Michael Jones, a former Richmond City Council member and state delegate, won the Democratic firehouse primary Sunday and will fill the Senate seat being vacated by Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi.

Jones defeated fellow state delegate Debra Gardner in the race for the nomination in Senate District 15, which includes parts of South Richmond and Chesterfield County. 

After the election, Jones said his legislative work is guided by progressive priorities: lowering housing costs, expanding health care, fully funding public schools and helping keep living costs affordable. 

“I want to thank all my supporters, workers, volunteers and donors for their unwavering efforts at such a busy time of year and through snow and cold,” Jones said in a statement after the primary. “Their willingness to do whatever was necessary to help me was such a strong encouragement and motivator throughout this primary.” 

Jones and Democratic Party of Virginia Chair Lamont Bagby also stressed his campaign’s importance in maintaining Democrats’ 21-19 majority in the Virginia Senate in their statements. 

“[Jones] brings a steady, solutions-focused approach to public service, and he understands what it takes to make life more affordable and strengthen our communities,” Bagby said. “Keeping our Democratic majority in the Senate is critical to continuing that progress, and I look forward to serving with him in the Senate.” 

The short primary race lasted about a week but still saw controversy when Gardner’s team criticized Jones over allegations of violence in an ad released ahead of Sunday’s election. 

Both candidates saw support from leading Democratic officials statewide and locally. Jones submitted a letter resigning from his delegate seat Monday. 

Hashmi will vacate her seat in January, while Jones will face Republican John R. Thomas in the special election on Tuesday, Jan. 6. Thomas, who has worked as a government contractor, had challenged Gardner for her House seat in November’s general election and lost with around 31% of the vote. 

“Tonight is not the outcome we hoped for, but I am filled with pride in what we built together,” Gardner said in a social media post after the primary. “To my opponent, I congratulate you and truly hope that you will serve this district with integrity, accountability and compassion.”Early in-person voting for the special election begins Monday, Dec. 22. Voter registration offices will open for early voting Saturday, Dec. 27. Requests for mailed absentee ballots are accepted through Monday, Dec. 29. Voter registration and information updates can be completed until Tuesday, Dec. 30. 

The special general election will be held Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.