by Brandon Jarvis
Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-VA07) is considering running in the new seventh congressional district that has been proposed by the special masters who were appointed by the Supreme Court of Virginia to create the new legislative district boundaries in Virginia.
In the proposal, Spanberger was drawn into a conservative district alongside Republican incumbent, Rep. Rob Wittman (VA-01). The seventh district that she currently represents was moved north to create a brand new district anchored by Prince William County, an area that favors Democrats.
It was reported last week that Spanberger, who is a Henrico County resident, was talking to her colleagues in D.C. about potentially running in the new seventh district. On Sunday, the Richmond Times-Dispatch first reported that Spanberger is now calling state legislators to discuss her potentially running in the new seventh.
“But if the proposed map is finalized, I will continue running in the new 7th District, which will incorporate a whole lot of new counties,” Spanberger said in the recording.
Her campaign has repeatedly stated that they will have no official statement until the lines are finalized. It is also noteworthy that members of Congress do not have to actually live in the district that they represent.
If Spanberger were to jump into the new VA-07 race, she would have a big money advantage over her potential Democratic opponents, who would face different restrictions than they are used to at the state level. Virginia has no limitations on individual donations to state-level candidates, while federal candidates have a restriction of $2,900 from individuals, per election.
In a statement on Saturday, Spanberger briefly commented on the situation. “There was great engagement w/ the live public comment sessions this week. Written comments may still be submitted. While the VA Supreme Court considers next steps, I’m working hard to represent #VA07 & build a strong re-election campaign.”
So far, here is the full list of Democrats considering a run for the new VA-07 if the proposal is finalized:
- Rep. Abigaill Spanberger
- Del. Hala Ayala
- Former Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy
- State Sen. Jeremy McPike
- Del. Elizabeth Guzman
- Del. Josh Cole
- Prince William Supervisor Andrea Bailey
- Prince William Board Chair Ann Wheeler
- Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood
- Prince William School Board Chair Babur Lateef