into the summer months, Republican voters have a pivotal opportunity to shape the future of the Commonwealth and the nation. On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the Republican Party of Virginia will hold its primary election to select the nominee who will challenge incumbent U.S. Senator Mark Warner in the November general election. Early in-person voting is already underway or begins soon in many localities (typically mid-to-late June through August 1), with voter registration deadlines approaching—check your status and sample ballot at vote.virginia.gov.

This primary is more than just a contest; it is a call to action for every Republican, conservative, and concerned Virginian who wants stronger leadership focused on freedom, security, economic opportunity, and accountability in Washington. Low turnout in primaries often decides outcomes—your vote truly matters. Whether you are a lifelong GOP member, a parent worried about schools and safety, a business owner battling regulations and taxes, a veteran, or a family prioritizing secure borders and affordability, participating on August 4 (or via early/mail voting) is essential to nominating a strong America First candidate capable of defeating Warner.

The Republican Candidates for U.S. Senate

Three candidates qualified for the ballot: Kim Farington, Bert Mizusawa, and David Williams. (A fourth, Chuck Smith, faces ongoing legal hurdles and is unlikely to appear.) All position themselves as conservatives aligned with Trump-era priorities, but they bring distinct backgrounds and emphases.

Kim Farington (Financial accountant, small business leader, former public servant with federal financial management experience): Farington emphasizes exposing and combating government fraud, waste, and inefficiency. Her platform centers on Freedom, Opportunity, Safety, and (Real) Affordability for all Virginians. Key stances include strong support for President Trump’s America First agenda, pro-growth policies, national defense, veterans, secure borders, the Second Amendment, and pro-life positions. She highlights her track record in federal financial oversight and small business, positioning herself as an authentic outsider focused on fiscal accountability and practical solutions for families and businesses.

Bert Mizusawa (Retired U.S. Army Major General, West Point graduate, Harvard Law and Kennedy School alum, prior statewide and congressional candidate): Mizusawa’s campaign stresses national security, strong leadership, Virginia values (faith, family, freedom), and a conservative vision of lower taxes, limited government, and individual liberty. With decades of military service, he focuses on protecting the nation amid global threats, refocusing priorities on citizen security, and disciplined leadership. He appeals to voters seeking proven executive and defense experience to counter career politicians.

David Williams (U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Colonel, Navy veteran, former State Department and CIA experience): Williams highlights faith, service, and conservative leadership, drawing on over 30 years in military, intelligence, and diplomacy. Core issues include restoring law and order, secure borders to stop fentanyl and cartels, backing law enforcement, school choice and parental rights in education, fiscal responsibility through reducing government waste while protecting national security, and defending the American Dream via opportunity, hard work, and limited government rather than dependency. He presents as a principled fighter for families and communities.

Major Policy Differences While all three candidates broadly align on conservative fundamentals—strong national defense, border security, limited government, pro-Second Amendment, support for law enforcement, school choice/parental rights, and opposition to excessive spending—their emphases differ based on background:

• National Security/Defense: Mizusawa and Williams (both with extensive military/intelligence credentials) lean heavily into this as a cornerstone, with Mizusawa particularly highlighting global threats and leadership experience, and Williams focusing on practical frontline lessons for diplomacy and countering lawlessness abroad and at home. Farington supports strong defense but frames it within broader fiscal accountability and anti-fraud efforts.
• Fiscal/Government Reform: Farington stands out with her financial management expertise and explicit focus on exposing waste/fraud. All advocate smaller government and lower taxes, but Williams emphasizes transparency and eliminating inefficiency from a federal service perspective.
• Education & Families: Williams gives prominent attention to school choice, parental rights, and empowering students (drawing from personal background). The others support these values but integrate them into broader platforms.
• Tone & Experience: Farington positions as a business-minded reformer and fraud-fighter. Mizusawa offers high-level strategic/military leadership. Williams emphasizes personal journey, faith-driven service, and direct action on crime, borders, and opportunity.

Voters should review the candidates’ websites (kimforvirginia.com, bertforsenate.com, davidwilliamsforva.com), attend forums if available, and compare records to decide who best represents Virginia’s values.

Virginia Republicans have the chance to send a clear message: No more status quo. Get informed, rally your friends and family, and vote on August 4. The nominee who emerges will carry the banner into a competitive general election—your participation now determines the strength of that challenge. Polls show significant undecided voters, so every ballot counts. Let’s secure a brighter future for our families, communities, and nation.