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Paul Riley (Virginia)
Paul Riley (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Virginia's 5th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]
Riley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Paul Riley was born in Norwich, New York. He served in the U.S. Army. He earned a bachelor's degree from Florida State University in 1989. His career experience includes working as a contractor. Riley has been affiliated with Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Sons of the Revolution.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: Virginia's 5th Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House Virginia District 5
Incumbent John McGuire, Mike Pruitt, Paul Riley, Kate Zabriskie, and Bob Good are running in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 5 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | John McGuire (R) | |
| Mike Pruitt (D) | ||
 | Paul Riley (D)  | |
| Kate Zabriskie (D) | ||
 | Bob Good (R) | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2024
See also: Virginia's 5th Congressional District election, 2024
Virginia's 5th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 18 Democratic primary)
Virginia's 5th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 18 Republican primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House Virginia District 5
John McGuire defeated Gloria Tinsley Witt in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 5 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | John McGuire (R) | 57.3 | 249,564 |
 | Gloria Tinsley Witt (D) | 42.3 | 184,229 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.5 | 2,046 | ||
| Total votes: 435,839 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 5
Gloria Tinsley Witt defeated Gary Terry and Paul Riley in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 5 on June 18, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Gloria Tinsley Witt | 57.2 | 14,188 |
 | Gary Terry | 22.4 | 5,566 | |
| Paul Riley | 20.4 | 5,063 | |
| Total votes: 24,817 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Virginia District 5
John McGuire defeated incumbent Bob Good in the Republican primary for U.S. House Virginia District 5 on June 18, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | John McGuire | 50.3 | 31,583 |
| Bob Good | 49.7 | 31,209 | |
| Total votes: 62,792 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Paul Riley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Riley's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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After serving at duty stations around the world, my wife Jani and our family settled in Crozet in 2010, where we raised our three children: McKenna, Nathaniel, and Keegan. From 2010 to 2023, I worked at the National Ground Intelligence Center. Today, i continue my national service as a defense contractor and intelligence professional, advising on critical security issues facing the United States. Born in Norwich, New York, i graduated from Florida State University in 1989. My wife and I have been married for over 34 years.
I enjoy the outdoors—hiking, fishing, hunting, and traveling—and remains deeply committed to my family and community.- Families across our district are being hit from every direction—grocery bills, gas, utilities, housing, and healthcare costs keep climbing while paychecks fall behind. A big part of the problem is Washington’s short-sighted trade policies. Tariffs meant to look tough are actually hidden taxes that raise prices on everything from food and clothing to the tools our small businesses rely on. When you add tariffs on top of already rising costs, it’s families, not politicians, who pay the price. I believe we need a smarter approach: reduce tariffs that punish consumers, cut wasteful government spending, and focus on policies that bring supply chains closer to home and create good-paying jobs right here. Affordability should be the foundation of
- Our tax system should be simple, fair, and work for working families—not just the well-connected. Too many middle-class families and small businesses are carrying the load while large corporations and special interests find loopholes to avoid paying their share. Here in our district, that means family farms, small manufacturers, and local shops are stretched thin while the biggest corporations exploit tax breaks and send profits overseas. I believe we need a tax system that rewards hard work, not wealth hoarding. That means lowering the burden on working families, protecting retirement savings, and ensuring big corporations and the ultra-wealthy play by the same rules as everyone else. Fair and equitable taxes aren’t about taking more—it’s
- In Virginia’s 5th District, over 48,000 veterans call this community home. They deserve more than empty promises—they deserve action. Yet, Washington continues to push cuts to the very services our veterans rely on, from healthcare to mental health support to timely claims processing. That is unacceptable. As your representative, I will fight to strengthen the Department of Veterans Affairs, not weaken it. That means fully funding local VA clinics, expanding access to care, and cutting through the red tape that keeps veterans from receiving the benefits they’ve earned. It also means protecting the hard-earned rights of our servicemembers and ensuring they have opportunities for good jobs, housing, and education when they return home.
Equally important is the responsibility to exercise oversight—to ask hard questions, challenge bad policies, and make sure government is working the way it should. An elected official must also be a bridge builder, working across the aisle when possible to find real solutions while standing firm on core values.
Second, our infrastructure requires urgent attention. Roads, bridges, and public transit systems are aging, and investments in modern infrastructure are essential to keep our economy competitive. This includes expanding high-speed rail to connect communities efficiently, and broadband access to rural and underserved areas so businesses, schools, and families can thrive in a digital economy.
That story stuck with me because it goes to the heart of why I’m running. Our rural communities have been overlooked for too long, and the consequences are real: shrinking populations, struggling schools, and families forced apart by economic necessity. If elected, my priority will be to fight for the kinds of investments—like broadband, modern infrastructure, and workforce development—that can attract businesses, create opportunity, and give our young people a reason to stay, build their futures, and raise their families right here at home.
Compromise does not mean abandoning principles or values. It means recognizing that complex problems—whether it’s healthcare, the economy, national security, or infrastructure—require collaboration and nuanced solutions. By working across the aisle, policymakers can craft laws that are balanced, sustainable, and widely supported, ensuring that decisions serve the people in practical, meaningful ways.
Would you like me to also weave in a tie to national security funding (since that’s one of your major themes), or keep this focused mostly on local economic concerns?
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2024
Paul Riley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Riley's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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- I want to protect the constitutional rights of all Virginia's. This includes a women's right to choose her own health care, the right to responsibly bear arms and the right to privacy. I believe that women have the constitutional right to make their own choices about their bodies, without interference from government. I believe no government should have the power to determine any woman's most important decisions about her life. I will always vote to defend and uphold women's right to choose. I will oppose Republican attempts to continue eliminating choice in the states. I believe that a constitutional right applies to everyone regardless of the color of your skin, how much money you make, or what state you live in, and I will work to ensure
- As a retired Army officer, I am a strong advocate for veterans. I am committed to working with members of both parties to hold VA accountable, pass meaningful legislative reforms, hold true to our country's steadfast commitment to take care of the men and women who served in uniform. We must work to improve veterans' access to health care, benefits, jobs, education, transportation, and housing. No veteran should fall through the cracks and no veteran should be homeless.
- I am a staunch advocate for Virginia's seniors. I will fight to fund and protect Medicare, Social Security, Meals on Wheels, Senior Corps, and other initiatives that help seniors lead healthy, independent lives. Social Security remains an essential benefit that seniors have paid into and earned over a lifetime of work. I oppose any attempt to privatize Social Security, and I will introduce common sense legislation to ensure it remains solvent for this generation of recipients and future generations. For too many folks, Social Security is their sole source of retirement income and to tray and take it away is a non-stater. Medicare ensures seniors have access to quality affordable health care, and I will oppose any attempt to cut Medicare or
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign website
Riley’s campaign website stated the following:
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Accountability and Transparency I firmly believe in the necessity of legislation to increase transparency across the federal government. Transparency is not only a key element of accountability but also a fundamental principle that fosters openness and communication between the public and government. At every level of government, citizens have the right to know how their resources are used. I am committed to holding government agencies accountable for the funds they receive and ensuring clear and accessible information about how public money is spent. Transparency is crucial for building trust between the government and the public it serves. In the realm of elections, I advocate for increased transparency in campaigns. Putting an end to the influx of dark money that currently influences our elections is essential for maintaining the integrity of the democratic process. Additionally, I believe in curtailing the lobbying industry to prevent undue influence. Members of Congress should be prohibited from transitioning into lobbying roles until a sufficient period, such as five years, has passed since their time in office. By championing transparency in government operations, campaign financing, and lobbying, I aim to contribute to a political landscape where the interests of the public are prioritized, and the democratic process is fortified.
Having grown up working on a dairy farm, I intimately understand the challenges that farmers face in staying relevant in today's fast-paced global economy. It's disheartening to witness conglomerates squeezing out family-owned farms, raising prices, and making record profits at the expense of hardworking farmers. I am dedicated to putting a stop to this trend. We must open new markets for Virginia farms, promoting diversification and resilience in the agricultural sector. Additionally, I believe in the importance of enhancing market transparency and fostering healthy competition within the industry. Fundamental to this effort is ensuring that our farmers receive fair prices for their goods and services. Family-owned farms are the backbone of our communities, and they deserve to be treated with respect and fairness. I am committed to advocating for policies that protect the interests of our farmers, promote sustainability, and create a level playing field in the agricultural marketplace. By working towards these goals, I aim to contribute to the preservation and prosperity of family-owned farms, recognizing their vital role in our communities and the broader economy.
I firmly believe in the constitutional right of women to make their own choices about their bodies, free from government interference. No government should have the authority to dictate a woman's most personal decisions about her life. I am committed to upholding and defending women's right to choose, ensuring that they have the autonomy to make decisions that are best for their individual circumstances. I will actively oppose any attempts, particularly those by Republicans, to limit or eliminate reproductive choice at the state level. It is crucial to safeguard and strengthen the rights that allow women to make decisions about their reproductive health without unnecessary barriers or restrictions. Additionally, I am dedicated to working towards equal access to healthcare services for all women in America. It is essential that every woman has the resources and support necessary to make informed choices about her health and well-being. By advocating for and defending women's reproductive rights, I aim to contribute to a society that values individual autonomy, equality, and the well-being of all its citizens.
As a responsible gun owner and avid hunter, I understand and appreciate the importance of firearm ownership as a part of our cultural and individual identity. However, I cannot ignore the urgent need for a comprehensive and realistic policy that addresses the undeniable threat posed by assault weapons, particularly in the context of our children's safety. This issue transcends political affiliations for me; it's fundamentally about the health and safety of our population. While I strongly support the right to own firearms for legitimate purposes such as self-defense and hunting, I recognize that certain weapons, like assault rifles, pose a significant risk to public safety. It's essential that we find a balanced approach that respects the rights of responsible gun owners while prioritizing the protection of our communities. I believe in engaging in a thoughtful and open dialogue to develop policies that address the root causes of gun violence without infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens. By focusing on reality-based solutions, we can work towards a safer society for everyone, where responsible gun ownership coexists with measures that mitigate the risks associated with the misuse of certain firearms. It's a complex issue, and my commitment is to finding common ground that prioritizes the well-being of our population while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners.
I firmly believe in the fundamental rights and dignity of every individual, including those who identify as LGBTQ. It is my conviction that everyone should be treated with respect, equality, and acceptance, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. I am a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights and believe in fostering a society that values diversity and inclusivity. In my view, supporting LGBTQ rights means recognizing and affirming their right to live authentically and without discrimination. I am committed to promoting equality in all aspects of life, whether it's in the workplace, education, or the broader community. By advocating for equal rights, I aim to contribute to creating a more compassionate and understanding society where everyone can thrive, free from prejudice and discrimination. My support is unwavering, and I am dedicated to being an ally in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights.
I am a staunch advocate for the right to privacy, firmly believing in the importance of protecting the personal lives of Americans from unwarranted government intrusion. I am committed to voting against any measures that would compromise our privacy rights, particularly those that enable mass government surveillance programs. I oppose any efforts that seek to allow law enforcement access to Americans' personal information in violation of the Fourth Amendment. It is essential to safeguard the principles of privacy and individual liberties that are foundational to our democracy. I believe that every citizen has the right to live free from unnecessary government scrutiny and that our personal information should only be accessed through lawful and transparent means. In my role, I will actively work to ensure that our constitutional rights are upheld, and I will stand against any legislation that compromises the privacy rights of Americans. By advocating for strong protections against government intrusion, I aim to contribute to a society that values individual freedoms and respects the privacy of its citizens.
I firmly believe that public education is the great equalizer in our country. Access to quality education, from pre-kindergarten through university, is crucial in shaping the future of our children and communities. As a strong advocate for education, I am committed to implementing policies that prioritize the well-being of our students and educators. Recognizing the critical role teachers and coaches play in shaping young minds, I am dedicated to ensuring that Virginia's schools recruit and retain the highest quality educators. Strengthening teacher pay, providing free college tuition for those pursuing degrees in education, and offering housing grants for first-time homebuying teachers are essential steps in achieving this goal. I believe in fostering an environment where creativity thrives in the classroom, and I will collaborate with teachers, parents, school board members, and administrators to ensure that policies from Washington D.C. support rather than stifle innovation. Parental involvement in education is paramount, and I will work to maintain and enhance the voice of parents in shaping their children's educational experiences. Resolutely opposed to privatizing public education, I will fight against efforts to divert resources away from schools with limited means. Education should extend beyond high school, and I am committed to making higher learning accessible and affordable for all Virginians. By decreasing tuition, restoring year-round Pell Grants, and overhauling the student loan process, I aim to alleviate financial burdens and ensure that every child has the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams without unnecessary debt.
I am dedicated to enhancing access to quality and affordable healthcare in both urban and rural communities within our district. Recognizing the challenges faced by citizens, I will be a strong advocate in Congress to lower the costs of prescription drugs, ensuring that necessary medications are within reach for everyone. Understanding the unique healthcare obstacles in rural America, I am committed to providing affordable healthcare options within these communities. I support the expansion of telehealth services, recognizing their potential to bridge the gap and bring medical expertise directly to individuals in rural areas. Additionally, I will work to invest in and encourage young doctors to practice in these underserved regions. Protecting vital programs such as Medicare for seniors and Medicaid for working families is a top priority for me. I believe that hard-working Americans who have contributed to Medicare throughout their lives should not have to worry about politicians in Washington jeopardizing their earned benefits. I will actively work to shield Medicare from privatization or conversion into a voucher system, ensuring its stability and availability for those who depend on it. By advocating for lower drug costs, expanding healthcare access, and safeguarding critical programs like Medicare and Medicaid, I aim to contribute to a healthier future for our citizens, regardless of where they live.
As a retired Army officer, I am a steadfast advocate for our veterans. I am committed to working across party lines to hold the Veterans Administration (VA) accountable through meaningful legislative reforms, upholding our nation's unwavering commitment to those who have served in uniform. Veterans have sacrificed for our country, and it is our duty to ensure they receive the care and support they deserve. To address the challenges faced by veterans, I will work tirelessly to improve their access to healthcare, benefits, jobs, education, transportation, and housing. It is imperative that no veteran falls through the cracks, and homelessness among veterans should be eradicated. Our veterans deserve our absolute best efforts, and I am dedicated to standing up for them, ensuring they are not forgotten or left behind. In addition to these efforts, I will introduce legislation to overhaul the hiring and pay system of the VA. This is essential to create a more efficient and effective system that serves the needs of our veterans. By implementing these changes, we can strengthen the support network for our veterans, ensuring they receive the care, resources, and opportunities they deserve after serving our country with honor and dedication.
I am a staunch advocate for Virginia's seniors and will fervently fight to fund and protect essential programs such as Medicare, Social Security, Meals on Wheels, Senior Corps, and others that contribute to ensuring seniors lead healthy, independent lives. Social Security, earned through a lifetime of work, remains a vital benefit for our seniors, and I vehemently oppose any attempt to privatize it. I am dedicated to introducing common-sense legislation to safeguard Social Security's solvency, ensuring its availability for both current and future generations. Recognizing that Social Security is often the sole source of retirement income for many seniors, the notion of taking it away is a non-starter for me. I am committed to preserving this critical lifeline for our elderly population. Medicare is another cornerstone of support for seniors, providing access to quality and affordable healthcare. I will staunchly oppose any attempts to cut Medicare or transform it into a voucher system. Instead, I will work towards strengthening Medicare by advocating for fair reimbursement rates for doctors and hospitals. This ensures the financial feasibility of providing quality care to Medicare patients, contributing to the overall health and well-being of our senior citizens. In representing Virginia's seniors, I will be unwavering in my commitment to protecting and enhancing the programs that contribute to their health, independence, and overall quality of life.
I firmly believe in the importance of a fair tax system that ensures everyone, both individual citizens and corporations, pays their fair share to contribute to the well-being and maintenance of our country. It is essential to close loopholes that allow some entities to exploit the system, creating a more equitable and just taxation structure. My stance on fair taxes is rooted in the principle that every citizen and corporation should bear the responsibility of supporting our nation through taxation. This isn't about advocating for a specific wealth tax, but rather emphasizing the need for a system where everyone pays what they owe. A fair tax system not only fosters economic justice but also ensures that the burden of sustaining our society is distributed proportionately. By closing loopholes and promoting accountability in tax contributions, we can create a system that funds essential public services, infrastructure, and social programs. It's a matter of fairness, responsibility, and ensuring that the benefits of living in a prosperous society are shared by all. I advocate for a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to taxation that promotes equality, transparency, and the collective well-being of our nation. [2] |
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| —Paul Riley's campaign website (2024)[3] | ||
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on August 29, 2025
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Paul Riley, “Issues,” accessed June 14, 2024
