Keith Fimian won the right Tuesday to challenge first-term Democrat Rep. Gerry Connolly for Virginia's 11th Congressional District in November.
Fimian defeated Pat Herrity in Tuesday's primary to take the Republican nomination, the Associated Press reported. Fimian lost to Connolly in 2008.
In Virginia's 8th Congressional District, J. Patrick Murray defeated Matthew B. Berry for the Republican nomination to challenge Rep. Jim Moran.
Democrats could face tough competition in the fall as many voters disappointed with President Barack Obama's administration are in fire-Democrats mode. After voting Democrats into the governor's mansion in two consecutive elections, Virginians voted for a Republican (Bob McDonnell) again last year.
Elsewhere in Virginia, Virginia Beach businessman Scott Rigell won the Republican U.S. House primary in Virginia's 2nd District to challenge Democratic Rep. Glenn Nye this fall.
Republican Rep. Rob Wittman easily brushed aside a challenge from the right in tea party favorite Catherine Crabill. With 66 percent of the vote counted in Virginia's 1st District, Wittman had almost 88 percent.
And state Sen. Robert Hurt easily won a seven-way primary in Virginia's 5th District, pitting him against Democratic Rep. Tom Perriello and a conservative independent in November. With 58 percent of the vote counted, Hurt had 50 percent of the vote and a wide lead over his nearest rival, James McKelvey.
