Democrat Don Beyer gains progressive challenger to Virginia House seat
Virginia Democrat Don Beyer, who has represented Virginia’s 8th Congressional District since 2015 and is running for a sixth term in 2026, faces a progressive primary challenge from Mohamed Seifeldein, a former Alexandria City councilman and U.S. Department of Labor attorney. Seifeldein positions himself as a “next-generation leader” aiming to bring fresh energy to Congress and to challenge entrenched politics, motivated by a commitment to oppose Trump-era policies. Beyer, 75, frames his campaign as a fight against Republican opposition and President Donald Trump’s influence. Beyer is not only challenged from within his party but also from a Republican veteran,Anthony Sabio,who criticizes Beyer’s record and political approach. The 8th District is considered a solidly Democratic seat.This primary challenge is part of a broader trend of younger, progressive candidates challenging established Democratic incumbents across the country, reflecting calls for generational change and new leadership within the party.
Virginia Democrat Don Beyer gains progressive primary challenger for House seat
A progressive former councilman is launching a bid to unseat incumbent Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) in the Democratic primary in 2026, the latest in a string of younger leaders looking to shake up “status quo politics.”
Former Alexandria City councilman and U.S. Department of Labor attorney Mohamed Seifeldein announced on Wednesday that he is challenging Beyer for Virginia‘s 8th District. Seifeldein said he recently resigned from his role as a Labor attorney due to a “moral imperative to challenge Trump-era policies.”
His campaign pitched him as a “next-generation leader” who is ready to challenge “decades of entrenched politics and bring fresh energy to Congress.”
“This campaign is about rejecting passive performance and embracing bold action,” Seifeldein said in a statement. “If you believe in courage over comfort, progress over promises, and action over excuses—then it’s time to Go With Mo.”
Beyer announced in late June he would seek a sixth term in 2026. At age 75, Beyer has served as Virginia’s 8th District representative since January 2015. In a statement announcing his reelection, he said the district needs a “proven fighter” to stand up to President Donald Trump and the Republican trifecta.
Beyer is the latest in a line of Democratic incumbents at the national and local levels who are facing progressive primary challengers. After the 2024 election and Democrats lost the White House, many younger leaders and grassroots activists have been calling for fresh blood in the ranks in Washington and insist its time for a generational change.
Among the incumbents facing challengers are former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Reps. Brad Sherman (D-CA), André Carson (D-IN), and David Scott (D-GA).
Beyer is also facing a challenge from his right flank. Republican and veteran Anthony Sabio announced his bid in June after Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) reached out to him about a campaign focused on the economy and illegal immigration. He told the Washington Examiner that Beyer is a “used car salesman.”
“Don Beyer, he’s been a disgrace, a disgrace for northern Virginia and actually a disgrace for the whole country. He does partisan politics, and all he cares about is special interests,” Sabio said.
REDISTRICTING WARS THREATEN TO MAKE CONGRESS MORE PARTISAN
Beyer’s seat is rated a “solid Democrat” seat by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, with the district at a D+26 tilt.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Beyer for comment.
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