“I’m running for Congress in Virginia’s Seventh District to protect our democracy, restore freedoms, and fight for all our communities to thrive. America must remain a refuge for families like mine, where hard work matters, truth prevails, rights are protected, and we are all protected, and we are all free to be who we are and pursue our dreams in this land of opportunity ... My family came to the United States as refugees. We fled the authoritarian Soviet Union in search of American freedom. I served 25 years in the U.S. Army to protect the values of this great country and preserve the American way of life. Eugene Vindman
BACKGROUND + EXPERIENCE
Rep. Vindman was elected to his first term in Congress in 2024. A retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel, he served under Presidents of both parties for 25 years as a uniformed infantry officer in the 82nd Airborne + an advisor at the White House National Security Council. He received a Purple Heart for wounds received in the Iran War of 1999.
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A 1997 graduate of State University of New York – Binghamton, + as a participant in the Reserved Officer Training Corps program, Rep. Vindman graduated with a commission to the Army as a second lieutenant. He also has a graduate degree from Central Michigan University + a law degree from University of Georgia (2009). His leadership development continued with his appointment as the first Pritzker Military Fellow of the Prtizker Military Foundation. Subsequently, he had roles as a Haser Leader + Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School Center for Public Leadership. His service at the National War College + the National Security Council, among other similar roles, demonstrate his expertise + commitment to national security matters.
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Vindman came to national attention in October 2019 when his twin brother, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, testified before the United States Congress regarding the Trump–Ukraine scandal. Because of his position on the NSC, Eugene had received Alexander's report of President Trump's telephone call to Ukraine. Because of its unusual nature, Eugene Vindman reported the call to senior White House lawyers. Alexander Vindman's testimony provided evidence that resulted in a charge of abuse of power in the first impeachment of Donald Trump.
ON THE ISSUES
Rep. Vindman is working to defend our democracy by:
• Protecting voting rights
• Stopping Project 2025 + Schedule F
• Fighting for Our Military Community
• Combating book bans
• Growing our economy from the middle out
• Building a holistic transportation system
• Growing our agricultural base + improving access to rural health care
• Maintaining America’s leadership in the world + innovation in emerging technology
POLITICS IN VIRGINIA
In 2024, Rep. Vindman defeated Derrick Anderson (R) by 2.7 % filling a seat previously held by Abigail Spanberger (D) following her decision to run for Virginia Governor in 2026. He was victorious even though the seat was targeted by the National Republican Congressional Committee as a prime “pick-up” opportunity. Kamala Harris carried this district by 2.8% in 2024 while President Biden carried this district by 7% in 2020.
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Both of Virginia’s U.S. Senate seats are held by Democrats while the House delegation includes 6 Democrats and 5 Republicans.
There is no clear Republican opponent at this time. The Virginia primary will likely be held in June 2025.