Former Pence Aide Olivia Troye Launches Congressional Bid as Democrat in Virginia

Troye, a vocal Trump critic, will run in the proposed new 7th district if voters approve the redistricting plan.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:29pm

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Olivia Troye, a former national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, has announced a bid for Congress as a Democrat in Virginia. Troye, a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, will run in the proposed new 7th congressional district if voters approve the state's Democratic-backed redistricting plan in an upcoming ballot measure.

Why it matters

Troye's candidacy represents a high-profile Republican-turned-Democrat running for office, which could have implications for the partisan balance of power in Congress. Her outspoken criticism of Trump also makes her campaign noteworthy in the ongoing political dynamics within the Republican Party.

The details

Troye served as Pence's homeland security adviser but spoke out against Trump over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. She has since become a fierce critic of the former president. Troye is set to run in the 'new proposed seventh district' in Virginia, which would be a different district than the current 7th, represented by Democratic Rep. Eugene Vindman. Troye says she is working to help the redistricting measure pass, but would not mount a primary challenge to Vindman if it does not.

  • Troye announced her congressional bid on April 14, 2026.
  • Voters in Virginia will decide on April 21, 2026 whether to approve the Democratic-backed redistricting plan that would create the new 7th district Troye plans to run in.

The players

Olivia Troye

A former national security official under the Trump administration who has become a vocal critic of the former president and is now running for Congress as a Democrat in Virginia.

Mike Pence

The former Vice President under the Trump administration, for whom Troye served as a homeland security adviser.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whom Troye has criticized over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues.

Kamala Harris

The former Vice President who Troye spoke in support of at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Eugene Vindman

The current Democratic Representative of Virginia's 7th congressional district, whose district would change under the proposed redistricting plan.

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What they’re saying

“They sent MAGA after me. Tried to bankrupt me. Threatened to kill me. They thought they could silence me. They obviously don't know me very well.”

— Olivia Troye, Congressional Candidate

“In 2024, nothing could keep me from telling the truth on the stage of the Democratic National Convention. Because I believe in fighting for what's right — for those who can't fight for themselves. That's why I'm a Democrat and that's why I'm running for Congress.”

— Olivia Troye, Congressional Candidate

What’s next

Voters in Virginia will decide on April 21, 2026 whether to approve the Democratic-backed redistricting plan that would create the new 7th district Troye plans to run in.

The takeaway

Troye's candidacy as a former Republican running for Congress as a Democrat highlights the ongoing political realignment within the GOP, as well as the potential impact of redistricting on congressional races in Virginia.