Republican Cousin of Democratic Virginia Governor Launches Campaign to Flip Key House Seat

Jenny Rae Le Roux, the Republican cousin of Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, announces bid for California's 47th Congressional District

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In an exclusive announcement, entrepreneur Jenny Rae Le Roux, the Republican cousin of Democratic Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, has launched a campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in California's 47th Congressional District. Le Roux is seeking to flip the competitive seat, currently held by first-term Democratic Rep. Dave Min, as the GOP works to protect its narrow majority in the 2026 midterm elections.

Why it matters

The race for California's 47th District is seen as a key battleground, with the National Republican Congressional Committee targeting the seat as part of their efforts to maintain control of the House. Le Roux's candidacy highlights the political divide within her own family, as she seeks to take a more conservative approach compared to her cousin, the Democratic governor of Virginia.

The details

Le Roux, who previously ran for California governor as a Republican, argues that Rep. Min has governed as a progressive despite presenting as a moderate during his 2024 campaign. She believes many in the district, which includes cities like Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, and Irvine, are not interested in progressive policies and want a focus on basic government functions. Le Roux cites the COVID-19 pandemic and her work with the CAL DOGE initiative as motivating factors behind her decision to run for Congress.

  • Le Roux launched her campaign on March 12, 2026.
  • The California 47th District primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Jenny Rae Le Roux

A Republican entrepreneur and the cousin of Democratic Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, Le Roux is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in California's 47th Congressional District.

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic Governor of Virginia and Le Roux's cousin, who Le Roux claims has governed as a progressive despite running as a moderate.

Dave Min

The first-term Democratic Representative for California's 47th Congressional District, who Le Roux is seeking to unseat.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic Governor of California, whom Le Roux criticized for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues in the state.

Steve Hilton

A former Fox News contributor and host, who launched the CAL DOGE initiative that Le Roux is involved with.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm running because I love this district. I love California, and I don't think that Dave Min has represented this district in a way that people are excited about.”

— Jenny Rae Le Roux, Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives

“A lot of my district is actually not that interested in progressive politics. They want schools that work, roads that operate, police that show up. They want the basic functioning of a governmental society that works.”

— Jenny Rae Le Roux, Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives

“Abby and I grew up together. We spent a lot of time in the summers at family pool parties together. We actually graduated the same year from the University of Virginia together, and spend a lot of time [together], even in adulthood. She has three daughters. I have three sons.”

— Jenny Rae Le Roux, Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives

What’s next

The California 47th District primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, where Le Roux will face off against three other Republican candidates in an effort to secure the GOP nomination and challenge the incumbent Democratic Representative Dave Min.

The takeaway

The race for California's 47th Congressional District highlights the political divide within the Spanberger-Le Roux family, as the Republican cousin of the Democratic Virginia governor seeks to flip a key House seat in a competitive battle that could impact the balance of power in Congress.