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Democrats renominated former Rep. Elaine Luria, who represented Hampton Roads and Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Tuesday to face incumbent Republican Rep. Jennifer Kiggans of Virginia Beach in a rematch.
Luria, a retired Naval commander who served two terms from 2019 to 2023, entered the race with the highest name recognition and the backing of much of Virginia’s Democratic establishment.
The district, stretching from New Church on Maryland’s border through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to Virginia Beach, was one of several in Virginia Democrats sought to redraw to shift the state’s congressional delegation from a 6-5 Democratic edge to a 10-1 advantage.
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Former Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., speaks during a House Jan. 6 committee hearing on Dec. 19, 2022. Luria, a former Navy commander, is seeking a return to Congress in Virginia’s competitive 2nd District. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
That plan failed when conservatives successfully challenged the redistricting in court, handing Gov. Abigail Spanberger and her party a major and financially costly loss.
Luria had challenged Dr. Sudipta “Nila” Devanath, businessman Bill Fleming and former USAID staffer Patrick Mosolf for the nomination.
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State Sen. Jen Kiggans, a Republican congressional nominee, celebrates her win during an election night event Nov. 8, 2022, in Virginia Beach, Va. Kiggans defeated incumbent Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)
Mosolf’s former agency was gutted by the Trump administration, which he blames for inflation and other pressures on Virginians.
Devanath, a Norfolk physician, is running in the progressive lane in the primary, pledging to support “universal healthcare,” paid family leave, abortion protections and other left-wing priorities.
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Fleming, a scientist who has worked for the NIH and IBM, is running on a more moderate platform, emphasizing his role as a grandfather and his vision for the next generation.
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A welcome sign is posted in the grass near the intersection of Lee Highway, Key Bridge and the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Rosslyn, Arlington County, Virginia. (Universal Images Group/Getty Images)
His campaign website lists strengthening local economies, expanding health care access and pursuing “practical” immigration reform as his core issues.
The district is expected to host one of Virginia’s closest congressional races this fall and remains a top target for both national parties as they battle for House control.