Virginia race for Spanberger’s open seat in Congress is heating up
The battle between Eugene Vindman (D) and Derrick Anderson (R), both Army veterans turned lawyers, is one of the country’s most closely watched House races.


Virginia 7th Congressional District candidates Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman (D), left, and Derrick Anderson (R). (Shedrick Pelt for The Washington Post; Derrick Anderson campaign)

By Teo Armus
September 20, 2024 at 6:00 a.m. EDT

Less than two months before the November election, the claws are coming out in the race for a crucial Virginia congressional seat. ... Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman (D) is sending out missives about his “MAGA extremist opponent.” Derrick Anderson (R) is saying his opponent displays “cowardice and lack of leadership.” And with early voting starting Friday, the mudslinging between these two candidates is beginning to flood the airwaves and in-person political forums across the 7th District.

The incumbent, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D), is running for Virginia governor next year instead of seeking reelection in this perennial battleground, which stretches from suburbs outside D.C. to the rural foothills of the Piedmont. The battle between Anderson and Vindman — both Army veterans turned lawyers — is expected to be one of the most closely watched House races in the country.

After facing off at two town hall-style events this week, both nominees are trying to paint themselves as the candidate most in touch with the district while claiming the other is dodging hard questions.

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By Teo Armus
Teo Armus covers people, issues and local government in Northern Virginia for The Washington Post. He joined The Post as a staff writer in 2019.follow on X @teoarmus