{{Infobox Election
| election_name      = Virginia's 10th congressional district election, 2018
| country            = Virginia
| type               = Congressional
| ongoing            = yes
| previous_election  = Virginia's 10th congressional district election, 2016
| previous_year      = 2016
| next_election      = Virginia's 10th congressional district election, 2020
| next_year          = 2020
| election_date      =
| image1             = [[File:Barbara Comstock official photo, 114th Congress (cropped).jpg|160x160px]]
| candidate1         = [[Barbara Comstock]]
| party1             = Republican Party (United States)
| popular_vote1      =
| percentage1        =
| image2             =
| candidate2         = [[Jennifer Wexton]]
| party2             = Democratic Party (United States)
| popular_vote2      =
| percentage2        =
| title              =
| before_election    = [[Barbara Comstock]]
| before_party       = Republican Party (United States)
| after_election     =
| after_party        =
| map_image          = File:Virginia US Congressional District 10 (since 2013).tif
| map_size           = 350px
| footnotes          =
}}
'''Virginia's 10th congressional district election''' is expected to be one of the highest-profile [[United States House of Representatives elections, 2018|United States House of Representatives elections of 2018]], and the most competitive in Virginia,<ref name=holdprimary/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/06/politics/midterm-elections-calendar-2018/index.html|title=What you need to know right now about the 2018 midterm elections|author=Levy, Adam|publisher=CNN|date=21 March 2018}}</ref><ref name=bluefirefight/> as Republicans defend their sole remaining Congressional seat in northern Virginia<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/12-senate-and-house-races-to-watch-in-2018-2017-11|title=12 Senate and House races to watch in 2018|author=Relman, Eliza|date=22 November 2017|publisher=Business Insider}}</ref> and [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]] fight for what they perceive as a strong pickup opportunity in [[Virginia's 10th congressional district]] in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2018/03/18/the-top-10-house-races-of-2018/|title=The top 10 House races of 2018|publisher=Washington Post|author=Phillips, Amber|date=18 March 2018}}</ref> Incumbent [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[Barbara Comstock]] is running against [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[Jennifer Wexton]] and independent [[Nathan Larson (politician)|Nathan Larson]].<ref name=cummings/>

In the 12 June 2018 Republican primary election, Comstock defeated her rival, Air Force veteran Shak Hill. In the Democratic primary, [[Senate of Virginia|state senator]] Jennifer Wexton defeated scientist Julia Biggins, former [[United States Department of State|State Department]] official Alison Friedman, Army veteran Dan Helmer, former [[United States Department of Veterans Affairs|Department of Veterans Affairs]] official Lindsey Davis Stover, and former federal prosecutor Paul Pelletier.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/06/12/us/elections/results-virginia-primary-elections.html|title=Virginia Primary Election Results|publisher=New York Times|date=12 June 2018}}</ref>

As of April, Comstock had posted one of the largest fundraising hauls of the first quarter of 2018, and four separate Democrats in the district had posted fundraising hauls of more than $200,000.<ref>{{cite web|title=Democratic House candidates hold fundraising edge after 1st quarter|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/18/politics/house-democrats-republicans-midterms-fundraising/index.html|date=18 April 2018|publisher=CNN|author=Wright, David}}</ref> The fact that the field of six Democrats raised more than $4.4 million combined for the Democratic primary was seen as a sign of Democratic enthusiasm.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060081053|title=House 'green' races look increasingly blue|author=Cahlink, George|publisher=E&E News|date=8 May 2018}}</ref>

The general election, along with the other [[United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia, 2018]], is scheduled for 6 November 2018. As of May, ''[[Roll Call]]'' listed Comstock as one of only three incumbents running in districts rated as tossups.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/house-experience-poised-nosedive|title=House Experience Poised to Nose-Dive|author=McMinn, Sean|date=10 May 2018|publisher=Roll Call}}</ref> After the primary election, the Cook Political Report moved the district (along with four other districts)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalmemo.com/five-more-congressional-districts-move-needle-left/|title=Five More Congressional Districts Move Needle Left|author=Ambroz, Jillian S.|date=26 June 2018|publisher=The National Memo}}</ref> from "Toss Up" to "Lean Democratic," noting Comstock's underwhelming performance against Hill, including in the [[Shenandoah Valley]], and the possibility that "[[Corey Stewart (politician)|Stewart]]'s nomination could alienate independents, depress Republican interest in the [[United States Senate election in Virginia, 2018|Senate race]] and allow [[Tim Kaine|Kaine]] to run up the score in the 10th CD, compounding Comstock's challenge."<ref name=movesfrom>{{cite web|url=https://cookpolitical.com/analysis/house/virginia-house/va-10-comstock-moves-toss-lean-democratic|title=VA-10: Comstock Moves From Toss up to Lean Democratic|publisher=Cook Political Report|date=18 June 2018|author=Wasserman, David}}</ref> The [[University of Virginia Center for Politics]] made a similar assessment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wvtf.org/post/uvas-crystal-ball-predicts-trouble-some-virginias-republican-incumbents|title=UVA's Crystal Ball Predicts Trouble for Some of Virginia's Republican Incumbents|author=Pope, Michael|date=29 June 2018|publisher=WVTF}}</ref> According to [[Mark J. Rozell]], it seems likely that Comstock's appeals to mainstream and independent voters will be overshadowed by Trump's and Stewart's louder rhetoric directed to the hard-core right wing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.richmond.com/opinion/their-opinion/guest-columnists/mark-j-rozell-column-trump-and-stewart-are-helping-virginia/article_ee4ee294-8218-5fe8-bf9e-a3f62ce7260e.html|title=Mark J. Rozell column: Trump and Stewart are helping Virginia Democrats|author=Rozell, Mark J.|date=2 July 2018|publisher=Richmond Times-Dispatch}}</ref> A study by the [[Christopher Newport University]] Wason Center's Rachel Bitecofer predicted Comstock will lose and that the deciding factor for Democrats will be getting their own partisans to the polls rather than swaying independent voters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/all-opinions-are-local/wp/2018/07/06/on-the-flip-list-dave-brat-and-barbara-comstock/|title=On the “flip list”: Dave Brat and Barbara Comstock|author=Leahy, Norman|publisher=Washington Post|date=6 July 2018}}</ref>

==Background==
Virginia's 10th congressional district has a higher median income than any other congressional district outside of [[Silicon Valley]]. The district is home to the [[Central Intelligence Agency]] and many of the country's biggest defense companies, IT firms and government contractors. The 10th covers [[McLean, Virginia|McLean]] and [[Manassas, Virginia|Manassas]], and then stretches west from [[Loudoun County, Virginia|Loudoun]] to the West Virginia line.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wamu.org/story/18/05/10/democrats-havent-won-virginia-seat-nearly-40-years-will-donald-trump-change/|title=Democrats Haven’t Won This Virginia Seat In Nearly 40 Years. Will Donald Trump Change That?|publisher=WAMU|date=10 May 2018|author=Madden, Patricia}}</ref> The 10th district is the most college-educated GOP-held district in the country, and 37 percent of its residents are non-white.<ref name=movesfrom/>

Ever since 17-term Republican Rep. [[Frank Wolf (politician)|Frank Wolf]]'s retirement, Democrats have seen the 10th district as ripe for a challenge, but Comstock has won by solid margins since her first run in 2014,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insidenova.com/news/election/ppp-poll-suggests-strong-advantage-for-dems-in-th-district/article_bb3bb532-b03c-11e7-b74d-9b3b2dcb94b7.html|title=PPP poll suggests strong advantage for Dems in 10th District|author=Koma, Alex|date=13 October 2017|publisher=InsideNova}}</ref> when she rode a solid advantage in fundraising to the victory over Fairfax County supervisor John Foust.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/nov/4/republican-barbara-comstock-wins-northern-virginia/|author=Sherfinski, David|date=4 November 2014|publisher=Washington Times|title=Republican Barbara Comstock wins Northern Virginia race to succeed Frank Wolf}}</ref> In 2016, Comstock's challenger, Democrat LuAnn Bennett, became the first 10th District Democrat to win in [[Loudoun County, Virginia|Loudoun]] since 1978, but Comstock still won with 210,791 (52.7 percent) to Bennett's 187,712 votes (46.9 percent) of the ballots cast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudounnow.com/2018/03/15/northam-endorses-wexton-for-congress/|title=Northam Endorses Wexton for Congress|author=Greene, Renss|date=15 March 2018|publisher=Loudoun Now}}</ref> The 10th district is one of 23 districts across the country that split their ticket in 2016 by voting for Democrat [[Hillary Clinton]] for President and a Republican for Representative.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fox25boston.com/news/trending-now/2018-midterm-house-races-you-should-be-watching/739845862|title=2018 Midterm: House races you should be watching|publisher=WTOP|author=Lord, Debbie|date=27 April 2018}}</ref>

Virginia was one of at least 13 Congressional races in 2018 in which the Democratic challenger raised over $1 million in the second quarter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/morning-score/2018/07/12/house-democrats-million-dollar-fundraising-club-276638|title=House Democrats’ million-dollar fundraising club|author=Montellaro, Zach|date=12 July 2018|publisher=Politico}}</ref>

==National significance==
Democrats are attempting to pick up 24 additional seats in the 2018 House elections to win back the majority they lost in the [[United States House of Representatives elections, 2010|2010 election]]. This effort is focused on defending Democratic seats while picking up Republican seats, especially in races that are tossups or where the districts lean Democratic. In anticipation of a possible "blue wave" in which many Republican incumbents are voted out, Republican politicians are retiring in record numbers, but Comstock has opted to fight for her seat.<ref name=retiring/> Democratic Rep. [[Don Beyer]] said that in Virginia, Comstock would be "the No. 1 target – we're going to put everyone behind it."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insidenova.com/news/arlington/beyer-comstock-is-no-target-for-democrats-in-virginia/article_65a9bce4-f4a3-11e7-8765-bfcb72f22a07.html||title=Beyer: Comstock is No. 1 target for Democrats in Virginia|author=McAffrey, Scott|date=9 January 2018|publisher=InsideNova}}</ref>

Comstock has been described as, by the numbers,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/5-things-tuesdays-results-tell-us-2018|title=5 Things Tuesday’s Results Tell Us About 2018|author=Pathé, Simone|publisher=Roll Call|date=8 November 2017}}</ref> arguably the most vulnerable Republican House member. Part of the reason is that northern Virginia has become increasingly Democratic.<ref name=democratsline>{{cite web|url=https://wtop.com/virginia/2017/04/challengers-line-up-to-take-on-comstock-in-no-va-house-race/|title=Democrats line up to take on Comstock in Va. House race|author=Johnson, Rich|date=10 April 2018|publisher=WTOP}}</ref> In the [[Virginia House of Delegates election, 2017]], seven of the eight<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/tuesdays-elections-offer-fresh-evidence-that-the-ground-is-shifting-beneath-the-gop/2017/11/08/fc965df6-c47e-11e7-afe9-4f60b5a6c4a0_story.html|title=Tuesday’s elections offer fresh evidence that the ground is shifting beneath GOP|date=8 November 2017|publisher=Washington Post|author=Kane, Paul}}</ref> Republican incumbents in the state legislature with districts touching Comstock’s were defeated by Democrats.<ref name=casestudy>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2017/12/21/rep-comstock-a-case-study-in-how-republicans-lose-the-majority|title=Rep. Comstock: A case study in how Republicans lose the majority|author=Rubin, Jennifer|date=21 December 2017|publisher=Washington Post}}</ref> Among other reasons for Democrats' optimism about winning the election are that Democrat Hillary Clinton defeated Republican [[Donald Trump]] by 10 points in the 10th district in the [[United States presidential election, 2016]]<ref name=cantdefend/> and Democrat [[Ralph Northam]] won in the 10th district by a 13 percent margin in the [[Virginia gubernatorial election, 2017]].<ref name=opportunity/> Democrats believe Comstock may be defeated by Democratic voters bent on defeating anyone who shares a party affiliation with Trump.<ref name=blowout>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/after-virginia-blowout-comstocks-road-to-reelection-grows-steeper/2017/11/08/58a8d2fe-c448-11e7-84bc-5e285c7f4512_story.html|title=After Virginia blowout, Comstock's road to reelection grows steeper|author=Portnoy, Jenna|date=8 November 2017|publisher=Washington Post}}</ref>

Comstock, however, won by 6 points in 2016 despite the Republican presidential ticket's loss in her district, and she has said that the 2017 election results did not change her game plan for the 2018 election because in her view, listening to the voters of the district and focusing on the district's priorities are what are important.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/barbara-comstock-2018-virginia-2017-11|title=Vulnerable Republican congresswoman from the state where the GOP just got clobbered says she isn't changing her game plan for 2018|author=Perticone, Joe|date=8 November 2017|publisher=Business Insider}}</ref> In addition to the fact that Comstock is a proven winner in districts bluer than the national average, another challenge Democrats face in unseating her is that the D.C. media market is one of the most expensive in the country, and reaches many people who don't live in the district. This makes it necessary to raise large amounts of money, including from outside groups.<ref name=democratsline/> This could cut both ways, though; Wasserman notes that "several Republicans privately express doubts about spending millions on expensive DC television trying to save this seat when there are far cheaper routes to holding the majority."<ref name=movesfrom/> According to ''Washington Post'' reporter [[Jenna Portnoy]], "Experts say Comstock will be tough to beat given her strong name recognition, relentless campaign style and embrace of some moderate positions that polls show resonate with voters in the closest thing Virginia has to a swing district."<ref name=notjust/> Comstock is also renowned for her political smarts.<ref name=racewatch>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/race-watch-d-c-suburbs-house-republican-tries-tiptoe-away-trump-090015845.html|title=A race to watch: In D.C. suburbs, a House Republican tries to tiptoe away from Trump|author=Ward, Jon|publisher=Yahoo News|date=6 April 2018}}</ref>

According to Comstock's political director Ken Nunnenkamp, "Democrats have spent over $20 million trying to defeat her and they have a 0-5 record to show for it because these failed campaigns are dictated by partisan operatives from outside the district who continuously underestimate Congresswoman Comstock's record of legislative accomplishment, her hard work ethic, and her constant presence and connection with her constituents." In particular, he cited, "Those failed campaigns have also had one thing in common – the bitter partisan advice of [[Kathleen Murphy (politician)|Kathleen Murphy]]," who lost a 2013 House of Delegates race to Comstock and then won a 2015 special election after Comstock resigned.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/democrats-clamor-to-take-on-rep-comstock-in-northern-virginia/2017/04/05/a67d40da-132e-11e7-9e4f-09aa75d3ec57_story.html|title=Democrats clamor to take on Rep. Comstock in northern Virginia|publisher=Washington Post|author=Portnoy, Jenna|date=5 April 2017}}</ref>

For the second election cycle in a row, Comstock is on the [[National Republican Congressional Committee]] [[National_Republican_Congressional_Committee#Patriot_Program|Patriot Program]] list of vulnerable House members who will receive additional financial and strategic support for their races.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/republicans-identify-vulnerable-members-2018|title=Republicans Identify Vulnerable Members for 2018|author=Pathé, Simone|date=15 February 2017|publisher=Roll Call}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/darrell-issa-on-nrcc-list-of-10-most-vulnerable-members|title=Darrell Issa on NRCC list of 10 most vulnerable members|author=Duran, Nicole|date=15 February 2017|publisher=Washington Examiner}}</ref>

==General election candidates==
===Barbara Comstock===
Comstock is a [[Georgetown University]]-educated lawyer who interned for her home state Senator [[Edward Kennedy]] during the [[presidency of Ronald Reagan]], when she realized she was a Republican.<ref name=peaceprosperity/> She then went on to work on Frank Wolf's staff, before making her reputation as an [[opposition research]]er on [[Clinton administration]] scandals such as [[Travelgate]] and the [[Clinton–Lewinsky scandal]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/04/what-democrats-need-to-do-to-take-congress-in-2018.html|title=Will This Midterm Be Different From All Other Midterms?|author=Kilgore, Ed|date=April 2017|publisher=New York Magazine}}</ref> and then working for the [[U.S. Department of Justice]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=C001105|title=Comstock, Barbara J.|publisher=Biographical Directory of the United States}}</ref>

===Jennifer Wexton===
Jennifer Wexton was educated at the [[University of Maryland]] and the [[William & Mary Law School]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apps.senate.virginia.gov/Senator/memberpage.php?id=S91|title=Jennifer T. Wexton|publisher=Senate of Virginia}}</ref> She is currently a state senator. She was encouraged to run for the U.S. House seat by national Democratic leaders.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/democrats-struggle-with-their-own-tea-party-moment-1509031265|title=Democrats Are United Against Trump, Divided on Everything Else|date=26 October 2017|publisher=Wall Street Journal|author=Hook, Janet}}</ref> [[Richard L. Saslaw]] has said that "Wexton, from an ideological standpoint, is a perfect fit for that district" because "She's a liberal but not to the point where it's going to scare off the slightly moderate to conservative voters."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/message-turnout-and-luck-six-democrats-clamoring-to-take-on-comstock-struggle-to-make-their-mark/2018/05/19/fab7d78a-554c-11e8-abd8-265bd07a9859_story.html|title=Message, turnout and luck: Six Democrats try to make their marks in the race to face Comstock|author=Portnoy, Jenna|date=19 May 2018|publisher=Washington Post}}</ref>

===Nathan Larson===
Independent<ref name=cummings>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/06/01/pedophile-white-supremacist-congressional-candidate/663215002/|title=Nathan Larson is a pedophile and a white supremacist. And he's running for Congress|author=William Cummings|publisher=USA Today|date=1 June 2018}}</ref> Nathan Larson was certified for the ballot on 21 May.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nathanlarson.ru/w/images/a/af/Nathan_Larson_candidate_petitions_email.pdf|title=Nathan Larson candidate petitions status|date=22 May 2018|publisher=NathanLarson.ru}}</ref> Early drafts of a campaign manifesto by Larson, on his now-defunct website, suggested that his major campaign issues would include stopping the federal [[war on drugs]], protecting gun ownership rights, and ending American involvement in unnecessary foreign wars.<ref name=manifesto>{{cite web|url=https://archive.is/rCZKH|title=Nathan Larson for Congress campaign manifesto|author=Larson, Nathan|publisher=NathanLarson.ru|date=24 May 2018}}</ref> Larson suspended his campaign on 7 July 2018, citing his financial dependence on his mother, who wished for him to withdraw his candidacy to avoid attracting additional negative publicity; although he also said he had not submitted any paperwork to officially drop out of the race.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blackpill.online/showthread.php?tid=155|title=So I did an interview today with a couple students / independent journalists|author=Leucosticte|publisher=Blackpill.online|date=7 July 2018|quote=This is the state of politics these days. You don't run for office, or anything like that, if you want to change the world. Instead, you either go on the Internet under some fake name and pretend to be changing the world, by debating a bunch of neets and whatnot (which doesn't actually change the world much, but you might be able to delude yourself that you're making a difference); or you go shoot up a school and leave a manifesto behind for people to read. That way, you don't have to worry about getting fired from your job, or having your mom pull her financial support, because the prison system is going to be paying for your room and board from that point onward. Or, if you shoot yourself in the head, that takes care of that problem as well.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://incels.me/threads/the-nathan-larson-scam-or-why-you-cant-trust-foreign-media.49961/post-1091784|title=The """Nathan Larson""" Scam, or Why you can't trust foreign media...|publisher=Incels.me|date=8 July 2018|author=Leucosticte}}</ref> On 18 July 2018, Larson filed a police report claiming that his home had been burglarized by persons who left a message stating that they were with the [[Anonymous (group)|Anonymous]] hacking group. Two of the objects reported stolen were hard drives containing the only copies of his campaign website, personal blog, incel sites, pedophile sites, etc.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://incels.me/threads/my-house-got-burglarized-today-and-my-hard-drive-was-taken.61327/|title=My house got burglarized today, and my hard drive was taken|author=Leucosticte|publisher=Incels.me|date=18 July 2018}}</ref>

==Defeated primary opponents==
===Republican Shak Hill===
Shak Hill is a decorated Air Force combat veteran who graduated from the [[U.S. Air Force Academy]], obtained an M.B.A. from [[Western New England University]], and served in the U.S. Air Force in the [[89th Airlift Wing|Presidential Wing]], based at [[Andrews Air Force Base]] in Maryland. A former elected official, he sought to unseat Senator [[Mark Warner]] in 2014 but did not win the Republican nomination.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.richmond.com/news/virginia/government-politics/shak-hill-bio/article_5a4519bf-5133-5934-ace8-da2daf6e7a31.html|author=Schmidt, Marcus|date=13 April 2014|publisher=Richmond Times-Dispatch|title=Shak Hill bio}}</ref> Hill believes that religion is essential to the country's well-being, arguing that the founders were Christians who "believed generally in a moral society, and that moral society has allowed us to flourish, unquestionably." He has criticized welfare programs that he says tell men that their fatherhood role is irrelevant, and attributed the rise in [[School_shooting#United_States|school shooting]]s to the decline of two-parent households.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/comstock-challenger-shak-hill-supports-america-first-agenda/article_e0bd8cd6-65b3-11e8-b27b-43ab44da04b1.html|title=Comstock challenger Shak Hill supports “America First agenda”|date=1 June 2018|publisher=Fairfax County Times|author=Woolsey, Angela}}</ref> He also blamed the school shootings on a "[[culture of life|culture of death]]" brought about by abortion-on-demand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winchesterstar.com/news/clarke/hill-hopes-he-can-make-the-grade-in-gop-primary/article_4343580c-64e9-5b04-b938-f0374883e92c.html|title=Hill hopes he can make the grade in GOP primary against Comstock|author=Janney, Josh|publisher=Winchester Star|date=30 April 2018}}</ref>

Hill said that what triggered his decision to run for the seat was Comstock's vote against an amendment that would have barred the Pentagon from paying for gender transition surgeries or hormone therapy for [[Transgender personnel in the United States military|transgender service members]]. He describes Comstock as a rabid [[Stop Trump movement|Never Trump]]er" and member of "the swamp" looking to buy today's votes with our grandchildren's money."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wtop.com/local-politics-elections-news/2018/06/2018-virginia-primary-guide-us-house-senate-races/|title=2018 Va. Primary Guide: US House, Senate races|author=Massimo, Rick|date=5 June 2018|publisher=WTOP}}</ref> Comstock describes Hill as a "perennial failed candidate".<ref name=comstockfaces/>

===Democratic===
====Julia Biggins====
Julia Biggins is a graduate of [[Baylor College of Medicine]] and the [[University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign]] and an assistant director of antiviral research at Integrated BioTherapeutics Inc. Issues she has focused on include [[renewable energy]], [[climate change]], [[Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals]] expansion, [[LGBTQ rights]], and [[HIV]] research funding.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winchesterstar.com/news/clarke/biggins-places-emphasis-on-science-renewable-energy-in-candidacy-bid/article_3ba3e220-9522-5c17-b585-cd836f5b0532.html|title=Biggins places emphasis on science, renewable energy in candidacy bid|date=18 April 2018|publisher=Winchester Star|author=Janney, Josh}}</ref> She has described Comstock as an "anti-science Congresswoman"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thunderdomepolitics.com/virginia-congressional-districts/u-s-house-district-10/julia-biggins-virginia-us-hd-10/|title=Julia Biggins - Virginia US HD 10|publisher=Thunderdome Politics}}</ref> and she said, "One of the first things we saw the Trump administration do was to prevent the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]] and [[United States Department of Agriculture|Department of Agriculture]] from sharing data with the public, which any scientist will tell you is a big red flag."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cen.acs.org/policy/Scientists-hit-campaign-trail/96/i22|title=Scientists hit the campaign trail|author=Mullin, Rick|date=25 May 2018|publisher=Chemical & Engineering News}}</ref> Biggins also commented that in all her years of dealing with infectious and dangerous diseases, she has "never seen a disease like what is running through our Congress right now."<ref name=seektoconvince>{{cite web|url=http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2018/may/31/10th-congressional-district-candidates-seek-convin/|title=10th Congressional District Candidates Seek to Convince Local Voters|date=31 May 2018|publisher=Connection Newspapers|author=Worker, Andrea}}</ref> Specifically, she views the "professional political class" and the influence of money in politics as the biggest single issue facing Washington.<ref name=halfdozen>{{cite web|url=https://www.insidenova.com/news/election/half-dozen-democrats-vying-for-th-district-nomination/article_625f5172-6422-11e8-9a42-27277fc9327d.html|title=Half-dozen Democrats vying for 10th District nomination|author=Cole, Christopher|date=3 June 2018|publisher=Inside Nova}}</ref>

====Alison Friedman====
Alison Friedman interned at [[Feminist Majority]] during college, then became a legislative and program coordinator for [[People for the American Way]], and subsequently worked for Congresswoman [[Jane Harman]] and co-founded a nonprofit, the [[Alliance to Stop Slavery and End Trafficking]] (ASSET), to fight [[human trafficking]].<ref name=friedmanisrunning>{{cite web|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/alison-friedman-is-running-for-congress-in-virginia|title=Alison Friedman Is Running for Congress in Virginia|publisher=Teen Vogue|date=19 February 2018|author=Mucha, Sarah}}</ref> She helped to write the [[California Consumer Transparency Act]] and served as a senior State Department official in the Obama Administration, continuing her work against human trafficking.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://feministmajoritypac.org/candidates/alison-friedman/|title=Alison Friedman (D-VA-10)|publisher=Feminist Majority}}</ref> Specifically, she was deputy director for the [[Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons]] and later helped establish a public-private partnership known as the [[Global Fund to End Slavery]].<ref name=bluefirefight/> Friedman argues, "We need to re-staff the State Department, support and lift up our dedicated federal workers" especially in the intelligence and diplomatic agencies.<ref name=seektoconvince/>

====Dan Helmer====
Dan Helmer is a graduate of the [[United States Military Academy]], a [[U.S. Army]] veteran of the [[Iraq War|wars in Iraq]] and [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan]] and a [[Rhodes Scholar]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2017/09/20/army-reservist-dons-bomber-jacket-channels-maverick-in-campaign-video/|title=Army reservist dons bomber jacket, channels Maverick in campaign video|publisher=Army Times|last=Myers|first=Meghann|date=20 September 2017|work=|access-date=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=}}</ref> Helmer was employed as a business strategist at the Boston Consulting Group and has continued his military service in the Army Reserves, where he was selected in 2017 for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.votevets.org/candidates/dan-helmer-for-helmer|title=Dan Helmer for Congress|publisher=Vote Vets|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>

Of the candidates, Helmer has spent the most time in the national spotlight for his sometimes-provocative TV spots, which led to his sparring with hosts on the conservative talk show Fox & Friends.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudounnow.com/2018/06/10/party-primaries-to-pare-down-crowded-field/|title=Party Primaries to Pare Down Crowded Field|author=Greene, Renss|date=10 June 2018|publisher=Loudoun Now}}</ref>

====Paul Pelletier====
Paul Pelletier served as a police officer, attended law school, had two judicial clerkships, and became a federal prosecutor, serving in the [[United States Department of Justice Tax Division]] and then becoming an [[Assistant U.S. Attorney]] in the Miami office of the [[United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida]]. In 1997, he transitioned to tackling [[white-collar crime]] and [[healthcare fraud]] when he became chief of Miami's economic crimes section. When the [[Enron]] scandal broke, the Justice Department brought him to Washington, D.C., to help its criminal division fight [[accounting fraud]]. He served on the federal task force that led the corruption case against lobbyist [[Jack Abramoff]] as well as officials in Congress and the White House,<ref name=challengerplans>{{cite web|title=Comstock challenger plans to bring prosecutorial mindset to Congress|author=Woolsey, Angela|date=2 February 2018|publisher=Fairfax County Times|url=http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/comstock-challenger-plans-to-bring-prosecutorial-mindset-to-congress/article_d278ad4c-0869-11e8-8b2c-2fd2dbeaffd8.html}}</ref> including U.S. Reps. [[Robert Ney]] and [[William J. Jefferson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.standard.net/National/2017/10/31/Ninth-Democrat-joins-race-for-nomination-to-challenge-Comstock|title=Ninth Democrat joins race for nomination to challenge Comstock|author=Portnoy, Jenna|publisher=Standard-Examiner|date=31 October 2017}}</ref> Pelletier moved to the 10th district in 2017 specifically to run against Comstock.<ref name=bluefirefight>{{cite web|url=http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2018/may/23/blue-firefight-virginia-10th-district/|title=Blue Firefight in Virginia 10th District|author=Pope, Michael Lee|publisher=The Connection|date=23 May 2018}}</ref>

====Lindsey Stover====
Lindsey Stover is a graduate of [[Harvard University Kennedy School of Government]] and owner of Edwards, Davis Stover and Associates, a small communications firm that works with veteran-owned small businesses and companies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winchesterstar.com/news/winchester/democratic-candidate-for-th-district-opens-campaign-office-on-loudoun/article_21dca2bb-f180-5d6e-83cd-d0598f624261.html|title=Democratic candidate for 10th District opens campaign office on Loudoun Street Mall|author=Castiglia, Onofrio|date=25 April 2018|publisher=Winchester Star}}</ref> She is a communications strategist, former Obama administration official, and first-time candidate who announced her candidacy in April 2017.<ref name=formerobama>{{cite web|title=Former Obama administration official seeks to challenge Rep. Comstock in N.Va.|author=Portnoy, Jenna|publisher=Washington Post|date=18 April 2017|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/former-obama-administration-official-seeks-to-challenge-rep-comstock-in-northern-virginia/2017/04/18/724bd020-23b3-11e7-bb9d-8cd6118e1409_story.html}}</ref> Stover argues she is the only primary candidate with extensive, senior-level federal legislative experience, having brokered compromises in Congress to pass bills and briefed President Obama in the [[Situation Room]].<ref name=halfdozen/> She also has talked about being raised by a single mother and working her way through college.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/races-watch-tuesdays-primaries|title=Races to Watch in This Tuesday’s Primaries|author=Pathé, Simone|publisher=Roll Call|date=12 June 2018}}</ref>

====Others====
Fairfax teachers union president Kimberly Adams, Loudoun School for the Gifted founder Deep Sran, financial consultant Michael Pomerleano, wounded veterans advocate Julien Modica, general practitioner Shadi Ayyas,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gmufourthestate.com/2018/02/18/democrats-scramble-for-house-seat-in-district-10/|title=Democrats scramble for House seat in District 10|author=Shedd, Alexander|date=18 February 2018|publisher=Fourth Estate}}</ref> and retired Naval intelligence officer David Hanson<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/fifth-democrat-jumps-into-race-to-challenge-rep-comstock/2017/05/12/341fbe4c-3682-11e7-b412-62beef8121f7_story.html|title=Fifth Democrat jumps into race to challenge Rep. Barbara Comstock|author=Portnoy, Jenna|publisher=Washington Post|date=12 May 2017}}</ref> filed paperwork to compete in the Democratic primary, but did not submit enough signatures to get on the ballot.<ref name=challengerplans/>

==Campaigns==
===Primary election===
An online-only campaign video entitled "Helmer Zone" unexpectedly went viral in September 2017, climbing to number four on the YouTube trending list within 24 hours.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fox13news.com/news/dan-helmers-top-gun-parody-ad-goes-viral-in-virginia-congressional-race|title=Dan Helmer's 'Top Gun' parody ad goes viral in Virginia Congressional race|publisher=Fox 13|date=19 September 2017}}</ref> Reactions to the video, in which Helmer spoofed the film “Top Gun,” complete with offkey singing, were mixed. As the Daily Beast noted, “The internet quickly dubbed it one of the worst campaign ads of all time. But Helmer’s eyeball-gouging chorus never leaves your head…. which seems to be the point.”<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/behind-the-making-of-the-worstbest-political-campaign-ad-of-all-time|publisher=Daily Beast|title=Behind the Making of the Worst/Best Political Campaign Ad of All Time|date=18 September 2017|author=Resnick, Gideon}}</ref>

[[File:Alison Kiehl Friedman Youth and Human Rights.jpg|thumb|As of May 2018, Alison Friedman had raised $1,379,297, the most money of the Democratic challengers]]
Friedman had the first television ad of the campaign season, "Lockdown," which portrays parents receiving emails from their children's schools alerting them of [[Lockdown#Schools|lockdown]]s and outlines Friedman's support for expanding background checks, banning {{w|assault weapon}}s and closing the [[gun show loophole]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/card/comstock-challenger-alison-friedman-highlights-gun-policy-first-television-ad-n872406|title=Comstock challenger Alison Friedman highlights gun policy in first television ad|publisher=NBC News}}</ref> The [[U.S. Chamber of Commerce]] aired an ad touting Comstock's support for transportation projects and the military, while pointing out that she's "not with the partisan bomb-throwers."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/big-business-remember-trump-tax-cuts-vote-202652650.html|title=Big business: Remember the Trump tax cuts when you vote|author=Newman, Rick|publisher=Yahoo Finance|date=8 May 2018}}</ref>

In late May, Wexton narrated an ad in which she rides in a truck, featuring a "Change is coming" banner, from the 10th district to the White House.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jennifer Wexton: 'Show Them' Campaign 2018|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/politics/jennifer-wexton-show-them--campaign-2018/2018/05/29/328746e4-6323-11e8-81ca-bb14593acaa6_video.html|date=29 May 2018|publisher=Washington Post}}</ref> VoteVets will air an ad, "Life or Death," on Helmer's behalf from 30 May through 5 June.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/wexton-helmer-start-airing-tv-ads-in-democratic-primary/2018/05/28/d60cbcb0-62db-11e8-a69c-b944de66d9e7_story.html|date=29 May 2018|publisher=Washington Post|author=Portnoy, Jenna|title=Wexton, Helmer start airing TV ads in Democratic primary}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=VoteVets: 'Life or Death' Campaign 2018|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/politics/votevets-life-or-death--campaign-2018/2018/05/29/c3add6ec-6323-11e8-81ca-bb14593acaa6_video.html|date=29 May 2018|publisher=Washington Post}}</ref> Helmer also ran an ad comparing Trump to [[Osama bin Laden]], which White House deputy press secretary [[Raj Shah]] called "nothing short of reprehensible" and Comstock called an "outrageous and offensive thing to say, and beyond the pale."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/30/politics/democrat-trump-osama-bin-laden/index.html|title=Democratic House candidate in Virginia compares Trump to Osama bin Laden|author=Landers, Elizabeth|date=31 May 2018|publisher=CNN Politics}}</ref> Garren Shipley, a Virginia spokesman for the Republican National Committee, said, "His ad is a clear reminder to voters in Virginia that the Democrat base is consumed by anger and hatred."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudountimes.com/news/helmer-s-ad-comparing-trump-to-bin-laden-sparks-outrage/article_9ad8e900-6508-11e8-91a0-d330fb2d1310.html|title=Helmer's ad comparing Trump to bin Laden sparks outrage in Virginia’s 10th District race|date=31 May 2018|publisher=Loudoun Times-Mirror|author=Cline, Nathaniel}}</ref>

[[Sebastian Gorka]] appeared at a 31 May rally for Hill.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winchesterstar.com/news/ex-trump-staffer-to-campaign-for-hill/article_85fa3aac-4d2e-5d51-94da-0b3e89e46f4b.html|title=Ex-Trump staffer to campaign for Hill|publisher=Winchester Star|date=29 May 2018}}</ref> Comstock was criticized for declining to participate in, or send a surrogate in her place to, candidate forums attended by all the other candidates.<ref name=debatemclean/> While Comstock was heavily favored in the primary, she did hit back against Hill in ads to minimize the risk of an upset.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/rep-barbara-comstock-hangs-on-in-gop-primary|title=Rep. Barbara Comstock hangs on in GOP primary|author=Antle, W. James|date=12 June 2018|publisher=Washington Examiner}}</ref>

===General election===
Sean Schofield, a 44-year-old computer programmer from Silver Spring, and Abbey Ruby, a 34-year-old lawyer from McLean, founded Dump Comstock, a group devoted to embarrassing and attacking Comstock through electronic ambushes caught on video, mobile electronic billboards, social media, and their website. Dump Comstock is working with other groups seeking to unseat Comstock, including [[Planned Parenthood]], the [[Service Employees International Union]], and [[Indivisible movement|Indivisible]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/why-a-programmer-from-maryland-wants-northern-virginia-to-dump-comstock/2017/06/24/b2774810-56a2-11e7-a204-ad706461fa4f_story.html|title=Why a programmer from Maryland wants Northern Virginia to ‘Dump Comstock’|author=Portnoy, Jenna|date=24 June 2017|publisher=Washington Post}}</ref>

[[Tom Steyer]] plans to spend at least $2 million to try to unseat Barbara Comstock and [[Scott Taylor (politician)|Scott Taylor]] through his organization, [[NextGen America]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/fidget-spinners-and-chocolate-chip-cookies-democrats-tap-millennials-for-midterm-races/2018/04/07/c942caac-3427-11e8-8bdd-cdb33a5eef83_story.html|title=Fidget spinners, cookies and puppies: Billionaire has a plan to replicate Virginia’s blue wave in midterms|date=7 April 2018|publisher=Washington Post|author=Portnoy, Jenna}}</ref> Wexton is also receiving phone and text bank and postcard and door-knocking support from the Arlington County Democratic Committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.insidenova.com/news/election/arlington-democrats-aim-to-export-efforts-to-races-in-th/article_8562f8d6-8132-11e8-9d64-6332185dcc34.html|title=Arlington Democrats aim to export efforts to races in 7th, 10th Districts|date=6 July 2018|publisher=Inside Nova}}</ref>

==Fundraising==
===Primary election===
In April, Democrat Friedman reported cash on hand of $817,631; Wexton reported $630,707; Helmer reported $516,146; Stover reported $471,956; and Pelletier reported $191,294. Republican primary challenger Shak Hill reported $63,401.<ref name=maintainslead>{{cite web|title=GOP Rep. Barbara Comstock of Va. maintains fundraising lead over Democratic field|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/rep-barbara-comstock-r-maintains-fundraising-lead-over-democratic-field/2018/04/16/b24b5478-4182-11e8-ad8f-27a8c409298b_story.html|author=Schneider, Gregory S.|date=16 April 2018|publisher=Washington Post}}</ref> In May, Friedman gave her campaign $1 million of her own money to help pay for television ads, saying this would help her compete with candidates like Wexton "who benefited from corporate money from big tobacco and oil companies without being beholden to their special interests."<ref>{{cite web|title=A Democrat vying to face Rep. Comstock gives her own campaign $1 million|author=Portnoy, Jenna|publisher=Washington Post|date=1 June 2018|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/a-democrat-vying-to-face-rep-comstock-gives-her-own-campaign-1-million/2018/06/01/20a8415a-65bf-11e8-a69c-b944de66d9e7_story.html}}</ref>

Friedman's donors included actress [[Jennifer Garner]]; singer [[Barbra Streisand]]; [[Alexander Soros]], son of the liberal billionaire donor [[George Soros]]; [[Getty family|Peter Getty]]; [[Donna Brazile]], former head of the Democratic National Committee; singer [[Graham Nash]]; singer [[Bonnie Raitt]]; and [[Eleanor Smeal]], president of the [[Feminist Majority Foundation]].<ref name=topmillion>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/friedman-tops-1-million-mark-in-democratic-primary-to-challenge-rep-comstock/2018/02/01/89acbd0c-06a1-11e8-b48c-b07fea957bd5_story.html|title=Friedman tops $1 million mark in Democratic primary to challenge Rep. Comstock|author=Portnoy, Jenna|publisher=Washington Post|date=1 February 2018}}</ref> A controversial donation of more than $160,000 to Friedman came from Defeat Slavery, whose donors were not disclosed prior to the primary election.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://time.com/5319246/campaign-donations-2018-election/|title=Here Are the All the Recent Campaign Donations That Might Raise Eyebrows|author=Balcerzak, Ashley|publisher=Time|date=21 June 2018}}</ref>

===General election===
As of April 2018, Comstock had raised nearly $2.8 million for the race, topping fellow Virginia Republicans incumbents [[Dave Brat]] and [[Tom Garrett Jr.]]<ref name=retiring>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/republicans-in-purple-districts-are-retiring-in-droves-why-not-embattled-rep-comstock/2018/04/19/bca707a6-40eb-11e8-ad8f-27a8c409298b_story.html|title=Republicans in purple districts are leaving Congress in droves. So why does Barbara Comstock want to stay?|author=Portnoy, Jenna|publisher=Washington Post|date=19 April 2018}}</ref> and her Democratic opponents. Comstock's donors include [[Michael Chertoff]], head of the [[U.S. Department of Homeland Security]] under President [[George W. Bush]]; [[Todd Stottlemyer]], chief executive of the [[Inova Center for Personalized Health]], and his wife; former Mississippi governor [[Haley Barbour]]; [[Ed Gillespie]]'s campaign committee; and [[Carly Fiorina]].<ref name=topmillion/> The [[Congressional Leadership Fund]] is also planning to make a seven-figure commitment to her campaign.<ref name=retiring/>

Wexton says that she has not taken any [[political action committee]] money in the election and will not take any Dominion Energy money. She has responded to criticism of her taking money from Dominion during her state senate races by saying that the donations did not influence her voting.<ref name=sixdemocrats>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/six-democrats-competing-to-take-on-rep-comstock-jockey-for-position-at-debate/2018/04/22/2de7e5a4-4360-11e8-bba2-0976a82b05a2_story.html|title=Six Democrats competing to take on Rep. Comstock jockey for position at debate|publisher=Washington Post|author=Sullivan, Patrick|date=22 April 2018}}</ref>

As of the end of June 2018, Comstock had $1.7 million cash on hand, while Wexton had $765,705. Comstock had raised $3.86 million total in her quest for a third term, while Wexton had raised $1.9 million.

Comstock's donors include [[Home Depot]] co-founder [[Ken Langone]] and his wife, Elaine; the [[Susan B. Anthony List]]; the [[National Shooting Sports Foundation]]; [[Dominion Energy]]; and [[American Airlines|American]] and [[United Airlines]]. Wexton's donors include the [[United Food and Commercial Workers]] and the [[United Transportation Union]]; the [[Common Ground PAC]]; [[J Street PAC]]; the [[League of Conservation Voters]]; the [[New Democrat Coalition]]; and [[Progressive Choices PAC]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/vulnerable-virginia-house-republicans-lead-in-money-race-going-into-general-election/2018/07/16/243f48bc-891a-11e8-8aea-86e88ae760d8_story.html|title=Vulnerable Virginia House Republicans lead in money race going into general election|author=Portnoy, Jenna|date=16 July 2018|publisher=Washington Post}}</ref>

==Polling==
On 3 April 2018, the [[Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]] released a memo, based on a 21-22 March poll of at least 400 voters, showing that 10th district voters would pick a generic Democrat over a Republican by a 12-point margin, but that Comstock was down only 3 points when her name was included on the ballot.<ref name=maintainslead/> In late May, Helmer's campaign released an internal poll showing him beating Comstock by 8 points in a head-to-head matchup.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/helmer-internal-poll-shows-democrat-beating-comstock|title=Helmer Internal Poll Shows Democrat Beating Comstock|publisher=Roll Call|author=Garcia, Eric|date=29 May 2018}}</ref> On 26 June 2018, a [[Monmouth University]] poll found Comstock trailing by 10 points.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.monmouth.edu/polling-institute/reports/MonmouthPoll_VA_062618/|title=GOP Trailing in CD10|publisher=Monmouth University|date=26 June 2018}}</ref> The Monmouth poll found that Wexton led the independent voter bloc by 9 points, and had a similar lead among white college graduates, and an even wider lead among black, Hispanic and Asian voters, 62 percent to 21 percent. Comstock is leading among white voters who don’t have a college degree, 50 percent to 38 percent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/394171-poll-comstock-trailing-by-10-points-in-va-house-race|title=Poll: Comstock trailing by 10 points in Va. House race|author=Hagen, Lisa|publisher=The Hill|date=26 June 2018}}</ref> Asked about Comstock's posture toward Trump, 34 percent of voters said she has been too supportive, 17 percent say she has not been supportive enough, and 23 percent say she has struck the right balance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/how-trump-is-affecting-rep-comstocks-re-election-bid/2018/06/26/47dcd486-78c8-11e8-aeee-4d04c8ac6158_story.html|title=How Trump is affecting Rep. Comstock's re-election bid|author=Portnoy, Jenna|publisher=Washington Post|date=26 June 2018}}</ref>

==Endorsements==
Friedman has been endorsed by [[Dolores Huerta]], [[Gloria Steinem]], and [[Khizr Khan]]. Helmer has been endorsed by former Obama administration official [[Michele Flournoy]] and the progressive veterans organization [[VoteVets]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/democrats-virginia-10th-district_us_59b17124e4b0dfaafcf61e62|title=Why One Congressional Primary Has Democrats Excited For 2018|author=Nelson, Eliot|publisher=HuffPost|date=7 September 2017}}</ref> Wexton has been endorsed by [[Gerry Connolly]] and [[Donald McEachin]]. Stover has been endorsed by the [[Pride Fund to End Gun Violence]], [[Wendy Davis (politician)|Wendy Davis]], [[Bill Richardson]], Winchester Mayor David Smith, and Obama administration Chief of Staff [[Denis McDonough]]. Biggins has been endorsed by [[One Revolution]].<ref name=testestablishment/>

On 30 May, Wexton received the ''Washington Post''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s much-coveted endorsement, which argued, "She is the best qualified and also the one most likely to chip away at partisan gridlock in Washington." The piece closed by saying that "if voters want a candidate who has proved she can win a tough election and then rack up genuine accomplishments while remaining true to progressive values, they have only one choice."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/jennifer-t-wexton-for-the-democratic-primary-in-virginias-10th-district/2018/05/30/c887aa86-637c-11e8-99d2-0d678ec08c2f_story.html|title=Jennifer T. Wexton for the Democratic primary in Virginia’s 10th District|date=30 May 2018|publisher=Washington Post}}</ref> According to ''Cook'', "Northern Virginia Democratic primaries are one of the few remaining venues where the ''Post'''s editorial opinion still counts for something."<ref name=cook/>

The ''Sun Gazette'' endorsed Wexton and Comstock in the primary.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.insidenova.com/opinion/editorials/sun-gazette-endorsements-wexton-comstock-in-th-district-primaries/article_d99f32be-69bf-11e8-838f-d34f9d6dcfcc.html|title=Sun Gazette endorsements: Wexton, Comstock in 10th District primaries|date=7 June 2018|publisher=Inside Nova}}</ref> In the final days of the campaign, Vice President [[Mike Pence]] recorded a phone message urging voters to cast ballots for Comstock.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/rep-comstock-goes-on-offense-in-gop-primary/2018/06/09/97105eec-6036-11e8-b2b8-08a538d9dbd6_story.html|author=Portnoy, Jenna|title=Rep. Comstock goes on offense in GOP primary|date=9 June 2018|publisher=Washington Post}}</ref>

==Issues==
===Primary election===
Comstock's Democratic challengers focused on the issue of gun control, prompted by the district's increasing population of college-educated white-collar workers and suburbanites' changing attitudes about [[National Rifle Association]] (NRA) in the wake of the [[Stoneman Douglas High School shooting]]. At a 10 April candidate forum, Democratic candidates described gun control methods they would support, agreeing to ban assault rifles and [[high-capacity magazine ban|high-capacity magazine]]s and implement universal background checks. Helmer and Stover criticized Wexton's support of a legislative compromise supporting [[Concealed_carry_in_the_United_States#Reciprocity|concealed carry reciprocity]] with other states in exchange for stiffening penalties for domestic abusers caught with guns and mandating that state police perform background checks for private transactions at gun shows. Wexton defended the compromise as having improved public safety by resulting in felony charges for 60 people under the domestic violence gun ban.<ref name=defendsvote>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/wexton-defends-vote-on-guns-deal-criticized-by-democratic-opponent/2018/04/11/698fd1cc-3cf6-11e8-8d53-eba0ed2371cc_story.html|title=Wexton defends vote on guns deal criticized by Democratic opponent|author=Portnoy, Jenna|publisher=Washington Post|date=11 April 2018}}</ref> Biggins proposed an [[Gun_buyback_program#Australia|Australian-style gun buyback program]].<ref name=gunreformcenter>{{cite web|title=Gun reform at center of 10th District Democratic debate|url=http://www.insidenova.com/news/election/gun-reform-at-center-of-th-district-democratic-debate/article_460d13ca-3d89-11e8-aace-5f0b27fcc4d2.html|author=Koma, Alex|date=11 April 2018|publisher=InsideNova}}</ref>

In May, Helmer went to a gun show in Chantilly and demonstrated how it was possible to buy what he described as "the same gun, same magazine I had in Afghanistan" in under 10 minutes, without any background check.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/5/2/17311186/guns-background-check-dan-helmer-congress-virginia-ad|title=Watch a Democratic candidate buy an assault rifle in under 10 minutes — with no background check|date=2 May 2018|publisher=Vox|author=Lopez, German}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/385670-dem-house-candidate-releases-video-showing-lack-of-background-checks-at-gun|title=Dem House candidate releases video showing lack of background checks at gun shows|author=Bowden, John|date=1 May 2018|publisher=The Hill}}</ref> Pelletier pivoted off of his Justice Department credentials by demanding a criminal investigation into links between the National Rifle Association, US-sanctioned Russians and [[Donald Trump presidential campaign, 2016|Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://globalinvestigationsreview.com/article/jac/1169977/pivoting-off-his-doj-credentials-house-hopeful-pelletier-demands-nra-probe|title=Pivoting off his DOJ credentials, House hopeful Pelletier demands NRA probe|author=Hudson, Clara|date=25 May 2018|publisher=Global Investigations Review}}</ref> According to ''Roll Call'''s Patricia Murphy, Comstock's challengers were digging into the gun control issue because they know it has become a voting issue for gun reform advocates, especially women.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollcall.com/news/opinion/moms-guns-republicans-midterms|title=Opinion: Moms, Guns and 2018|author=Murphy, Patricia|date=22 May 2018|publisher=Roll Call}}</ref>

Stover pointed out that Comstock stated her opposition to TrumpCare when it looked as if it would fail: "Her decision was made when the fate of the bill was already sealed. I don't believe that's courage — that's politics, and that's exactly what people are sick of."<ref name=formerobama/> More generally, Comstock's Democratic opponents claim that she often speaks like them but almost always votes like a Republican.<ref name=blast>{{cite web|url=http://loudounnow.com/2018/02/17/democratic-candidates-for-congress-talk-priorities-blast-comstock/|title=Democratic Candidates for Congress Talk Priorities, Blast Comstock|author=Nadler, Danielle|date=17 February 2018|publisher=Loudoun Now}}</ref>

All five Democrats who participated in a 14 May debate (that is, all the Democratic candidates except Wexton, who was attending a state senate special session) said they think Trump is unfit for office, with Helmer saying, "After 9/11, the worst threat to our democracy lived in a cave. Now he lives in the White House. I'm ready to vote to [[Efforts to impeach Donald Trump|impeach him]] to defend democracy."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/note-pennsylvanias-primary-test-democratic-women/story?id=55165376|title=The Note: Pennsylvania's primary a test for Democratic women|author=Klein, Rick|publisher=ABC News|date=15 May 2018}}</ref> Stover likewise was in favor of moving forward with impeachment proceedings, although she says she wants to make sure the case is "airtight" before charges are brought in Congress. Friedman also said she was not yet ready to move forward with impeachment, although she wants Trump out of office. Biggins too wanted the investigation to run its course before she supported impeachment. Pelletier says he is in favor of moving forward with impeachment proceedings and that he wants Trump to be accountable for his actions.<ref name=bluefirefight/>

Friedman had previously called Trump "the embodiment of abuses of power" and said, regarding [[sexual harassment]], "I'm glad Barbara Comstock has been talking about this issue. But I think her commitment would be more meaningful if she was working as hard to hold the president accountable for his sexual assault."<ref name=friedmanisrunning/>

The Democrats differed on how to improve [[Obamacare]], with Helmer advocating replacing it with [[Medicare for all]], and Biggins favoring [[single-payer healthcare]].<ref name=sixdemocrats/> Stover favors a single-payer system as well, and says that she'd also like to look at a Medicare-for-all system as well as other proposals for a system that could not be undermined by a future administration. Friedman favors improving the [[Affordable Care Act]].<ref name=bluefirefight/> Hill attacked Comstock's vote against an Obamacare repeal bill, saying it was a "fantastically disappointing violation of her campaign promise to us".<ref name=comstockfaces/>

On transportation, Biggins cited a permanent funding mechanism for Metro, [[Virginia Railway Express]] to places like Winchester and Berryville, and light rail<ref name=fourquestions>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/local/wp/2018/06/08/feature/four-questions-for-six-democrats-vying-to-challenge-rep-barbara-comstock/|title=Four questions for six Democrats vying to challenge Rep. Barbara Comstock|author=Portnoy, Jenna|date=8 June 2018|publisher=Washington Post}}</ref> and buses as ways to help deal with infrastructure problems. Pelletier blamed the Republican tax reform law for leaving no money to fix 10th district transportation problems and Helmer blamed special interests for impeding transportation solutions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nvdaily.com/news/local-news/2018/02/hopefuls-participate-in-democrats-forum/|title=Hopefuls participate in Democrats forum|author=Bridges, Alex|date=18 February 2018|publisher=Northern Virginia Daily}}</ref>

Friedman criticized the Tax Reform Act for benefiting corporations and the wealthy above working families, singles, and those in most need, and Helmer has called for a complete rewrite of the legislation. Biggins proposed countering the Tax Reform Act by tightening up some military spending, saying, "We have many redundancies there that could be streamlined a bit."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudounnow.com/2018/02/17/democratic-candidates-for-congress-talk-priorities-blast-comstock/|title=Democratic Candidates for Congress Talk Priorities, Blast Comstock|author=Nadler, Danielle|date=17 February 2018|publisher=Loudoun Now}}</ref> As a result of Comstock's support of the tax bill, the [[National Association of Manufacturers]] put on an event with Comstock in April in a rural part of her district featuring [[George Allen (American politician)|George Allen]] praising Comstock's efforts in Congress.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.sg/national-association-of-manufacturers-have-exploded-in-the-trump-era-2018-4/|title=The manufacturing industry suddenly has unfettered access to the White House under Trump, and it’s making a killing|author=Perticone, Joe|date=7 May 2018|publisher=Business Insider}}</ref>

Hill claimed that Trump's tax plan supports working families, and that companies are repatriating to the United States and reinvesting in their businesses, creating more employment opportunities. He also points to deregulation under Trump as creating wealth, boosting the stock market. Pelletier criticized Trump's elimination of revenue that could have gone to working on eroding infrastructure.<ref name=debatemclean>{{cite web|url=http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2018/may/30/tenth-district-candidates-debate-mclean/|title=Tenth District Candidates Debate in McLean|author=Worker, Andrea|publisher=The Connection|date=30 May 2018}}</ref> Both Biggins and Stover want to raise the minimum wage to $15/hour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.princewilliamtimes.com/news/comstock-faces-challenger-to-her-right-while-six-vie-for/article_40d3d750-6cdb-11e8-9303-c7e2497448e6.html|title=Comstock faces challenger to her right, while six vie for the Democratic nomination|author=Ivancic, James|date=11 June 2018|publisher=Prince William Times}}</ref>

Stover called Republicans' immigration bans and reforms and the proposed [[Mexico–United States barrier|Border Wall]] "heartless and bad economic decisions" and described the wall as "a symbol of hate." Helmer said Comstock's comments likening the tracking of immigrants entering the country to tracking FedEx packages were reasons to run against her, and said, "All my time in Iraq and Afghanistan, I never thought we were fighting to deport children."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2018/apr/23/comstock-challengers-count-blue-wave/|title=Comstock Challengers Count on ‘Blue Wave’|date=24 April 2018|publisher=Connection|author=Worker, Andrea}}</ref> Friedman also criticized Comstock's FedEx package comparison, saying it did not respect human dignity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://washingtonjewishweek.com/46131/little-daylight-between-virginia-dems-eyeing-comstocks-seat/news/local-news/|title=Little daylight between Virginia Dems eyeing Comstock’s seat|author=Schere, Dan|date=16 May 2018|publisher=Washington Jewish Week}}</ref> Hill has argued that Comstock has not been vocal enough in her support of [[Immigration policy of Donald Trump|Trump's immigration policies]].<ref name=comstockfaces>{{cite web|url=https://wtop.com/local-politics-elections-news/2018/06/2018-va-primary-guide-comstock-faces-10th-district-gop-challenge/|title=2018 Va. Primary Guide: Comstock faces 10th District GOP challenge|author=Smith, Max|date=5 June 2018|publisher=WTOP}}</ref> Hill supports building a border wall and ending the concept of [[anchor babies]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.princewilliamtimes.com/news/shak-hill-claims-comstock-governs-like-a-liberal/article_07a4a6e0-6a91-11e8-89ad-6bfbb56463b4.html|title=Shak Hill claims Comstock governs like a liberal|author=Hunley, Jonathan|date=9 June 2018|publisher=Prince William Times}}</ref>

Hill supported leaving intrastate cannabis policy to individual states to decide, while all six Democratic candidates favor [[Decriminalization of non-medical cannabis in the United States|decriminalizing cannabis]], and Helmer advocated legalizing it entirely. Hill said that keeping families together would reduce crime rates, while Friedman said, "I have to say, as a single mom, I think there are more important things we can do related to criminal justice reform." She called for [[implicit bias]] training for law enforcement and community policing, and echoed other candidates’ calls for bail and sentencing overhauls.<ref name=naacpdebate>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/democrats-vying-to-challenge-comstock-debate-liberal-values-in-naacp-debate/2018/05/26/b82ec9d8-5ece-11e8-b2b8-08a538d9dbd6_story.html|author=Portnoy, Jenna|date=26 May 2018|title=Democrats vying to challenge Comstock debate liberal values in NAACP debate|publisher=Washington Post}}</ref>

===General election===
Comstock has received high ratings from the NRA<ref name=blast/> and ranks 10th among House members who have received the most in donations from the group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/friedman-airs-first-tv-ad-in-democratic-primary-to-challenge-rep-comstock/2018/05/06/e1baef42-51a0-11e8-abd8-265bd07a9859_story.html|title=Friedman airs first TV ad in Democratic primary to challenge Rep. Comstock|author=Portnoy, Jenna|date=7 May 2018|publisher=Washington Post}}</ref>

Comstock's support for the [[Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act]] and break with the [[Donald Trump administration]] over the federal hiring freeze have helped her reputation as an ally of federal workers, many of whom live in her district. She has also focused on pay raises for public servants and expanding job opportunities for veterans.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-07/in-the-year-of-the-woman-these-are-the-races-to-watch|title=In the Year of the Woman, These Are the Races to Watch|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|author=John, Arit|date=7 May 2018}}</ref> She has also praised the military budget increases in the [[Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018]] as a win for defense contractors and Pentagon employees in her district and authored legislation to combat the [[opioid epidemic]] and [[MS-13]] gang problem that have sprouted in some Northern Virginia neighborhoods. She has spoken out against illegal drugs crossing the border and in May participated in an event with the two DEA agents who caught drug lord [[Pablo Escobar]] and were featured in ''[[Narcos]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/illegals-ms-13-border-wall-become-top-issues-in-house-races-dems-on-defense|title=Illegals, MS-13, border wall, become top issues in House races, Dems on defense|author=Bedard, Paul|date=8 May 2018|publisher=Washington Examiner}}</ref> She portrays some of her well-funded Democratic opponents as carpetbaggers who are out of touch with the district and too leftist to represent it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thehill.com/homenews/house/386820-comstock-keeps-focus-local-as-democrats-highlight-trump|title=Comstock keeps focus local as Democrats highlight Trump|date=9 May 2018|publisher=The Hill|author=Wong, Scott}}</ref>

Comstock's voting record, including on the [[Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017|2017 tax reform bill]],<ref name=casestudy/> has usually been aligned with Trump, but she has distanced herself from him by calling his behavior in the [[Donald Trump Access Hollywood tape]] so "disgusting" and "vile" as to warrant dropping out of the presidential election; and opposing the [[United States federal government shutdowns of 2018]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/first-read/rapidly-changing-northern-virginia-gun-debate-dilemma-barbara-comstock-n864051|title=In rapidly changing Northern Virginia, gun debate is a dilemma for Barbara Comstock|author=Hickman, Renee|publisher=NBC News|date=14 April 2018}}</ref> Comstock also said that she could not defend Trump's reported comments calling Haiti, El Salvador and African nations "[[Racial_views_of_Donald_Trump#"Shithole_countries"|shithole countries]]."<ref name=cantdefend>{{cite web|url=http://thehill.com/homenews/house/368694-gop-lawmaker-on-trumps-shithole-comment-i-cant-defend-what-the-president|title=Vulnerable Republican: 'I can't defend what the president reportedly said'|publisher=The Hill|author=Thomsen, Jacqueline|date=12 January 2018}}</ref>  Comstock also praised the appointment of former FBI director [[Robert Mueller]] as Special Counsel in [[Special Counsel investigation (2017–present)|the investigation]] into [[Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Facing a tough reelection, Rep. Comstock finds her voice|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/facing-a-tough-reelection-rep-comstock-finds-her-voice/2017/05/19/7834564a-3cb5-11e7-8854-21f359183e8c_story.html|date=20 May 2017|publisher=Washington Post|author=Portnoy, Jenna}}</ref>

In addition, Comstock was one of the few Republicans given a pass from the Republican leadership to vote against the [[American Health Care Act of 2017]], also known as TrumpCare. Comstock stated her opposition was due to her concern over some of its provisions, in particular one that would allow states to let insurers again charge more to customers with preexisting medical problems, while conservative blogger Jim Hoeft suggested that her decision was an attempt to walk a fine line in a district where elections are becoming more favorable to Democrats.<ref>{{cite web|title=Comstock’s vote against health-care bill seen as pragmatic in changing Va. district|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/comstocks-vote-against-healthcare-bill-seen-as-pragmatic-in-changing-va-district/2017/05/05/f4867cce-31a6-11e7-9dec-764dc781686f_story.html|publisher=Washington Post|author=Olivo, Antonio|date=5 May 2017}}</ref> Wexton is not yet in favor of moving forward with impeachment, saying she wants to collect facts and evidence first, although she has said, "The biggest problem facing those in VA-10 is President Trump, and Barbara Comstock’s refusal to stand up to him."<ref name=fourquestions/>

In a May telephone interview, Comstock noted Trump's achievements, including the [[2018 North Korea–United States summit]], the release of three Korean American detainees held by the North, his stepback from the [[Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action|Iranian nuclear deal]], the [[United_States_recognition_of_Jerusalem_as_capital_of_Israel#Relocation_of_the_Embassy_to_Jerusalem|new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem]], and his economic initiatives that have put the economy on a forward pace.<ref name=peaceprosperity>{{cite web|url=http://www.winchesterstar.com/opinions/our_view/our-views-peace-and-prosperity-a-boost-to-comstock-s/article_3b7777ae-945a-5f62-854e-59474b6058ae.html|title=Our Views: ‘Peace and prosperity’ A boost to Comstock’s campaign?|publisher=Winchester Star|date=16 May 2018}}</ref>

Comstock has been criticized by Democrats for declining to hold town halls where constituents could dialog with her in an unscripted public forum.<ref name=whererep>{{cite web|url=http://wjla.com/news/local/constituents-ask-where-rep-barbara-comstock-is|title=Va. constituents ask where Rep. Barbara Comstock is|author=Goldberg, Jeff|publisher=WJLA}}</ref> Stover said that it shows a lack of courage.<ref name=formerobama/> Republican former Rep. [[Tom Davis (Virginia politician)|Tom Davis]] has suggested Comstock change the practice, arguing, "You’ve got to let people scream at you a little bit, let them get it off their chest."<ref name=blowout/> In response to the complaints about her lack of town halls, Comstock's office has said that she has met with hundreds of constituents in her offices and connected with 9000 during telephone town halls and that "she is ever present in and around her district."<ref name=whererep/> According to [[David Ramadan]], Comstock is "going to be one of the very few Republicans that will make it out of November despite the anti-G.O.P. national wave" and "will survive because of the relationships she built with minority constituencies in the district, Indians, Muslims, Koreans".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zlotonews.com/this-republican-always-shows-up-that-may-not-be-enough-this-fall/|title=This Republican Always Shows Up. That May Not Be Enough This Fall|publisher=ZlotoNews|date=3 July 2018}}</ref>

Wexton thinks that the country should be evolving toward a single-payer health care system. She has cited the Dulles Greenway's high tolls as an example of what happens with privatized infrastructure. Comstock spent most of 2017 working on legislation to reform the Metro train and bus system that serves the Washington region, but Democrats have criticized her 2013 vote against Metro funding when she represented [[Virginia's 34th House of Delegates district]].<ref name=racewatch/> Comstock has promised to push for more transportation funding to flow to the area.<ref name=comstockfaces/>

Although Comstock mentioned the benefits of the tax cuts 36 times in January in social media, she did so only 13 times in March and then 22 times in April, and said in an interview that she is reacting to constituents, whose interests have moved on to other issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2018-05-07/republicans-in-key-election-races-turn-down-volume-on-trumps-tax-cuts|title=Republicans in Key Election Races Turn Down Volume on Trump's Tax Cuts|date=7 May 2018|publisher=U.S. News|author=Morgan, David}}</ref> Her support for the tax bill could be a vulnerability in an affluent district where many voters claim state and local tax deductions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/six-months-10-vulnerable-house-incumbents|title=Six Months Out: The 10 Most Vulnerable House Incumbents|author=Pathé, Simone|publisher=Roll Call|date=10 May 2018}}</ref>

Wexton supports decriminalizing cannabis,<ref name=naacpdebate/> while Comstock has voted against cannabis law reform legislation.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Civilized|url=https://www.civilized.life/articles/anti-marijuana-politicians-in-danger/|title=5 Anti-Marijuana Politicians Who Are in Danger of Losing Their Seats in 2018|author=Misulonas, Joseph|date=5 March 2018}}</ref>

With regard to the [[Trump administration family separation policy]], Comstock said she wants to find a bipartisan solution to separating families while still making sure the border is secure.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudountimes.com/news/after-national-outcry-trump-signs-order-ending-family-separation-local/article_ffe22370-74da-11e8-b7e1-933b068d0cb1.html|title=After national outcry, Trump signs order ending family separation; local lawmakers weigh in on border crisis|author=Collazo, Veronike|publisher=Loudoun Times-Mirror|date=20 June 2018}}</ref> Wexton criticized Comstock's statement in a tweet, saying, "POTUS can end this awful policy today, but by lacking the courage to demand that, she supports these innocent children being used as political pawns."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/19/politics/democrats-suburbs-2018-midterms-family-separations/index.html|title=Most vulnerable Republicans in 2018 taking heat over family separation|author=Bradner, Eric|date=19 June 2018|publisher=CNN}}</ref> Democrats plan to make family separation a big issue in the election.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2018/06/democrats-family-separation-immigration-midterms-congress-trump/|title=Democrats Are Going to Make Family Separation a Big Issue in the Midterms|author=Voght, Kara|date=22 June 2018|publisher=Mother Jones}}</ref>

==Primaries==
===Democratic===
The 10th Congressional District Democratic Committee unanimously opted to hold a state-run [[open primary]].<ref name=holdprimary>{{cite web|url=http://www.insidenova.com/news/election/democrats-will-hold-primary-in-crowded-th-district-race/article_dda21e16-ce1b-11e7-b19c-0b9b4cd2fa72.html|title=Democrats will hold primary in crowded 10th District race|author=Koma, Alex|date=20 November 2017|publisher=InsideNova}}</ref> The six Democratic candidates who turned in enough signatures to be placed on the primary ballot are scientist Julia Biggins, former State Department official Alison Friedman, state senator Jennifer Wexton, Army veteran Dan Helmer, former Department of Veterans Affairs official Lindsey Davis Stover, and former federal prosecutor Paul Pelletier. As of April 2018, Friedman led the group in campaign fundraising. Wexton came in second in fundraising<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insidenova.com/news/election/friedman-leads-democratic-fundraising-in-th-district-race/article_79e981c4-4338-11e8-9128-dbff6c77f288.html|title=Friedman leads Democratic fundraising in 10th District race|author=Koma, Alex|date=18 April 2018|publisher=InsideNova}}</ref> and was endorsed by Governor Ralph Northam<ref name=maintainslead/> and Representatives [[Gerald E. Connolly]] and [[A. Donald McEachin]]. Wexton, the only elected official in the field, has the highest name recognition.<ref name=defendsvote/> Political scientist [[Stephen Farnsworth]] remarked, "If you’re not Senator Wexton, your big challenge is to be heard at all," which he says makes it worthwhile for her rivals to attack her so they can stand out from the field.<ref name=gunreformcenter/>

The Democratic primary in the 10th district was seen as exemplifying the internecine fights in 2018's crowded Democratic primaries. Some observers note that because Comstock's vulnerability attracted a number of Democrats to run against her, there is a possibility that Democratic infighting could leave the eventual nominee too bruised and battered to win against Comstock.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/five-vulnerable-house-incumbents/|title=Five vulnerable House incumbents|date=23 November 2017|publisher=CBS News}}</ref> The Democratic veterans group [[VoteVets]] is backing Helmer, while state legislators are supporting state Wexton, and Stover and Friedman, both former [[Barack Obama administration]] officials, have tapped those networks for help.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2017/12/25/house-races-2018-midterms-republicans-democrats-316207|title=The top 10 House races to watch in 2018|author=Schneider, Elena|date=25 December 2017|publisher=Politico}}</ref>

Wexton had been viewed as the frontrunner to win the Democratic primary because she represents about half of the largest county, Loudoun, in the 10th district, and because she had gained the endorsements of many of Virginia's Democratic politicians. On the other hand, in fundraising, she fell short of Friedman's totals and barely edged out Helmer and Stover. Also, the results of recent elections, such as the [[Virginia_gubernatorial_election,_2017#Democratic_primary|2017 Democratic gubernatorial primary]], suggested that Virginia voters, especially those from Loudoun, might prefer candidates from outside the Establishment. Biggins and Helmer in particular positioned themselves as political outsiders with drastically different experience and backgrounds from Comstock.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/th-congressional-district-democratic-candidates-break-down-into-insiders-vs/article_55a959ec-6039-11e8-a000-d3db48af110b.html|title=10th Congressional District Democratic candidates break down into insiders vs. outsiders|author=Woolsey, Angela|publisher=Fairfax County Times|date=25 May 2018}}</ref> The proximity of Virginia's 10th District to D.C. limited the reach of outsider candidacies, although the concentration of government workers and contractors is not as high as it is in, say, Fairfax.

Wexton was also targeted by fellow Democrats over her willingness to compromise on [[gun control]]<ref name=testestablishment>{{cite web|title=Virginia congressional primary will be a test for an establishment Democrat, as party seeks to flip the House|url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/virginia-congressional-primary-will-test-establishment-democrat-party-seeks-flip-house-211010440.html|author=Ward, Jon|date=24 May 2018|publisher=Yahoo Lifestyle}}</ref> and for her refusal to forgo corporate donations. Helmer and Friedman said her past acceptance of [[Dominion Energy]] and other corporate PAC money, and her unwillingness to pledge not to take corporate PAC money in the future, prevent her from creating enough of a contrast with Comstock.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/fellow-democrats-target-wexton-over-corporate-money-in-primary/2018/05/24/6cf9da7a-5e92-11e8-b2b8-08a538d9dbd6_story.html|title=Fellow Democrats target Wexton over corporate money in House primary|author=Portnoy, Jenna|date=24 May 2018|publisher=Washington Post}}</ref> Friedman and Stover fought for the same pool of undecided voters, and ''[[Cook Political Report]]'' remarked, if Wexton is "able to run up the score in her own Loudoun County-based state senate district, it'll probably be enough to win a low turnout race."<ref name=cook>{{cite web|url=http://cookpolitical.com/analysis/house/virginia-house/va-10-preview-democrats-fight-take-most-vulnerable-gop-house|title=VA-10 Preview: Democrats Fight to Take on Most Vulnerable GOP House Incumbent|author=Wasserman, David|date=3 May 2018|publisher=Cook Political Report}}</ref>

Stover was the only primary candidate to open an office in Winchester, and she performed well in Winchester and Frederick and Clarke counties, taking 49.91 percent (798 ballots) of the vote in the city, 41.91 percent (1,441) of the vote in Frederick County, and 48.93 percent (525) of the vote in Clarke County.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winchesterstar.com/news/local-primary-election-results-don-t-reflect-overall-outcome/article_9b7fa622-a935-5e49-b5c8-2c3b43845012.html|title=A breakdown of the local primary results|author=Castiglia, Onofrio|date=14 June 2018|publisher=Winchester Star}}</ref> [[Frank Bruni]] described Wexton's primary victory as "precisely what Republican strategists ''didn't'' want, and at the beginning of the year, they chattered hopefully about Wexton's being thwarted by more strident Democratic rivals to her left. But she beat the second-place finisher by almost 20 points."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/13/opinion/trump-midterms-robert-de-niro-samantha-bee.html|title=How to Lose the Midterms and Re-elect Trump|author=Bruni, Frank|publisher=New York Times|date=13 June 2018}}</ref>
{{Election box begin
| title=[[United States House elections, 2018|US House election, 2018]]: Virginia District 10 Democratic Primary<ref>{{cite web|url=https://results.elections.virginia.gov/vaelections/2018%20June%20Democratic%20Primary/Site/Congress.html|title=2018 June Democratic Primary|publisher=Virginia Department of Elections}}</ref>}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Democratic Party (US)
  |candidate  = Lindsey Davis Stover
  |votes      = 8,561
  |percentage = 16.01
  |change     =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Democratic Party (US)
  |candidate  = [[Jennifer Wexton|Jennifer T. Wexton]]
  |votes      = 22,394
  |percentage = 41.88
  |change     =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Democratic Party (US)
  |candidate  = Paul E. Pelletier
  |votes      = 2,010
  |percentage = 3.76
  |change     =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Democratic Party (US)
  |candidate  = Alison K. Friedman
  |votes      = 12,289
  |percentage = 22.98
  |change     =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Democratic Party (US)
  |candidate  = Dan I. Helmer
  |votes      = 6,709
  |percentage = 12.55
  |change     =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Democratic Party (US)
  |candidate  = Julia E. Biggins
  |votes      = 1,512
  |percentage = 2.83
  |change     =
}}
{{Election box turnout
  |votes      = 53,475
  |percentage =
  |change     =
}}
{{Election box end}}

===Republican===
Incumbent [[Barbara Comstock]] faced a long-shot challenge in the primary from former combat pilot Shak Hill, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination in the [[United States Senate election in Virginia, 2014]].<ref name=opportunity>{{cite web|url=http://www.insidenova.com/news/election/democrats-see-opportunity-in-latest-th-district-polling/article_c9f6dc06-3826-11e8-b567-5bb971952328.html|title=Democrats see opportunity in latest 10th District polling|date=4 April 2018|publisher=Inside Nova|author=Koma, Alex}}</ref> Hill has hired Stewart's campaign manager, and some experts say that Hill embodies the possibility that Comstock's efforts to appeal to centrists in the most populated areas of her district could cost her conservative votes.<ref name=notjust>{{cite web|title=It’s not just Democrats. Rep. Barbara Comstock also faces a challenge from the right.|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/its-not-just-democrats-rep-barbara-comstock-also-faces-a-challenge-from-the-right/2017/08/06/e4cf9274-73dd-11e7-9eac-d56bd5568db8_story.html|author=Portnoy, Jenna|date=6 August 2017|publisher=Washington Post}}</ref> In April 2018, Comstock's campaign created a site, "ShadyShak.com," attacking Hill's personal and professional life.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dccc.org/barbara-comstock-funding-anti-shak-hill-website/|title=Barbara Comstock Funding Anti-Shak Hill Website|author=Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee|date=16 April 2018}}</ref> Hill complained that he was unfairly attacked by a conservative media outlet friendly to his opponent, incumbent Rep. Barbara Comstock, after a website he runs uploaded articles about [[penis enlargement]] without his knowledge.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wtop.com/virginia/2018/05/virginia-republicans-at-odds-and-throats-in-trump-era/|author=Associated Press|title=Virginia Republicans at odds – and throats – in Trump era|date=16 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/virginia-gop-primaries-overwhelmed-personal-attacks-candidates-say|title=Virginia GOP Primaries Overwhelmed by Personal Attacks, Candidates Say|date=17 May 2018|publisher=Roll Call|author=Connolly, Griffin}}</ref>

[[Larry Sabato]] described Comstock's margin of victory against Hill, whom he called "a right-wing fringe candidate" as "a very poor showing."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wtop.com/local-politics-elections-news/2018/06/virginia-10th-district-republican-primary-results/|title=Comstock wins GOP primary in Virginia’s 10th|author=Massimo, Rick|date=12 June 2018|publisher=WTOP}}</ref> [[Jennifer Rubin (journalist)|Jennifer Rubin]] noted, "The total Democratic primary vote (about 53,800) comfortably exceeded the GOP total vote (about 46,000); Comstock in her two-person contest got not even 6,000 votes more than Wexton in her six-person race."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2018/06/13/republicans-poised-to-follow-trump-into-oblivion-in-virginia/|date=13 June 2018|publisher=Washington Post|author=Rubin, Jennifer|title=Republicans poised to follow Trump into oblivion in Virginia}}</ref>
{{Election box begin
| title=[[United States House elections, 2018|US House election, 2018]]: Virginia District 10 Republican Primary<ref>{{cite web|url=https://results.elections.virginia.gov/vaelections/2018%20June%20Republican%20Primary/Site/Congress.html|title=2018 June Republican Primary|publisher=Virginia Department of Elections}}</ref>}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Republican Party (US)
  |candidate  = Shak E. Hill
  |votes      = 18,301
  |percentage = 39.29
  |change     =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Republican Party (US)
  |candidate  = [[Barbara Comstock|Barbara J. Comstock]]
  |votes      = 28,274
  |percentage = 60.71
  |change     =
}}
{{Election box turnout
  |votes      = 46,575
  |percentage =
  |change     =
}}
{{Election box end}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Virginia elections, 2018]]
[[Category:United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia]]