Democrat Eugene Vindman emerged victorious in Virginia’s 7th District congressional race, dealing a blow to the GOP’s efforts to flip the open House seat. Defeating Republican Derrick Anderson in a closely contested battle, Vindman’s win came after the district’s three-term incumbent, Democratic U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, opted to run for governor in 2025. Vindman, an immigrant who escaped a Soviet regime with limited resources, expressed gratitude for the support of his grassroots movement, highlighting the power of the American experience exemplified by his election to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Anderson’s campaign did not immediately concede defeat, citing thousands of uncounted ballots. The election between Vindman and Anderson grew to become one of the most competitive races in the country, with Republicans eyeing gains in districts lacking an incumbent. Vindman gained national recognition as a political newcomer after raising concerns alongside his brother during then-President Donald Trump’s first impeachment. Focus varied in the campaign, with Vindman highlighting abortion rights and the threat of MAGA extremism, while Anderson pitched himself as the more affable candidate focused on economic issues.
Republicans had a long-standing presence in the 7th District until Spanberger’s win in 2018 against former Republican Rep. David Brat. In a separate race, Republican U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans secured reelection in Virginia’s 2nd District, fending off Democratic challenger Missy Cotter Smasal in a victory that reinforced Republican control of the House. Kiggans underscored the importance of common-sense conservatism in her victory statement, emphasizing economic security, border protection, community safety, and global strength. Cotter Smasal acknowledged her campaign’s focus on essential freedoms and democracy protection while vowing to continue amplifying the voices of her supporters.
In a district historically swinging between Republicans and Democrats with Navy backgrounds, Kiggans faced Cotter Smasal in a tense campaign marked by national political fault lines. The candidates clashed over issues such as abortion access, American democracy defense, the economy, and border security. Virginia’s 2nd District has seen shifts between political parties, with past representatives including a former Navy SEAL and Navy commander. Across other congressional races in Virginia, both Democrats and Republicans secured victories, with incumbents defending their seats and newcomers claiming victory in closely contested battles.
The overall themes of the 2024 election in Virginia centered around a mix of continuity and change, with voters reaffirming their choices in some districts and opting for new representation in others. Democratic incumbents like Reps. Beyer, Connolly, McClellan, and Scott retained their seats, as did Republican incumbents like Reps. Cline, Griffith, and Wittman. State Sen. John McGuire’s victory over incumbent Rep. Bob Good showcased the intensity of primary challenges in the state. Democrat Suhas Subramanyam also secured a win in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, aiming to continue representing the region following the incumbent’s health-related decision not to seek reelection.
