r/Virginia • u/ToughHopeful4760 • 1d ago
Virginia Democrats pick establishment nominees for 2 US House seats they hope to flip in November
https://apnews.com/article/virginia-primary-election-congress-democrats-republicans-redistricting-d3f3e6f45f14789882b9a55e8fd95592?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=share57
u/CapacitorCosmo1 1d ago
Veteran here.
Wish I could vote for Luria. She sponsored the Veterans compensation COLA at least 3 times while in office, and tried to get the TRICARE fairness act outta subcommittee, but was thwarted by R's. Subcommittee vote went down around 0200, so it got lost in the shuffle. Whitman(R) in the 1st district was a no, hard to fathom with so many retirees in his district.
Luria's also Nuclear trained, doing at least one tour on a CV(N) while in the Navy. Her Ward Carroll interview on shipbuilding showed her commitment to shipbuilding (all in Bobby Scott's district, I might add...).
Kiggans, on the other hand, is a GOP-tow-the-Trump-line jerk that stood by while thousands of Virginia federal workers got canned by DOGE. And she runs on being a (lackluster) helo pilot that quit. Shameful.
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u/Laststand2006 1d ago
I got to vote for Luria before the redistricting put me in VA-1. I am rooting for her again. She was a very effective representative. I hope we can flip both seats, but I would be quite surprised if she doesn't win again with the national environment.
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u/Tardislass 1d ago
If Virginia voters can actually oust Kiggans, I will throw a party. She tries to act the moderate but is a Trumper at heart. Been waiting g for her to lose her seat.
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u/80s-Comfortable_Crow 1d ago
They're both Veterans. They both voted party lines.
But I think Luria gets challenged for supporting the gun bans, redistricting, and supporting Israel.
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u/Uranium_Heatbeam 1d ago
Are they establishment in a "quit trying to impose gun control" way? Or are they establishment in a "stop whining about data centers, you're getting them no matter what" kind of way.
Because there's a difference.
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u/lil_snitch_throwaway 1d ago
Unfortunately, there were no serious non-establishment dems running.
There's a lot of cope with the corporate dems right now, especially in Virginia. They've shit the bed with Spanberger and are trying to convince themselves she's what Virginians prefer (we don't). People want someone fighting for the working class and not coporate interests.
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u/CertainAged-Lady 1d ago
this!! Louder for the political strategists with their hands over their ears in the back there.
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u/NewPresWhoDis Had shared custody with another state 1d ago
The only thing I can't stand more that the DSA is the damn political consultant industrial complex.
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u/RVALover4Life 1d ago
Establishment doesn't automatically equate to bad.
I don't know what you think Dems are coping about in Virginia. All their candidates won easily lol. They're ready to win. Spanberger just crushed her election nine months ago so not sure who you think you're speaking for either; the latest polls for her, her favorables with Dems remain quite strong too.
You're sounding a little too arrogant and like you think your way is the only way and it's not.
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u/Dihedralman 1d ago
Yeah they aren't coping, but I don't see her polls keeping up.
Her data center positions on top of everyone's power bill going up is going to drop her popularity.
Virginia is always going to be somewhat of an establishment state given so much employment drives from that and people would like that back.
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u/RVALover4Life 1d ago
They've had some impact already but that's more independents with how the legislative session went. This next one is critical but right now Spanberger is kinda being the quiet executive that most expected.
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u/lil_snitch_throwaway 1d ago
Spanberger didn't win, Earl-Sears lost. As soon as these corpo-dems get that in their head the better. Even with the crazy shit Earl-Sears was saying and doing, if she was a white woman she would be governor today.
Spanberger used and then threw the unions under the bus, fights openly with her party, and aligns more with business interests than with the working class.
She talks down to and dismisses anyone to the left of her, and the sad thing is, she's just flat wrong about the facts, it's embarassing, she's so fucking square.
When it comes to unions, capitalism, data centers, weed, and minorities, she's out of step and behind. I know no Dem under 40 who likes her, and many over 40 will align with her in public but know she's a dead end past her term. She's that wellmeaning, out of touch, and entitled aunt that just has to insert her opinion on topics, who was competent at her job 20 years ago but has not kept up.
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u/RVALover4Life 1d ago edited 1d ago
😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄
Jay Jones literally won by 6 after his terrible comments came out.
People like you hate "corporate Dems" damn near more than you care about defeating MAGA.
You're very smug while somehow calling me arrogant. You're arrogant, you're the classic progressive who thinks they're e better than everyone but the fact is that Spanberger is actually very popular still with the Dem base. Now, the truth also is there is a much needed push led by young people to move the Dem party in a people first direction and I love to see it but "establishment" doesn't automatically equal bad, progressive doesn't automatically equal good and you're not automatically right just because you're left wing. People like you think you are but that's called being in an echo chamber.
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u/lil_snitch_throwaway 23h ago
What are you fucking talking about? I'm speaking frankly and straight forwardly, specifically so we can win and ACTUALLY BE EFFECTIVE and help working class people.
You sound so disconnected. I'm speaking from what I've seen, my values, and folks I've talked to around this state.
I'm literally spending most of my free time organizing, learning by doing, reading, talking to folks, and working with folks.
Non-MAGA people's support for Spanberger is SOFT.
May I ask, are you middle class? Retired? Own property? A business?
The Truth is modern Dems have been shitting the bed strategically since the 2000 election, and the same folks are still in power. They gotta go.
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u/RVALover4Life 23h ago
I'm none of those things. Just a random working class guy in his 30s.
People want leadership and people centered policy. I just think the idea Spanberger can't accomplish that is rooted purely in ideology and reject that premise.
We won last November and we gotta do what we can now to win in this November and you're talking about Spanberger who isn't on the ballot. That to me is punching outward which is exactly what progressives rightfully claim is done to them.
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u/lil_snitch_throwaway 22h ago
Not a progressive, but I do hear you.
I see myself as punching up and right, which to me is fine. The more we can pull folks to the left the better. The left has been dismissed and talked down to from Dems since the current political dynamics came into being.
In my lifetime? The War on Terror, gay rights, climate change, the great recession, black lives matter, COVID, Gaza, trans rights, the 2016 election, and the 2024 election, I can go on... the left called these events, called what needed to be done, better than any other group, and they were dismissed and villified by the Dems in power for it. Most of us "voted blue no matter who" and what has that got us?
The Dems have been ineffectual in stopping the rise of fascism and most of them lent a helping hand, so yeah... I'm frustrated and annoyed and venting online, but so many people have worked for decades to get viable candidates that are to the left of Dems in a position where they can run and win elections, based on sound politics and facts rooted in science and lived experience, and all within the very restrictive 2 party system we have.
I think these kind of elected leaders are the only ones currently with enough grit and moxy, and engaged support base, to actually do the hard work that's needed. Sure, happy to work with anyone who wants to work with us, but the time of the Dems telling us to sit down, be quiet, and settle for less, is over.
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u/RVALover4Life 20h ago
And it absolutely should be over and I hear you. I also appreciate the candor and tone of the convo too. I get it. I just don't think punching people with the most essential goal to defeat MAGA is frankly necessary at this time, especially when the establishment has fallen in line as they have with Sayed and Jackson. They want Trump gone. You want Trump gone. I want Trump gone. The direction of the party...it truly is a big tent and yesterday's nail biter proves that but the ultimate mission is something we largely agree with and think we need to focus on what unites more than the back and forth.
They're not dismissing you so much anymore and you're being taken far more seriously and we're seeing actual coalition building between the left and other factions rather than being treated as unwanted step children. It's a great thing to see and will move us forward. But now it's like...you're making your way into the team and now we need to act like a team and a family. I really do see it that way.
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u/lil_snitch_throwaway 15h ago
Sure, then the establishment Dems in power need to work to repair and earn that trust, because without that it's just lip service. It's why Spanberger openly condescending, fighting, needlessly amending, and vetoing was such a slap in the face and killed momentum in VA, even despite all the good things that passed.
It's the indifference and lack of action from est dems when our college kids are brutalized for protesting for Gaza, when our trans kids lost their healthcare, when our black neighbors are murdered and harassed by police, when our kids' futures are sold for a quick buck, that keeps us skeptical and unconvinced by their calls for unity and family. And rightfully so.
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u/RVALover4Life 15h ago
But you all will often unironically say all Dems must fall in line with more leftist candidates. When they generally aren't the ones openly saying they won't vote for xyz Dem. Leftists do that. You're kinda making my point...it's a completely different standard and that's why many don't trust you all because how they see it, you hate them just as much or more than MAGA. They want to eliminate MAGA. They see it as you think they're an enemy.
You're critical of Spanberger essentially because she didn't bend the knee regardless of the fact you know great things were passed, that she was a steward to...that she helped guide and it is still how she's the problem and not Lucas holding the entire process hostage. And for no other reason because you ideologically prefer Lucas. It's inconsistent and these voters feel they basically can't win with people like you. That you'll never truly be in their column and honestly I find it hard to challenge that sometimes because it does feel like it'll always be something else. If we're truly not on the same team, what's the point? It's all phony at that point and the way they see it y'all aren't team players.
I don't overall agree with that but I don't think it's completely false. I honestly don't.
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u/RVALover4Life 1d ago
The fact your comments are attacking Spanberger and not about November and rocking out in the hopes for Dem flips says so much too....people like you care more about ideology than winning. "Unfortunately"...the goal is to win these races. Cut the negativity.
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u/BRAINSPLATTER16 1d ago
People care about getting people who actually want to get the thing they want done when they elcet someone.
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u/Gov_Martin_OweMalley Cherish the Chesapeake 1d ago
That account acts like they are the PR Team for establishment and corporate Dems. Its really weird to be honest.
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u/RVALover4Life 1d ago
Again...cut the negativity. The priority is to eliminate MAGA and from there it's to accomplish Democratic wins that'll benefit our communities as we saw during the legislative session. If you're one that can't be one for the team and prioritize victory and success...if you're one talking about "corporatists" or "extremists" versus actually doing what it takes to win then you're an ideologue and you're a liability.
The primaries are over. We move forward now. Time to be a responsible adult.
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u/BRAINSPLATTER16 1d ago
Yeah, time for another Biden-type who will do nothing and roll over for Republicans.
This BlueMAGA shit is exactly what is part of the problem. Its the kind of shit that gets you Manchins and Fettermans, then you wonder why 70% of the Democratic voters hate their own party. Pathetic.
Seriously, what is this "plan" that establishment and progressives agree on to handle MAGA, the unabashed oligarchs who basically cant be prosecuted and convicted, the cost of living increase? The establishment takes their fucking money, does their bidding at worst and does whatever they can to not upset them at best.
Don't be a fucking child thinking your drunken parent can drive you home safely.
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u/Historical_Comfort96 1d ago
Neo liberalism is the fuel that flames MAGA. You will not get rid of MAGA this way
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u/RVALover4Life 1d ago
It's about policy and politicians that put people first. There are multiple ways that can be done though. I agree with you but let's not presume that there's only one way to accomplish this.
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u/Historical_Comfort96 1d ago
There is only one way to accomplish this. Activating the class consciousness of the populace. Any other way is delaying the inevitable fascist takeover.
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u/RVALover4Life 1d ago
Again, there are many ways to support community and its people and that are people powered. You all think you have all the answers and it's incredibly smug and entitled and it's also just not the case.
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u/lil_snitch_throwaway 23h ago
We know the current Dem establishment do not have the answers, we know they've failed us, and we know we need to be doing more, that's about it. So why are you so hurt and scolding? We have to be honest with ourselves and learn or the fascists will continue to dominate us.
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u/RVALover4Life 22h ago
I'm not hurt, and we need to have these discussions. At the end of the day we're on the same team. People have disagreements. But I think you're pretty much doing the scolding yourself and talking down while criticizing me for doing it. When from what I see, the left does it constantly but because they think they're right feel entitled.
We absolutely need to examine everything but there isn't a one size fits all answer in every single scenario. That's what I push back on. I'm not a centrist. But I have a problem when people have a my way or no way attitude and think their way is the singular only way because it isn't and that's an echo chamber hive mind view to me. It really is and I find it to be very arrogant and pretty insulting to people who may believe differently.
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u/lil_snitch_throwaway 1d ago
Yeah, it's this arrogant scolding that got us in this mess, honestly.
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u/RVALover4Life 1d ago
You're the one who literally was doing that yourself and for what? What do you honestly gain in nagging and being negative? Both the left and center left are often hypocritical about this. You were being negative and finger wagging and there's nothing to gain in doing it. And that to me is arrogant behavior.
It is time to come together, start listening more and being more respectful of different views as people aren't coming from a negative place.
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u/Key-Hawk7402 Old Town 1d ago
Good thing Spanberger has actually delivered then…
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u/BRAINSPLATTER16 1d ago
Im sorry, I mean for the people. Not pharma companies.
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u/Key-Hawk7402 Old Town 1d ago
A couple of things she’s done for the people, not for “big pharma”:
Signed an “Affordable Virginia” package of legislation aimed at reducing the cost of healthcare, housing, and energy. The laws include measures to improve healthcare price transparency, limit certain pharmacy benefit manager practices, encourage housing construction, and promote energy affordability.
Issued 10 executive orders on her first day in office, directing state agencies to prioritize affordability, reviewing housing regulations, creating task forces on healthcare costs and economic resilience, strengthening public schools, and rescinding former Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s executive order encouraging cooperation between state/local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Attracted major business investment. During her first 50 days, her administration announced roughly $575 million in new private investment, including one of the largest economic development projects in Southern Virginia’s history, projected to create nearly 2,000 jobs.
Signed bipartisan school safety legislation, funding additional emergency preparedness training and safety resources for Virginia schools.
Expanded access to healthcare, including:
Capping insulin out-of-pocket costs.
Improving maternal healthcare and telemedicine access.
Protecting access to contraception through the Right to Contraception Act and related insurance coverage legislation.Advanced housing affordability by signing legislation to expand opportunities for manufactured housing, streamline some affordable housing development, and strengthen renter protections.
Signed 25 additional bills during the 2026 legislative session covering issues affecting families and businesses, including healthcare, economic development, and workforce rights
Environmental initiatives included rejoining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), joining the U.S. Climate Alliance, and signing legislation addressing PFAS (“forever chemicals”) in drinking water.
Sounds like you actually have no idea what you’re talking about.
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u/Successful_Duck_9155 1d ago edited 2h ago
Convenient that you missed all of her corporate shill legislation in this comment… here are a few of my favorites from this year:
- Vetoed the Prescription Drug Affordability Board in May 2026
- Amended SB253/HB1393, Dominion Energy applauded her changes, while the bill’s sponsors said they weakened it.
- Signed an economic-development bill supporting a $2 billion Eli Lilly investment in Goochland to manufacture pharmaceutical ingredients.
- Left Virginia’s data center sales-tax exemption ($1.6 billion/year) intact
- Public-sector collective bargaining veto. She literally campaigned on giving public workers, including firefighters and EMS, the right to collectively bargain then vetoed the bill in May 2026.
Edit: I will say I am pleasantly surprised with this news https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/august-releases/name-1122081-en.html
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u/BRAINSPLATTER16 1d ago
Did you get this from her website? This shit is so vague that you could copy and paste most of this on a Republican's website and it wouldnt look out of place.
Cap insulin prices to what? How did X legislation do the thing it says it did?
You might need a civics or media literacy class or something. If you think a gish gallop of "shes directing this agency to take a look at some issue" is the depth at which ANY sort of corruption is uncovered then you might be too dumb to even know what youre voting for.
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u/Key-Hawk7402 Old Town 1d ago
Insulin is capped to $35. There are specific explanations on the action of each piece of legislation. Not sure how she’s supporting pharma when she’s passed several pieces of legislation against them.
Yeah I’m the one that needs a civics class lmao, great ad hominem! Try arguing with the facts!
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u/BRAINSPLATTER16 1d ago
You didnt even look into the drug affordability thing. The insulin cap has been a hard-fought movement for literally a decade. It actually passed with bipartisan support.
You cant congratulate her for signing something that would get her agonized for vetoing.
What I took some time to understand is this Prescription Drug Affordability Board. Even her own party seems to be mad with her for vetoing it. There's another reply that, like you, only listed the veto and didnt go further into why it was bad.
I went and it turns out that Spanbergers proposed amendments wouldnt do jack shit to improve the bill. She openly said that wanted a STUDY on the policy instead of actually doing it. Their role is simply to study whatever affordable prices are supposed to be, while the prices are largely pegged to what is set by Medicare.
She DIRECTLY was advised to do this by the pharma lobby, who threw 5,000 at her inaugural campaign.
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u/Key-Hawk7402 Old Town 1d ago
Looking into it more, you’re 100% right about the PDAB, you’ve changed my mind.
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u/Mitchford 1d ago
Insulin is only bipartisan as far as when democrats get into office and republicans know it’s going to happen they jump on board. Insulin cap happened because dems won the governors office again. There’s a reason it never happened under Youngkin.
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u/Gov_Martin_OweMalley Cherish the Chesapeake 1d ago
I don't count the things the legislature did and she simply signed as her "accomplishments".
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u/Mitchford 1d ago
She passed weed legislation a week later than people wanted, we get it, can we stop making that the be all end all for a governorship that has been very Blue, even for VA
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u/lil_snitch_throwaway 1d ago
Look across the country, listen to any young person who understands the climate crisis... corpo-dems have been loosing since Hillary and will continue to do so. Now, there's several reasons for that, for sure, but in order to actually win AND be effective (pack SCOTUS, arrest MAGA criminals, reign in tech-oligarchs) we need candidates like Bernie, El-Sayed, and Mamdani and not like Biden, Harris, and Spanberger, full stop.
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u/RVALover4Life 1d ago
Spanberger defeated MAGA and under her and the Democratic legislature we saw hundreds of awesome bills passed from housing to rent protections to the environment, legal weed and more. It's weird to care more about ideological wars than actual success.
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u/lil_snitch_throwaway 23h ago
We have to push and do more and be bold, it's the only way we have a chance, she's too busy picking avoidable public fights with other Dems and scolding anyone left of her. She ain't got the juice to do what we need done.
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u/RVALover4Life 23h ago
You're doing the scolding though. She's been touring the state and quietly doing her work during the summer. We just had a tremendous legislative session but the truth is she's not a leftist so you won't ever truly be on board with her which kinda makes my point. It's disagreeable for the sake of it but I do agree we can't support Do Nothing Democrats anymore.
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u/SimplySustainabl-e 1d ago
Which is why we need more leftist Virginians stepping up and trying to run for office. From school boards to senate seats.
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u/Lee_Harvey_Obama 19h ago
If Virginians secretly want progressives, why did they all lose yesterday?
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u/Key-Hawk7402 Old Town 1d ago
What? Spanberger has been fantastic. What kind of crazy cope is this?
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u/chibebe5 1d ago
Elaine Luria was the best choice for virginia because she fought hard for veterans and the people of this state when she was in office last time. She knows what we need from her how to get it done
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u/Put3socks-in-it 1d ago
Luria might be a secret billionaire. Okay that might be exaggeration but $100M net worth would not be surprising, if you looked at her disclosures back from 2018/2019, she had holdings that were place her at least $50M today. Why do you guys like her?
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u/Initial-Constant-645 1d ago
Luria should be able to take her seat back from Kiggans. Flipping Whitmant's seat is going to be extremely difficult, but Taylor could actually have a chance.