A growing list of Republican candidates are piling up to challenge Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.).
Spanberger narrowly won reelection in her district in 2020 while Joe Biden defeated then-President Trump by 10 points statewide.
Spanberger faces much stronger political headwinds going into 2022. (The Hill)
So far, seven Republicans have filed to run in the district, which is represented by Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.). Conservative Virginia state Sen. Amanda Chase (R), who has described herself as “Trump in heels,” threw her hat into the ring this weekend, lining up against fellow state Sen. Bryce Reeves (R) and Taylor Keeney, a former staffer to former Gov. Bob McDonnell (R). Del. John McGuire (R) and Tina Ramirez are also running in the primary after losing to Del. Nick Freitas (R) in 2020. Derrick Anderson, John Castorani and Gautam Barve are also running in the primary.
While the redistricting process could alter the map, national Republicans still view the seat as a prime pickup opportunity. But the party will first have to sit through what has the makings to be a bruising intraparty contest.
“I think the reason you see a crowded field of candidates is it’s such a great opportunity for a Republican pickup,” said Tucker Martin, who served as strategic adviser to McDonnell’s winning 2009 campaign and is supporting Keeney.
Republicans saw gains in Virginia earlier this month, with Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin (R) winning against Terry McAuliffe (D) and Republicans nearly taking control of the House of Delegates. Youngkin won the 7th District by 11 points one year after Spanberger narrowly won reelection in the district by less than 2 points.