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.
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Withdrawn
Declined
General election
Candidates
- John Adams, Republican nominee
- Mark Herring, incumbent attorney general, Democratic nominee
Results
By congressional district
Despite winning the state, Herring only won five of 11 congressional districts, including one that was represented by a Republican.| District | Herring | Adams | Representative |
| 44% | 56% | Rob Wittman | |
| 49.8% | 50.1% | Scott Taylor | |
| 67% | 33% | Bobby Scott | |
| 61% | 39% | Donald McEachin | |
| 45% | 55% | Tom Garrett | |
| 38% | 62% | Bob Goodlatte | |
| 47% | 53% | Dave Brat | |
| 75% | 25% | Don Beyer | |
| 31% | 69% | Morgan Griffith | |
| 55% | 45% | Barbara Comstock | |
| 69% | 30% | Gerry Connolly |