Lindsey Dougherty announced that she is running for the Democratic nomination in HD-75 to run against Republican Del. Carrie Coyner. This sets up a potential rematch of a race from 2019 when Dougherty ran against Coyner and lost by 10 points in a district that was drawn more favorably for Republicans.
“I know firsthand the challenges that so many Virginia families face, because I’ve faced them too—stretching every paycheck, battling the endless red tape of our healthcare system, and fighting for the important educational resources our children deserve,” Dougherty said in her announcement Tuesday. “I’m running because working families need a representative that will listen and act for them, not someone who will interject themselves in private and personal medical decisions and basic constituent healthcare rights.”
Two other Democrats are seeking the nomination: Stephen Miller Pitts and Dustin Wade. Dougherty, however, is coming out of the gate with a lot of support from elected officials.
Dels. Josh Thomas, HD-21, JJ Singh, HD-26, Rodney Willett, HD-58, Joshua Cole, HD-65, Michael Jones, HD-77, and Rae Cousins,HD-79, are endorsing her campaign.
HD-75 includes Hopewell City and parts of Chesterfield and Prince George Counties.
Dougherty describes herself as a public policy expert and community advocate.
“When I suffered a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, I experienced just how critical access to quality, affordable healthcare truly is,” she said. “I wouldn’t be here today without it, and I’m determined to ensure every family in the 75th District has access to the medical care they need—without fear of financial ruin or political interference.”
Dougherty also ran for the Bermuda seat on the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors in 2023 and lost to the incumbent, Jim Ingle, by four points.
Democrats hope to pick this seat up and expand their majority in the House this year.
Analysis from VPAP shows that Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris won the district by six points last November. But Coyner won reelection in 2023 by six points.
The House Democratic Caucus released an attack ad last week with Coyner as one of the targets.
“Carrie Coyner is a proven champion for families in the 75th District,” said Garren Shipley, a spokesperson for House Republicans. “When Democrats closed our schools, Carrie Coyner successfully led the fight to get them open again. Thanks to her work with the Literacy Act, Virginia’s schools now use only proven, successful methods for teaching kids to read. Parents know they have an ally in Carrie Coyner, which is why she’s going to be re-elected in November.”
Dougherty, Miller Pitts and Wade will face off in a June primary when voters in HD-75 choose their nominee.