Fredericksburg, Va. — In Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, both candidates agree that democracy faces significant challenges. Republican Derrick Anderson and Democrat Eugene Vindman argue that the government has fallen short in serving constituents, as political extremes take center stage. According to them, this election is pivotal for the nation’s future.
Yet, their rhetoric starts to diverge from this common ground. Anderson, a former Army Green Beret, presents himself as a friendly figure who can unite residents through basic governance. “Ultimately, I think people are ready for someone who can manage effectively in Washington, D.C., and stop inflaming tensions,” he remarked in a recent interview.
Vindman, who gained significant recognition for supporting his brother’s whistleblowing against former President Donald Trump regarding pressure on Ukraine concerning the Biden family, sees Trump as a continuing threat to democracy. “Some folks have moved on from this issue, but many have not; however, it remains significant,” he commented on the scandal leading to Trump’s first impeachment. “This is not just history, especially with Trump being the major party’s nominee now.”
Both Anderson, 40, and 49-year-old Vindman, both Army veterans vying for the House seat that Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a moderate Democrat, has opted not to contest, have engaged in a close contest in their rapidly growing district, where veterans represent around 12% of the population. The two candidates are navigating a well-matched electoral landscape, with Anderson leaning on traditional Republican themes like the economy and immigration, while Vindman emphasizes abortion rights and opposing extremism.
Their opposing viewpoints exemplify the broader voter anxieties surrounding American democracy today. In a polarized climate, outcomes in this race could have implications that stretch beyond the district to the larger makeup of Congress. Democrats aim to solidify their position in the 7th District, which transitioned to Democratic representation in 2018, taking over a seat that Republicans held for almost half a century. For Republicans, this race is an opportunity to reclaim lost ground amid a competitive political battle.
According to political science professor Stephen Farnsworth of the University of Mary Washington, the 7th District is key to understanding larger national trends. “There is considerable national interest in Virginia’s 7th, which is a district where congressional majorities can be determined,” he stated. “Success in suburban areas around big cities is crucial for any party hoping to control the House.”
Vindman’s narrative of democracy is at the core of his campaign, as he has described his decision to expose Trump’s misconduct as a commitment to a democracy “unbroken, but not unblemished.” This experience has motivated his run for office. While serving as an ethics lawyer in the White House in 2019, Vindman learned from his twin brother, Alexander, about a troubling phone call from Trump to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, pressing him to investigate Joe Biden and his son. They raised alarms, which became foundational to the impeachment inquiry pursued by the Democrats.
Vindman and his brother were dismissed from their roles in 2020, and subsequent assessments from the Department of Defense inspector general suggested Vindman faced retaliation due to his actions. He has emphasized that he doesn’t harbor a grudge. “It highlights that a leading party nominee — a potential president — engaged in such activities,” he remarked.
His notable past distinguishes Vindman from his opponents in a highly contested primary, especially as he has capitalized on his impeachment experience for fundraising — having amassed nearly $3 million by the end of September, overshadowing Anderson’s $1 million. Surprisingly, over half of the $9 million Democrats spent on advertising during the general election derived from Vindman’s campaign, contrasting with Anderson, who relies more on support from Republican groups.
Despite this financial advantage, the race remains competitive within a diverse voter base, including various independent voters from the D.C. suburbs extending to the Blue Ridge foothills. Vindman’s ties to Trump’s impeachment may pose challenges in persuading moderate constituents. Anderson seeks to sway such voters by portraying Vindman as excessively partisan. He has criticized Vindman’s military credentials and has argued that the liberal candidate’s history regarding Trump should be detrimental to his campaign efforts.
In response, Vindman believes that voters will appreciate his principled choices. “Moral courage is rare and one of the most crucial traits,” he said, noting the fundamental differences between himself and Anderson.
The race has not been without drama, particularly when Anderson shared a campaign image featuring him with a woman and her three daughters. Critics contended that it resembled a family portrait, despite the people in the photo not being related to him. As the photo gained attention, Vindman accused Anderson of misleading voters, while Anderson defended his intent as merely celebrating community.
A more pressing challenge for Anderson could be his alignment with Trump. With about 60,000 federal employees living in the district, Anderson has faced scrutiny over Trump’s suggestions to relocate a significant number of these workers. His campaign has indicated that he opposes the proposal.
Historically, Trump has struggled to garner support in this district compared to other Republican candidates. In 2020, voters favored Biden by seven points, while Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin managed to win by about five points. “Trump hasn’t been well-received in Northern Virginia,” noted political analyst Bob Holsworth. “Republican candidates in this area find themselves challenged by Trump’s popularity — or lack thereof.”
As Democrats have heavily invested resources into advertising, they have focused on connecting Anderson with Trump. Vindman has targeted Anderson for accepting financial backing from “MAGA extremists,” linking his campaign to Trump’s platform. Despite Trump’s endorsement, Anderson has promised to act as an independent voice if elected. “When serving overseas, political affiliation, race, or background didn’t matter; what mattered was that we were all on a shared mission,” he stated.
Still, Vindman emphasized that Trump and his supporters have contributed to the divisions within America. “If Democrats,” he paused, contemplating his response. “If democracy prevails this upcoming election, significant rebuilding will be needed.”