John Warner, a moderate Republican who held this Senate seat from 1979, remained a popular and powerful political figure.

He easily won renomination, despite opposition by a number of conservative Republicans, who distrusted him because of his moderate positions (Warner was pro-choice, pro-gun control and refused to support 1994 Senate nominee Oliver North due to his role in the Iran-Contra Affair).

[5] The incumbent had to compete in a primary against a more conservative candidate because he had endorsed an independent in the 1994 U.S. Senate election, instead of controversial Republican nominee Oliver North.

[6] In the general election, the incumbent called the Democrat a "robber baron," "Carpetbagger," and a "Connecticut Yankee" who raised money from outside the state.

[12] Mark Warner lost the parts of the state that are outside the three largest metropolitan areas, 51%-49%, a very impressive result for a Democrat in this heavily Republican territory.

However, John Warner's strength among moderates enabled him to carry Northern Virginia 55%-45%, which led to him winning the general election 52%-47%.