NORFOLK, VIRGINIA (VINnews)- Former U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria, a retired Navy commander and outspoken supporter of Israel, won the Democratic primary in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District on Tuesday, defeating three challengers and setting up a rematch with Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans.

Luria received roughly 79% of the vote, according to results reported by Virginia Mercury. Her closest rival, physician Nila Devanath, who was endorsed by the Tidewater chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, finished with about 17.5%. Candidates Bill Fleming and Patrick Mosolf trailed further behind.

The victory positions Luria to face Kiggans in the Nov. 3 general election. Kiggans unseated Luria in 2022. The district, which includes Norfolk and Virginia Beach, is considered one of the most competitive in the country. Donald Trump carried it by 0.2 percentage points in 2024, and the Cook Political Report rates the race a toss-up.

Luria represented the district from 2019 to 2023 and served on the House select committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. She spent 20 years in the Navy before entering politics. During the primary, she emphasized strong U.S.-Israel ties and opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, positions that set her apart from Devanath.

She entered the race with support from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and Virginia Democratic leaders, including Gov. Abigail Spanberger.

“I’m ready to serve and deliver for the people of Hampton Roads who are being left behind by Jen Kiggans and Donald Trump,” Luria said in a statement after her win.