[1] Perry moved to Loudoun County, Virginia in 2006, and resided in Round Hill.

Perry defeated Leesburg Town Council member Zach Cummings by a 63%–37% margin, to win the Democratic Party nomination.

Elections analysts Mark Rozell and Chaz Nuttycombe described the race as a potential "majority maker" in the closely divided state senate.

[2][7] The general election was one of the most expensive state legislative races in Virginia history, with each candidate's campaign raising over $5 million.

[8] Perry won the race by a 53%–47% margin, resulting in the Democratic Party retaining control of the Virginia Senate.