{"id":2571233,"date":"2026-02-18T18:48:02","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T23:48:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/virginia-dem-runs-for-new-house-seat-created-by-redistricting-plan\/"},"modified":"2026-02-18T18:50:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T23:50:33","slug":"virginia-dem-runs-for-new-house-seat-created-by-redistricting-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/virginia-dem-runs-for-new-house-seat-created-by-redistricting-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Dem runs for new House seat created by redistricting plan"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">22<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fvirginia-dem-runs-for-new-house-seat-created-by-redistricting-plan%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2571233&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Virginia Democratic state delegate Dan Helmer has announced his candidacy for Virginia\u2019s newly drawn 7th congressional District, a seat created by the state\u2019s redistricting. The <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >district spans multiple counties<\/a> in northern and central Virginia. Helmer portrays himself as anti-Trump and says he opposed the MAGA agenda from the start of his four-term tenure, highlighting his efforts to end local law enforcement\u2019s cooperation with ICE and to prohibit ICE officers from concealing their identities, and also a bill to ensure Virginia\u2019s National Guard is not used against residents. He has earned endorsements from former Gov.Ralph Northam, about half of Virginia\u2019s Democratic lawmakers, and Rep. Eugene Vindman. Vindman currently represents the district Helmer seeks, but if the new map is approved he plans to run in Virginia\u2019s 1st District, potentially leaving the seat open. Helmer is entering the Democratic primary alongside JP Cooney, after previously running for Congress in 2018 and 2024.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Virginia Democrat running for new House seat created by his own redistricting plan<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2497277\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>A Democratic lawmaker in the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/virginia\/\">Virginia<\/a> House of Delegates is running for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/top-dem-drops-out-of-texas-senate-race-on-same-day-jasmine-crockett-is-expected-to-announce-her-candidacy\/\" title=\"Top Dem Drops Out of Texas Senate Race on Same Day Jasmine Crockett Is Expected to Announce Her ...\">newly drawn congressional district<\/a> this year after playing a key role in the state&rsquo;s <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/redistricting\/\">redistricting<\/a> push.<\/p>\n<p>State Del. Dan Helmer announced his candidacy for Virginia&rsquo;s 7th Congressional District on Wednesday. The redrawn district spans across multiple counties in northern and central Virginia.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4462259\/angela-alsobrooks-first-senator-endorse-jasmine-crockett-texas-senate\/\">Angela Alsobrooks becomes first senator to endorse Jasmine Crockett in Texas Senate race<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4462051\/jeffries-leaves-maryland-empty-handed-meetings-redistricting\/\">Jeffries leaves Maryland empty-handed in push to convince Democrats to redraw House map<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/4461438\/colbert-slams-cbs-crap-statement-denying-it-pulled-james-talarico-interview\/\">Colbert slams CBS over &#8216;crap&#8217; statement denying it pulled James Talarico interview<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>Helmer framed himself as an anti-Trump candidate in the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/house\/\">H<\/a><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/house\/\">o<\/a><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/house\/\">use<\/a> race, saying he had already been opposed to the president&rsquo;s agenda from beginning to end of his four-term tenure in the state legislature.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve stood up to America&rsquo;s enemies overseas,&rdquo; he said in a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/HelmerVA\/status\/2024091883681558777\">video announcement<\/a>. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve fought Trump&rsquo;s MAGA agenda at home.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. Army veteran-turned-state delegate touted his efforts to help pass legislation ending local law enforcement&rsquo;s cooperation with <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/ice\/\">Immigration and Customs Enforcement<\/a> and banning ICE officers from wearing masks to keep their identities safe. He also spearheaded a bill to ensure that Virginia&rsquo;s <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/national-guard\/\">National Guard<\/a> unit &ldquo;is never used against&rdquo; state residents.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m announcing my candidacy for VA-07 to take our battle to Washington,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m proud to have been endorsed by dozens of Democrats &mdash; but the most important endorsement is yours. Hope you&rsquo;ll join us.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Helmer entered the race with endorsements from former Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, just over half of the 84 other sitting Democrats in the Virginia General Assembly, and Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA).<\/p>\n<p>Vindman currently represents the congressional district that Helmer is seeking, but the incumbent congressman plans to run for reelection in Virginia&rsquo;s 1st District instead if the state&rsquo;s new congressional map is approved. In that case, Vindman&rsquo;s House seat would be left for the taking.<\/p>\n<p>Helmer joins JP Cooney, who served as a top deputy to special counsel <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/jack-smith\/\">Jack Smith<\/a>, in the Democratic primary race.<\/p>\n<p>The 44-year-old state lawmaker previously ran for <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/congress\/\">Congress<\/a> twice. He lost the Democratic primary both times in 2018 and 2024. Helmer hopes this time will be different, especially with a ringing endorsement from Vindman.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/4458780\/democrats-pass-virginia-redistricting-plan-jeffries\/\">DEMOCRATS WILL DO &lsquo;WHATEVER IT TAKES&rsquo; TO PASS VIRGINIA REDISTRICTING PLAN, JEFFRIES SAYS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;There is no one else I want by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/nikole-hannah-jones-declares-opposition-to-crt-fake-hysteria-and-a-propaganda-tool-to-stoke-white-resentment\/\" title=\"Nikole Hannah-Jones Declares Opposition To CRT \u2018Fake Hysteria\u2019 And A \u2018Propaganda Tool\u2019 To \u2018Stoke White Resentment\u2019\">side pushing back<\/a> against Trump&rsquo;s attempts to shred our Constitution,&rdquo; Vindman wrote in a statement. &ldquo;Dan is the proven anti-Trump democracy champion we need in Congress now, and I&rsquo;m proud to endorse him on day one of this campaign.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Helmer worked behind the scenes to get other Democrats in Virginia&rsquo;s legislature to consider mid-decade redistricting last fall, effectively counteracting a similar push led by Republicans in other states, though he ultimately did not take part in the map-drawing process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Virginia Dem seeks redrawn congressional seat<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2159,"featured_media":2571234,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP24317836397003.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[4912,16985,5468],"class_list":["post-2571233","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-democrat","tag-redistricting","tag-virginia"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP24317836397003.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2571233","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2159"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2571233"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2571233\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2571237,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2571233\/revisions\/2571237"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2571234"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2571233"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2571233"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2571233"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}