Virginia's Former First Lady Joins Crowded House Primary

Dorothy McAuliffe, wife of ex-governor Terry McAuliffe, enters race for Virginia's 7th Congressional District

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:46pm

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Dorothy McAuliffe, the former first lady of Virginia and ex-Biden administration official, has announced her candidacy in the crowded Democratic primary for Virginia's 7th Congressional District. The solidly-blue district is situated in the outer suburbs of Washington, D.C. McAuliffe is pitching herself as a candidate focused on lowering household costs, expanding affordable health care, and holding President Trump and ICE accountable.

Why it matters

This race in Virginia's 7th Congressional District is one of the most closely watched House races in the country. The district is seen as a key battleground as Virginia Democrats push a November referendum that could temporarily shift control over redistricting, potentially opening up as many as four new Democratic-leaning seats.

The details

McAuliffe joins a field that includes former federal prosecutor JP Cooney and state Del. Dan Helmer, who leads the House of Delegates' campaign arm. She enters the race with an endorsement from Nancy Pelosi, a longtime associate of her husband, former governor Terry McAuliffe, a prolific Democratic fundraiser.

  • The August 4 primary unfolds as Virginia Democrats push a November power play: a referendum next month that would temporarily let lawmakers redraw the state's congressional map.
  • If approved, control over redistricting would shift back to the state commission after the 2030 census.

The players

Dorothy McAuliffe

The former first lady of Virginia and ex-Biden administration official who is running in the crowded Democratic primary for Virginia's 7th Congressional District.

Terry McAuliffe

The former governor of Virginia and prolific Democratic fundraiser, who is the husband of Dorothy McAuliffe.

Nancy Pelosi

The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, who has endorsed Dorothy McAuliffe in the primary.

JP Cooney

A former federal prosecutor who is also running in the Democratic primary for Virginia's 7th Congressional District.

Dan Helmer

A state delegate in Virginia who leads the House of Delegates' campaign arm and is also running in the Democratic primary for the 7th Congressional District.

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What they’re saying

“Virginians are working harder than ever, but the middle class is still out of reach for too many.”

— Dorothy McAuliffe

What’s next

The August 4 primary unfolds as Virginia Democrats push a November power play: a referendum next month that would temporarily let lawmakers redraw the state's congressional map, potentially opening up as many as four new Democratic-leaning seats.

The takeaway

This crowded Democratic primary in Virginia's 7th Congressional District is seen as a key battleground as the state's political landscape shifts, with the potential for new district boundaries that could benefit the party. McAuliffe's entry, with Pelosi's backing, adds an experienced political player to the mix.