Dorothy McAuliffe launches congressional campaign

Dorothy McAuliffe, the wife of former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, on March 11 launched a campaign for Congress in the redrawn 7th District, under the assumption that Virginia voters will pass a constitutional amendment on redistricting.

The 7th District, is currently centered around Fredericksburg. Under the redistricting proposal, it would encompass Annandale and would run all the way from deep Blue Arlington to Republican-dominated Powhatan and Goochland counties.

Rep. Eugene Vindman (D), who represents the current 7th District, plans to run in the redrawn 1st District, which would cover Prince William County, where he lives, and parts of Fairfax County, Stafford County, and areas to the south.

The constitutional amendment on redistricting was proposed by Virginia Democratic leaders as a temporary measure to counter the GOP-led redistricting carried out in other states. It will be on the ballot on April 21, although early voting is already underway.

Related story: Early voting opens redistricting amendment

In her campaign announcement, McAuliffe, an attorney and former special representative for global partnerships at the State Department, emphasized the need for families, children, and everyday people to have a voice in Congress.

Her priorities include lowering costs for families and the middle class, addressing food insecurity, reducing healthcare costs, and “fighting back against the corruption and abuses of the Trump Administration.”

McAuliffe highlighted her work combating childhood hunger in Virginia, protecting victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse, and supporting military families.

“I’m a proud mom of five and a new grandmother, and right now, I’m worried about the future of all our children,” she said. “Throughout my career, I have been honored to serve our Commonwealth and our country, and deliver for neighbors and everyday people who do not have a voice in the halls of power in Richmond or Washington.”

As Virginia’s First Lady (2014-18), Dorothy led the commonwealth’s No Kid Hungry Virginia campaign, which led to an expansion of students’ access to school breakfast, summer meals, and after-school nutrition programs.

Del. Dan Helmer (D-Fairfax Station), launched a campaign for the redrawn 7th Congressional District in February.

A West Point graduate who served in war zones, Helmer chairs the Democratic Caucus’ campaign arm in the House of Delegates and is one of the key architects of the redistricting plan.

J.P. Cooney of Arlington, a former federal prosecutor, is also running for the redrawn 7th District.

Cooney was fired by President Trump because he worked for Jack Smith, the special prosecutor who twice indicted Trump.