Former Democratic Rep. Elaine Luria of Virginia introduced her marketing campaign to return to Congress on Wednesday, aiming to recapture a key battleground district with extra favorable midterm tailwinds subsequent 12 months.
“I cannot sit back and watch as Republicans in Congress create chaos while failing to address the rising cost of living and the issues that matter to Coastal Virginians,” Luria mentioned in a assertion saying her bid. “Virginians are hungry for change, and I look forward to getting back to work for Hampton Roads.”
A Navy veteran, Luria was amongst a number of Democrats with nationwide safety backgrounds elected through the 2018 midterms of President Donald Trump’s first time period. She misplaced her seat 4 years later to GOP Rep. Jen Kiggans as Republicans received management of the US House throughout Democrat Joe Biden’s time period.
Virginia Democrats are ascendant after sweeping the top three statewide offices on this month’s off-year elections and making good points within the House of Delegates. National Democrats are optimistic that Trump’s total unpopularity might assist them regain the House, notably by flipping districts in blue-leaning states like Virginia.
Luria might additionally profit from a potential mid-decade redistricting under consideration by Virginia state lawmakers that might make it tougher for Kiggans to win reelection.
During her time in Congress, Luria established a average repute, aligning with nationwide security-focused moderates like Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger, who have been elected the brand new governors of New Jersey and Virginia final week, respectively.
She additionally served on the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot, accusing Trump of a “dereliction of duty.”
Virginia’s 2nd District at present covers a massive southeastern portion of the state surrounding Norfolk, formed by its important publicity to a massive US Navy base there.