It’s all about money and name recognition in one of the most closely watched House races in Virginia today. In the 7th Congressional District, former Deputy National Security Adviser Eugene Vindman is running in the Democratic primary to replace incumbent Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who is running to become Virginia’s next governor.
Vindman gained notoriety back in 2019 when his brother, retired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, testified during Trump’s first impeachment hearings about the president’s dealings with Ukraine. He and his brother won the praise of many in Democratic circles, the two of whom served as whistleblowers and later lost their jobs.
According to the Virginia Public Access Project, Windman beat his six Democratic challengers, some of whom have served in local government positions, with $4.5 million more in the bank than his closest competitor.
On the Republican side, there is another example of a proxy fight between the House Freedom Caucus and the Republican leadership. Cameron Hamilton, a Navy veteran backed by Reps. Eli Crane and Cory Mills, faces Speaker Mike Johnson, House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer and Army veteran Derrick Anderson, who has the support of Rep. Derrick Van Orden.
The results of the Republican primary will provide a good look at the strength of the GOP establishment heading into what is expected to be a competitive November election in the 7th District.