2017 Virginia Attorney General election

The 2017 Virginia Attorney General election was held on November 7, 2017. The incumbent attorney general, Democrat Mark Herring, was expected to run for governor, but announced he would run for re-election instead. As only Herring and Republican John Adams qualified for their respective party primaries, the two automatically became their parties' nominees. In the general election, Herring defeated Adams to win a second term as Attorney General of Virginia. As of 2026, this is the last time a Virginia attorney general was re-elected

Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Mark Herring, incumbent Attorney General

Republican primary Candidates Nominee John Adams, Navy veteran, McGuire Woods partner, former law clerk for Clarence Thomas, former Assistant United States Attorney and White House aide

Failed to qualify Chuck Smith, former chair of the Republican Party of Virginia Beach, candidate for VA-03 and candidate for Virginia Beach City Council

Withdrawn Rob Bell, state delegate and candidate in 2013

Declined Bill Stanley, state senator

Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror JohnAdams RobBell ChuckSmith UndecidedPublic Opinion StrategiesPublic Opinion Strategies September 18–21, 2016 800 ± 3.46% 11% 16% 3% 69%

General election Predictions SourceRankingAs ofSabato's Crystal BallNovember 2, 2017

Candidates John Adams, Republican nominee Mark Herring, incumbent attorney general, Democratic nominee

Endorsements

Polling Polls Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror MarkHerring (D) JohnAdams (R) Other UndecidedChange ResearchChange Research November 2–5, 2017 3,648 ± 1.6%51% 45% — 4%The Polling Company (R)The Polling Company (R) November 2–5, 2017 800 ± 3.5% 44% 45% — 9%Christopher Newport UniversityChristopher Newport University October 29 – November 4, 2017 839 ± 3.5%49% 45% — 6%Gravis MarketingGravis Marketing October 30 – November 3, 2017 1,143 ± 2.9% 48% 42% — 10%The Polling Company (R)The Polling Company (R) October 30 – November 2, 2017 800 ± 3.5% 42% 43% — 12%Roanoke CollegeRoanoke College October 29 – November 2, 2017 781 ± 3.5% 46% 46% — 8%Suffolk UniversitySuffolk University October 30 – November 1, 2017 500 ± 4.4% 44% 42% — 13%Washington Post/Schar SchoolWashington Post/Schar School October 26–29, 2017 921 ± 4.0% 51% 43% — 5%The Polling Company (R)The Polling Company (R) October 23–26, 2017 800 ± 3.5% 43% 43% — 11%Christopher Newport UniversityChristopher Newport University October 20–25, 2017 812 ± 3.8% 49% 44% — 7%Roanoke CollegeRoanoke College October 8–13, 2017 607 ± 4.0% 47% 42% — 10%Christopher Newport UniversityChristopher Newport University October 2–6, 2017 928 ± 4.3% 51% 40% — 9%Washington Post/Schar School PollWashington Post/Schar School Poll September 28 – October 2, 2017 720 LV ± 4.5% 52% 41% — 5% 1,000 RV ± 3.5% 50% 39% — 6%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling September 21–23, 2017 849 ± 3.8% 46% 38% — 16%Christopher Newport UniversityChristopher Newport University September 12–22, 2017 776 ± 3.7% 47% 42% — 11%Suffolk UniversitySuffolk University September 13–17, 2017 500 ± 4.4% 39% 37% — 23%Mason-DixonMason-Dixon September 10–15, 2017 625 ± 4.0% 45% 36% — 19%University of Mary WashingtonUniversity of Mary Washington September 5–12, 2017 562 LV ± 5.2% 47% 40% — 10% 867 RV ± 4.1% 47% 38% — 12%Virginia Commonwealth UniversityVirginia Commonwealth University July 17–25, 2017 538 LV ± 5.1% 45% 39% — 15% 707 RV ± 4.5% 43% 36% — 17%

Results

By county and independent city