The district includes major military installations and has been represented by Republican Rob Wittman since 2007.

In the redistribution which followed the 1850 census (in force 1853–1863), the First District comprised sixteen counties in eastern Virginia.

The counties included (amongst others) Accomack, Essex, Gloucester, James City, King and Queen, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, Richmond, Warwick and Westmoreland.

The First District is noted for its strong presence of military institutions, including the Naval Surface Warfare Center.

Increasing numbers of military and retired voters have swung the district to the right.