After a poor showing in 2008, the Republican Party made significant gains and defeated three Democratic incumbents.

[5] In the Republican primary, Wittman won against self-described Tea Party movement member Catherine Crabill.

Crabill's candidacy had been controversial due to her statements that the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was intended to help citizens protect themselves from tyranny.

[12] Glenn Nye Democratic Scott Rigell Republican Democratic incumbent Glenn Nye was challenged by Republican businessman Scott Rigell[13] and Independent Kenny Golden (site[permanent dead link‍], PVS), a retired Navy Commodore.

[14][15] Rigell won the Republican primary election over four other businessmen: Ed Maulbeck, Ben Loyola, Army Brigadier General Bert Mizusawa, former Navy SEAL turned local business owner Scott Taylor,[16][17] and Jessica Sandlin, a single mother of 5 native to Virginia Beach.

Businessman Rigell was the other frontrunner, receiving major endorsements from Thelma Drake, and Bob McDonnell's daughter.

[20] Forbes was first elected to the House in 2001 to fill a vacancy caused by the death of ten-term Democratic Congressman Norman Sisisky.

Tom Perriello Democratic Robert Hurt Republican Incumbent Democrat Tom Perriello was challenged by Republican Robert Hurt, state Senator from Chatham,[21] and independent Jeffrey A. Clark (campaign site, PVS), a businessman from Danville.

Goode did not seek a rematch in 2010,[23] although he said several Conservative groups asked him to run on a pro-Tea Party ticket, due to their dissatisfaction with the Republicans.

[24] Hurt won the primary election over six other candidates: Republican activist Feda Kidd Morton, private real estate investor Laurence Verga, Albemarle County Supervisor Ken Boyd, businessman Ron Ferrin, Jim McKelvey from Franklin County, and Michael McPadden.

Tea Party-supported independent candidate Herb Lux (campaign site) had his emergency appeal to the United States Supreme Court turned aside on October 1, 2010, and so did not appear on the ballot.

On the Republican side, Griffith was selected by a convention held on May 22, 2010, at Fort Chiswell High School in Max Meadows.