Virginia's 7th Congressional District election, 2026

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Virginia's 7th Congressional District
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: April 2, 2026
Primary: June 16, 2026 General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voting in Virginia
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Lean Democratic DDHQ and The Hill: Pending Inside Elections: Lean Democratic Sabato's Crystal Ball: Likely Democratic
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
See also
Virginia's 7th Congressional District U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th • 8th • 9th • 10th • 11th Virginia elections, 2026 U.S. Congress elections, 2026 U.S. Senate elections, 2026 U.S. House elections, 2026 Alabama U.S. House racesAlaska U.S. House raceArizona U.S. House racesArkansas U.S. House racesCalifornia U.S. House racesColorado U.S. House racesConnecticut U.S. House racesDelaware U.S. House raceFlorida U.S. House racesGeorgia U.S. House racesHawaii U.S. House racesIdaho U.S. House racesIllinois U.S. House racesIndiana U.S. House racesIowa U.S. House racesKansas U.S. House racesKentucky U.S. House racesLouisiana U.S. House racesMaine U.S. House racesMaryland U.S. House racesMassachusetts U.S. House racesMichigan U.S. House racesMinnesota U.S. House racesMississippi U.S. House racesMissouri U.S. House racesMontana U.S. House racesNebraska U.S. House racesNevada U.S. House racesNew Hampshire U.S. House racesNew Jersey U.S. House racesNew Mexico U.S. House racesNew York U.S. House racesNorth Carolina U.S. House racesNorth Dakota U.S. House raceOhio U.S. House racesOklahoma U.S. House racesOregon U.S. House racesPennsylvania U.S. House racesRhode Island U.S. House racesSouth Carolina U.S. House racesSouth Dakota U.S. House raceTennessee U.S. House racesTexas U.S. House racesUtah U.S. House racesVermont U.S. House raceVirginia U.S. House racesWashington U.S. House racesWest Virginia U.S. House racesWisconsin U.S. House racesWyoming U.S. House raceSubmit

All U.S. House districts, including the 7th Congressional District of Virginia, are holding elections in 2026. The general election is November 3, 2026. To learn more about other elections on the ballot, click here.

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:

• Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
• Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. House Virginia District 7

The following candidates are running in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 7 on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Eugene Vindman (D)
	Submit photo	Matthew Rainforth (D)
		Tara Durant (R)
		John Gray (R)
		Darius Mayfield (R)
	Submit photo	Douglas Ollivant (R)
		Alex Thymmons (R)
	Submit photo	Waverly Washington (R)

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Alex Thymmons

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Submitted Biography:  "I am a first-generation American who learned to read by candlelight under communism, and who came to this country as a teenager chasing freedom. My first job in America was cleaning floors and toilets in a warehouse to help my family make rent. Months after I graduated from high school as Valedictorian… 9/11 happened. At that moment, I understood that the American Dream was never just about opportunity; it was about duty. So, after earning my citizenship, I walked into an Army recruiter’s office. I led an infantry platoon in combat during the Baghdad surge, where I saw friends… heroes… give everything, so that others could live free. Later, I commanded a detachment in a special operations task force in Afghanistan and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. I served with patriots in our intelligence community and worked alongside our NATO allies as an Eisenhower PhD Fellow, researcher, and scholar. Here, in Virginia, I built a family, a business, and a life of service: all while delivering aid in Ukraine with Rotary International, searching for missing Americans in Syria, and advising Members of Congress on energy and defense challenges at home and abroad. With graduate degrees in both national and international security, I’ve taught generals and ambassadors how to keep our edge and advised the White House and industry on how to power the future, ensuring America leads in energy, cyber, and artificial intelligence."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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Restoring the American Dream. I came to this country as a teenager with nothing but a belief that hard work and faith in The Lord could build a better life. Today, too many families in my district feel that promise slipping away. Wages can’t keep up, homes are out of reach, and the dream of building something lasting feels harder every year. My campaign is about restoring that promise. It’s about making sure that every Virginian can own a home, afford energy, start a business, and give their kids a future that’s brighter than their own.

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Energy Independence and Affordability. Energy is the foundation of every strong nation; it powers our homes, our jobs, and our security. I’ve spent years studying and advising on how to make America more resilient, with a PhD in energy resilience and an MBA in leadership and data science. I’ve seen how rising energy costs eat into paychecks and weaken communities. That’s why I’m focused on building reliable, local power generation; projects that create good jobs, lower bills, and make Virginia a leader in clean, secure, and affordable energy. This isn’t about politics; it’s about making sure families can keep the lights on, businesses can grow, and America stays strong and self-reliant in the years ahead.

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Service, Security, and Hope. I’ve led Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, worked with our intelligence community, and stood beside our allies abroad. I’ve seen both the cost of freedom and the strength of the human spirit when people come together for something bigger than themselves. Now, I’m running to serve again; to protect our communities, defend our values, and restore a sense of hope for our youth. Too many young Americans are losing faith in the future, and that’s not who we are. We’re a nation that believes tomorrow can be better than today, if we’re willing to work for it. That’s what I want to fight for: an America that lives up to its promise, that honors service above self, and that leaves no one behind.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Virginia

Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

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.

Expand all | Collapse all

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Alex Thymmons (R)

Restoring the American Dream. I came to this country as a teenager with nothing but a belief that hard work and faith in The Lord could build a better life. Today, too many families in my district feel that promise slipping away. Wages can’t keep up, homes are out of reach, and the dream of building something lasting feels harder every year. My campaign is about restoring that promise. It’s about making sure that every Virginian can own a home, afford energy, start a business, and give their kids a future that’s brighter than their own.

Energy Independence and Affordability. Energy is the foundation of every strong nation; it powers our homes, our jobs, and our security. I’ve spent years studying and advising on how to make America more resilient, with a PhD in energy resilience and an MBA in leadership and data science. I’ve seen how rising energy costs eat into paychecks and weaken communities. That’s why I’m focused on building reliable, local power generation; projects that create good jobs, lower bills, and make Virginia a leader in clean, secure, and affordable energy. This isn’t about politics; it’s about making sure families can keep the lights on, businesses can grow, and America stays strong and self-reliant in the years ahead.

Service, Security, and Hope. I’ve led Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, worked with our intelligence community, and stood beside our allies abroad. I’ve seen both the cost of freedom and the strength of the human spirit when people come together for something bigger than themselves. Now, I’m running to serve again; to protect our communities, defend our values, and restore a sense of hope for our youth. Too many young Americans are losing faith in the future, and that’s not who we are. We’re a nation that believes tomorrow can be better than today, if we’re willing to work for it. That’s what I want to fight for: an America that lives up to its promise, that honors service above self, and that leaves no one behind.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Alex Thymmons (R)

I’m also passionate about the kind of service that begins in the community and extends across borders. As a past VFW Post Commander and District Commander, I’ve worked to support veterans and raise funds for programs that help those struggling with PTSD. As a former Rotary International Club President, I’ve delivered humanitarian aid in Ukraine; seeing firsthand how American generosity brings hope to people in crisis. And earlier this year, I became the first American Army veteran to enter Damascus after the fall of the Assad regime; searching for missing Americans in Syria. Those experiences taught me that real leadership isn’t about titles or politics; it’s about showing up, serving others, and standing up for those who can’t stand alone.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Alex Thymmons (R)

I look up to Jesus Christ; the true servant leader, the Lamb and the Lion. He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. His strength was not in armies or titles, but in truth, love, mercy, and sacrifice. When the proud sought power, He knelt to wash the feet of others. When the world offered comfort, He chose the cross. In His words, “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.” That is the model I try to follow; to lead by faith, to speak truth with love, and to serve others with the same humility and courage that He showed from Galilee to Calvary.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Alex Thymmons (R)

The most important qualities in an elected official are integrity, courage, and service. Integrity means telling the truth, even when it costs you politically. Courage means making hard choices guided by principle, not polls. And service means remembering that leadership is about lifting others, not elevating yourself. The best officials stay grounded in the people they represent; they listen before they speak, lead by example, and never forget that public office is a trust, not a trophy.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Alex Thymmons (R)

The core responsibility of anyone elected to Congress is to serve the people, not a party or special interest. That means listening to constituents first, understanding their struggles, and translating that into action that makes daily life better: lowering costs, strengthening security, and protecting opportunity. It also means oversight: holding government accountable, ensuring taxpayer money is spent wisely, and defending the Constitution at all times. Above all, the job is about stewardship; leaving the nation stronger, freer, and more united than when you found it.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Alex Thymmons (R)

I used to think changing the world meant doing something big: passing laws, leading missions, shaping policy. But over time I’ve learned that real change begins with being a good husband, a present father, a steady neighbor, a man of service in his community. I want my legacy to be measured in the lives I’ve touched: the friend I encouraged, the veteran I helped, the child who saw that integrity still matters. I may not change the whole world, but if I can change it for one person at a time, then I’ve done what God put me here to do.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Alex Thymmons (R)

The first historical event I remember was the Romanian Revolution of 1989. I was seven years old, a child learning to read by candlelight because electricity was rationed under communism. I can still recall the chill in the air, the low hum of fear that filled every home, and the quiet hope that maybe, just maybe, life could change. My parents would huddle by the radio late at night, listening to forbidden broadcasts from the West, while I sat beside them tracing words in the dim flicker of a candle. That was when I first understood that freedom isn’t something you inherit; it’s something people fight for, protect, and sometimes sacrifice everything to keep.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Alex Thymmons (R)

My first job in America was cleaning floors and toilets in a warehouse while I was still in high school. I barely spoke English then; and honestly, I learned more Spanish than English from my coworkers. But I showed up early, worked hard, and took pride in doing the job right. Within two years, that same work ethic got me promoted all the way to personal assistant to the CEO. It was my first real lesson in the American Dream: no matter where you start, if you work hard and never quit, you can rise.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Alex Thymmons (R)

My favorite book is the Bible. It’s more than a book; it’s a guide, a compass, and a reminder that strength begins with humility and faith. Every time I open it, I find something new: wisdom for leadership, comfort in struggle, and courage for the road ahead. The Bible grounds me; it reminds me that purpose doesn’t come from power or position, but from serving others and walking in truth. It’s shaped every part of who I am; as a husband, a father, and a man trying to live by faith in both words and deeds.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Alex Thymmons (R)

If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose Arjuna from the Bhagavad Gita. His story speaks to the struggle between duty and doubt; the moment when a warrior stands at the edge of battle, torn between what’s right and what’s easy. Arjuna’s journey isn’t just about war; it’s about faith, clarity, and surrendering ego to a higher purpose. Like him, I’ve learned that true strength isn’t found in victory alone, but in the courage to act with conscience; to fight for what is just, even when the path is hard or lonely.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Alex Thymmons (R)

One of my biggest struggles has been learning to slow down; to balance purpose with peace. I’ve spent much of my life in motion: deployments, service, school, work, always pushing for the next goal. But being a husband and a father has taught me that strength isn’t only about endurance; it’s about presence. I’ve had to learn that leading my family and showing up for my community require as much discipline as any mission I’ve ever taken on. My challenge has been learning to measure success not by how much I do, but by how deeply I serve the people right in front of me.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Alex Thymmons (R)

The U.S. House of Representatives is unique because it stands closest to the heartbeat of the nation; it is where the voices of everyday Americans meet the machinery of government. Its members face voters every two years, ensuring that the debates in Washington never drift too far from the kitchen tables of the people they serve. The House captures the urgency, diversity, and energy of democracy in motion. It brings together farmers and teachers, veterans and entrepreneurs, communities from every corner of this country, each carrying their own story and struggle. That constant renewal is both a challenge and a gift; it keeps the institution humble, restless, and responsive. And when it works as intended, the House reminds us that America’s strength has always come from one simple truth: when the people speak, government must listen.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Alex Thymmons (R)

Experience in government can be valuable; but it isn’t everything. What matters most is whether a representative understands the people they serve and has the courage to lead with integrity. Those who’ve worked inside the system bring knowledge of how laws are made and how to get things done. But those who’ve lived outside it often bring the perspective and urgency that Washington needs. The best Congress blends both: the experienced hand who knows the process and the fresh voice who remembers why it exists. In the end, what counts isn’t how long someone’s been in politics, but whether they still listen, still care, and still remember who they’re fighting for.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Alex Thymmons (R)

Over the next decade, America’s greatest challenge will be confronting a rising China while restoring the credibility of our leadership among allies. China is not just a competitor; it is a strategic rival seeking to reshape the global order in ways that weaken freedom and undermine democratic values. Meeting that challenge requires more than military strength; it demands renewed trust. Our allies must once again believe that America keeps its word, honors its commitments, and leads with both resolve and consistency. We need to rebuild our manufacturing and technological base at home while deepening partnerships abroad—especially with NATO, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and India—to deter aggression and protect the global balance of power. Restoring credibility starts with competence, unity, and the understanding that American strength is magnified, not diminished, when we lead through alliances grounded in shared purpose.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Alex Thymmons (R)

I believe the current two-year terms in the House are too short to serve the people effectively. Representatives spend nearly half their time campaigning for the next election instead of focusing on long-term solutions. It creates a cycle of short-term thinking and constant fundraising that weakens accountability and leadership. Extending the term to four years would give members enough time to learn the job, build relationships across party lines, and deliver measurable results without the distraction of perpetual campaigning.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Alex Thymmons (R)

I believe that limiting service to eight years keeps representatives accountable while preventing the rise of entrenched, career politicians. Two-year cycles force members to stay close to the voters; they must earn the public’s trust often. But an eight-year cap ensures they don’t make Congress a lifetime job. Eight years gives enough time to learn the system, pass meaningful legislation, and mentor new leaders, while guaranteeing regular turnover and fresh ideas. It balances experience with renewal, ensuring that power remains with the people, not with politicians who grow comfortable in Washington.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Alex Thymmons (R)

The leader I most identify with is Theodore Roosevelt. He embodied a rare blend of toughness, intellect, and moral clarity; a man who believed that service demanded both courage in battle and compassion in governance. Roosevelt lived by the principle that leadership means action: confronting corruption, protecting natural resources, and standing up for the ordinary American against powerful interests. He showed that patriotism isn’t noise or anger; it’s hard work and personal accountability. I admire how he led from the front, spoke plainly, and never asked others to do what he wouldn’t do himself. That spirit of grit, reform, and relentless energy is exactly what I aim to bring to public service today.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Alex Thymmons (R)

A few days before the shutdown, I met a single mother who worked for a federal agency in our district. She told me that even though she had a full-time job serving her country, her paycheck no longer stretched far enough to cover rent, childcare, and groceries. She had begun visiting food pantries to keep food on the table for her kids; and she said what scared her most wasn’t hunger, but the feeling that no one in Washington seemed to care. That conversation stayed with me. When the shutdown began, I declared a hunger strike because I couldn’t stand by while mothers like her were forced to skip meals so their children could eat. Leaders shouldn’t live above the pain of the people they represent. If families in our communities are suffering, then we have a duty to share that burden until it’s lifted.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Alex Thymmons (R)

Yes, compromise is both necessary and desirable for policymaking; because no single person or party has a monopoly on the truth. America’s strength has always come from its ability to bring different people together around shared goals. Today, polarization has made too many leaders forget that. We can debate ideas fiercely, but at the end of the day, our duty is to put the American people and the national interest first. Real leadership means finding common ground without abandoning principle; working across divides so that progress isn’t held hostage by partisanship. Compromise, when rooted in integrity and service, isn’t weakness; it’s how democracy works.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Alex Thymmons (R)

The Constitution gives the House the power to originate all bills for raising revenue because it was designed to keep taxation closest to the people. If elected, I’d use that responsibility to make sure every dollar collected and spent helps restore the American Dream; not bureaucracies or special interests. My priority would be to restore fiscal discipline and fairness: lowering taxes for the middle class, cutting waste, and ensuring every budget reflects real accountability. The power to raise revenue is also the power to set priorities, and mine would be simple: to make life more affordable, invest in energy and infrastructure that create jobs, and protect the taxpayers who make this country work.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Alex Thymmons (R)

The House’s investigative power is one of its most important responsibilities; it’s how Congress holds government accountable to the people. I’ve seen that work up close, having helped conduct congressional investigations as a staffer on the Hill. When used properly, this power isn’t about headlines or partisanship; it’s about uncovering facts, protecting taxpayers, and ensuring that agencies, contractors, and officials operate with transparency and integrity. If elected, I’d use that experience to make sure oversight stays focused on truth and results; investigations that fix problems, not fuel division. Accountability is how we rebuild public trust, and the House must never shy away from that duty.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

Alex Thymmons (R)

One story that really stayed with me came from a small business owner in Prince William County. He told me his family’s utility bills had doubled over the last few years; not because of waste, but because massive data centers nearby were consuming so much electricity and water that the cost was being passed on to residents. Around the same time, big investment companies started buying up homes in his neighborhood, driving prices beyond what most working families could afford. He said, “I love my community, but it’s getting harder to stay here.” That conversation stuck with me because it captured something deeper than economics: it was about belonging. When the cost of living pushes families out of the very communities they built, something’s gone wrong. That’s why I’m fighting for smart growth, fair energy policy, and a housing market that puts families, not corporations, first.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Alex Thymmons (R)

One of the accomplishments I’m proud of is my recent work with the White House, congressional offices, and energy industry leaders on grid resilience and smart-energy legislation. I focused on modernizing America’s power infrastructure: building a framework for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), expanding smart-grid technologies, and setting standards for how data centers integrate into our energy system. These efforts are critical for long-term energy security, lowering electricity costs for families, and ensuring America maintains global leadership in next-generation AI and energy innovation. But I also believe Congress must act faster to help families right now; through targeted incentives, streamlined permitting for local power generation, and policies that make power both affordable and reliable in the short term. Long-term resilience and immediate relief must go hand in hand.

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

Alex Thymmons (R)

The federal government must take an active but disciplined role in the development and use of artificial intelligence. We are in a global race for AI dominance, and if America falls behind, we risk losing both economic and national security leadership to adversaries like China. But leadership in AI must be built responsibly; grounded in energy resilience, security, and transparency. As data centers multiply to power AI systems, they are driving up electricity and water demand, straining local grids, and raising costs for families. The government’s role should be to set clear national standards that balance innovation with infrastructure; investing in next-generation power and cooling technologies, securing the data that trains AI, and ensuring that every advancement serves the American people first. We must win the AI race, but do it in a way that strengthens our grid, safeguards our communities, and keeps America both free and competitive.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

Alex Thymmons (R)

Mandating uniform, federal standards to enhance election integrity and prevent voter fraud by requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration; enforcing a strict nationwide rule that all ballots must be received by Election Day, even if mailed earlier; and imposing new federal standards on voting technology, such as requiring a voter-verifiable paper record while restricting systems that rely on barcodes for counting. Additionally, I support legislation to ban the use of private funding for election operations at the state and local levels, ensuring that only public funds are used for election administration.

You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:

• Darius Mayfield
• Eugene Vindman
• John Gray
• Tara Durant

Campaign finance

Name	Party	Receipts*	Disbursements**	Cash on hand	Date
Eugene Vindman	Democratic Party	$5,325,053	$2,329,785	$3,130,202	As of September 30, 2025
Matthew Rainforth	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Tara Durant	Republican Party	$303,012	$55,849	$247,163	As of September 30, 2025
John Gray	Republican Party	$180,302	$68,852	$111,450	As of September 30, 2025
Darius Mayfield	Republican Party	$29,577	$26,094	$3,483	As of September 30, 2025
Douglas Ollivant	Republican Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Alex Thymmons	Republican Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Waverly Washington	Republican Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). * According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." ** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election. *** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

• Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
• Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
• Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.
• Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.

Race ratings: Virginia's 7th Congressional District election, 2026
Race tracker	Race ratings
	1/13/2026	1/6/2026	12/23/2025	12/16/2025
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter	Lean Democratic	Lean Democratic	Lean Democratic	Lean Democratic
Decision Desk HQ and The Hill	Pending	Pending	Pending	Pending
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales	Lean Democratic	Lean Democratic	Lean Democratic	Lean Democratic
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball	Likely Democratic	Likely Democratic	Likely Democratic	Likely Democratic
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week.

Ballot access

The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in Virginia in the 2026 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Virginia, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2026
State	Office	Party	Signatures required	Filing fee	Filing deadline	Source
Virginia	U.S. House	Ballot-qualified party	1,000	$3,480	4/2/2026	Source
Virginia	U.S. House	Unaffiliated	1,000	N/A	6/16/2026	Source

District history

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.

• 2024
• 2022
• 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House Virginia District 7

Eugene Vindman (D) defeated Derrick Anderson (R) in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 7 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Eugene Vindman (D)	51.2	203,336
		Derrick Anderson (R)	48.5	192,847
		Other/Write-in votes	0.3%	1,116

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 397,299
= 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.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Craig Ennis (Independent)

Democratic primary

Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 7

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 7 on June 18, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Eugene Vindman	49.3	17,263
		Elizabeth Guzman	15.1	5,283
		Briana Sewell	13.4	4,706
		Andrea Bailey	12.5	4,381
		Margaret Franklin	5.8	2,034
		Carl Bedell	2.1	738
		Clifford Heinzer	1.8	621

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 35,026
= 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.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Mohamed Bourakba (D)
• Whitney Kerr (D)

Republican primary

Republican primary for U.S. House Virginia District 7

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Virginia District 7 on June 18, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Derrick Anderson	45.2	16,338
		Cameron Hamilton	37.2	13,448
		Jonathon Myers	12.9	4,660
		John Prabhudoss	2.0	729
		Maria Martin	1.7	625
		Terris Todd	1.0	373

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 36,173
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Jeffrey Sacks (R)
• Shaliek Tarpley (R)
• Robert Wease (R)

General election

General election for U.S. House Virginia District 7

Incumbent Abigail Spanberger (D) defeated Yesli Vega (R) in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 7 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Abigail Spanberger (D)	52.2	143,357
		Yesli Vega (R)	47.6	130,586
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2%	637

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 274,580
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary

The Democratic primary scheduled for June 21, 2022, was canceled. Incumbent Abigail Spanberger (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 7 without appearing on the ballot.

Republican primary

Republican primary for U.S. House Virginia District 7

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Virginia District 7 on June 21, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Yesli Vega	28.9	10,913
		Derrick Anderson	23.8	8,966
		Bryce Reeves	20.1	7,580
		Crystal Vanuch	17.0	6,400
	Submit photo	David Ross	6.1	2,284
		Gina Ciarcia	4.2	1,565

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 37,708
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Gary Adkins (R)
• Gary Barve (R)
• John Castorani (R)
• Amanda Chase (R)
• Craig Ennis (R)
• Taylor Keeney (R)
• John McGuire (R)
• Michael Monteforte (R)
• Tina Ramirez (R)

General election

General election for U.S. House Virginia District 7

Incumbent Abigail Spanberger (D) defeated Nick Freitas (R) in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 7 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Abigail Spanberger (D)	50.8	230,893
		Nick Freitas (R)	49.0	222,623
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2%	823

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 454,339
= 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.
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Democratic primary

The Democratic primary scheduled for June 23, 2020, was canceled. Incumbent Abigail Spanberger (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 7 without appearing on the ballot.

Republican convention

Republican convention for U.S. House Virginia District 7

The following candidates ran in the Republican convention for U.S. House Virginia District 7 on July 18, 2020.

		Candidate
✔		Nick Freitas
		Pete Greenwald
		Andrew Knaggs
		John McGuire
		Tina Ramirez
		Jason Alexander Roberge

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= 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.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Mike Dickinson (R)
• Craig Ennis (R)
• Bridgette Williams (R)

District analysis

Click the tabs below to view information about voter composition, past elections, and demographics in both the district and the state.

• District map - A map of the district in place for the election.
• Competitiveness - Information about the competitiveness of 2026 U.S. House elections in the state.
• Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the district and the state.
• State party control - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.

• District map
• Competitiveness
• Presidential elections
• State party control

Below is the district map in place for this election. Click the map below to enlarge it.

See also: Primary election competitiveness in state and federal government, 2026

Information about competitiveness will be added here as it becomes available.

Partisan Voter Index

See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index

Heading into the 2026 elections, based on results from the 2024 and 2020 presidential elections, the Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district is D+2. This meant that in those two presidential elections, this district's results were 2 percentage points more Democratic than the national average. This made Virginia's 7th the 199th most Democratic district nationally.

2020 presidential election results

The table below shows what the vote in the 2024 presidential election was in this district. The presidential election data was compiled by The Downballot.

2024 presidential results in Virginia's 7th Congressional District

Kamala Harris	Donald Trump
51.0%	48.0%

Presidential voting history

See also: Presidential election in Virginia, 2024

Virginia presidential election results (1900-2024)

• 18 Democratic wins
• 14 Republican wins

Year	1900	1904	1908	1912	1916	1920	1924	1928	1932	1936	1940	1944	1948	1952	1956	1960	1964	1968	1972	1976	1980	1984	1988	1992	1996	2000	2004	2008	2012	2016	2020	2024
Winning Party	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D

See also: Party control of Virginia state government

Congressional delegation

The table below displays the partisan composition of Virginia's congressional delegation as of October 2025.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Virginia
Party	U.S. Senate	U.S. House	Total
Democratic	2	6	8
Republican	0	5	5
Independent	0	0	0
Vacancies	0	0	0
Total	2	11	13

State executive

The table below displays the officeholders in Virginia's top four state executive offices as of October 2025.

State executive officials in Virginia, October 2025

Office	Officeholder
Governor	Glenn Youngkin
Lieutenant Governor	Winsome Earle-Sears
Secretary of State	Kelly Gee
Attorney General	Jason Miyares

State legislature

Virginia State Senate

Party		As of October 2025
	Democratic Party	21
	Republican Party	19
	Other	0
	Vacancies	0
Total		40

Virginia House of Delegates

Party		As of October 2025
	Democratic Party	51
	Republican Party	48
	Other	0
	Vacancies	1
Total		100

Trifecta control

Virginia Party Control: 1992-2025
Four years of Democratic trifectas  •  Four years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99	00	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25
Governor	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R
Senate	D	D	D	D	S	S	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	R	R	D	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D
House	D	D	D	D	D	D	S	S	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	R	R	D	D

See also

Virginia	2026 primaries	2026 U.S. Congress elections
Virginia congressional delegation Voting in Virginia Virginia elections: 2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018	Democratic primary battlegrounds Republican primary battlegrounds U.S. Senate Democratic primaries U.S. Senate Republican primaries U.S. House Democratic primaries U.S. House Republican primaries	U.S. Congress elections U.S. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access

External links

• Search Google News for this topic

Footnotes

[show]

Virginia's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Tim Kaine (D)

Mark Warner (D)

Representatives

District 1

Rob Wittman (R)

District 2

Jennifer Kiggans (R)

District 3

Bobby Scott (D)

District 4

Jennifer McClellan (D)

District 5

John McGuire (R)

District 6

Benjamin Lee Cline (R)

District 7

Eugene Vindman (D)

District 8

Donald Sternoff Beyer (D)

District 9

H. Morgan Griffith (R)

District 10

Suhas Subramanyam (D)

District 11

James Walkinshaw (D)

Democratic Party (8)

Republican Party (5)

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