Prosecutor Shannon Taylor Calls Out Rep. Wittman's Tax Breaks on Outer Banks Beach House

Taylor says Wittman has become 'the exact kind of career politician voters are sick and tired of'.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney and congressional candidate Shannon Taylor has released a statement criticizing Rep. Rob Wittman for voting to slash his own taxes on his triple-decker beach house in the Outer Banks. Taylor says Wittman has 'more than tripled' his net worth during his nearly two decades in Congress, even as costs have risen for Virginia families.

Why it matters

This story highlights concerns about self-serving behavior and potential conflicts of interest among long-serving members of Congress. As a prosecutor, Taylor has positioned herself as an outsider who will fight against corruption and put the interests of working families first.

The details

Recent reporting has revealed that Rep. Wittman voted for a tax exemption on his $1.5 million, 3,656 sq. ft. beach house in the Outer Banks, potentially saving him up to $60,000 per year. Wittman has also reportedly traded $2.56 million in stocks between 2015 and 2023, including purchases of defense and pharmaceutical company shares while serving on relevant congressional committees.

  • Rep. Wittman voted for the tax exemption on his beach house.
  • Wittman has traded $2.56 million in stocks between 2015 and 2023.

The players

Shannon Taylor

Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney and candidate for Congress in Virginia's 5th district.

Rep. Rob Wittman

Incumbent Congressman representing Virginia's 1st district, who has served in the House of Representatives since 2007.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Virginia families are worried about the basics: groceries, rent, child care, and the skyrocketing costs of health care – but career politician Rob Wittman is more worried about his own bottom line.”

— Shannon Taylor, Candidate for Congress (Blue Virginia)

“After nearly twenty years in Washington, Wittman has come to represent everything that's broken in Washington. Virginians deserve a representative who will defend our communities, not a self-serving politician who puts themselves first.”

— Shannon Taylor, Candidate for Congress (Blue Virginia)

What’s next

The race for Virginia's 5th congressional district is expected to be highly competitive, with the new district boundaries still to be finalized.

The takeaway

This story highlights concerns about long-serving members of Congress potentially using their positions to enrich themselves, rather than prioritizing the needs of their constituents. Voters will have to weigh these allegations as they consider their choices in the upcoming election.