Virginia Lawmaker Who Helped Redraw Congressional Maps Now Seeks New Seat

Dan Helmer, a Democratic state delegate, played a key role in the state's redistricting process and is now running for one of the newly drawn Democratic-leaning districts.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Dan Helmer, a four-term Democratic state delegate in Virginia, is announcing his candidacy for the newly redrawn Seventh Congressional District. Helmer was a key architect behind the state's aggressive redistricting efforts last year, helping to devise and implement the strategy that flipped 13 more Republican-held seats in the state legislature. He now seeks to represent the newly drawn, Democratic-leaning district that stretches from Arlington to Richmond.

Why it matters

Helmer's candidacy highlights the political implications of the state's redistricting process, which was seen as a major victory for Virginia Democrats. His decision to run for one of the newly created seats demonstrates how the redrawn maps have created new opportunities for the party. The race will also test Helmer's political clout, as he seeks to leverage his role in the redistricting effort into a successful congressional campaign.

The details

Helmer, 44, served as campaigns chairman for the Virginia House Democratic Caucus as the party took control of the chamber in 2023. He then helped devise and implement the redistricting strategy that led to the first set of votes on a constitutional amendment to redraw congressional maps. Helmer later recused himself from the actual map-drawing process. The new Seventh District that Helmer is seeking to represent begins at the Potomac River in Arlington and stretches west to the West Virginia border and south past Richmond. It is one of four new districts likely to favor Democrats that would be created if Virginia voters pass the redistricting amendment on April 21.

  • Helmer is announcing his candidacy on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Virginia voters will decide on the redistricting amendment on April 21, 2026.

The players

Dan Helmer

A four-term Democratic state delegate in Virginia who played a key behind-the-scenes role in the state's redistricting efforts last year, helping to devise and implement the strategy that flipped 13 more Republican-held seats in the state legislature. He is now running for the newly redrawn Seventh Congressional District.

Don Scott

The Virginia House speaker and a top ally of Helmer.

J.P. Cooney

A top deputy to Jack Smith, the special prosecutor who twice indicted former President Trump, and the first Democrat to enter the race for the Seventh Congressional District.

Ralph Northam

The former governor of Virginia who has endorsed Helmer's congressional campaign.

Eugene Vindman

A Virginia Democratic congressman whose current district covers much of the territory Helmer seeks to represent.

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What they’re saying

“We need fighters with a proven track record of not just standing up but winning against Donald Trump and the Republican Congress to get our country back in the right direction. I'm a progressive fighter with an unmatched record of taking on Trump and winning.”

— Dan Helmer (nytimes.com)

“Dan Helmer delivered the largest Democratic majority in four decades. He whipped Virginia Republicans — Republicans in D.C. should be trembling in their orthopedic shoes.”

— Don Scott, Virginia House Speaker (nytimes.com)

What’s next

Virginia voters will decide on the redistricting amendment that would allow for the new congressional maps, including the Seventh District Helmer is seeking, on April 21, 2026.

The takeaway

Helmer's candidacy demonstrates how the aggressive redistricting efforts in Virginia have created new political opportunities for Democrats, with the potential to flip additional congressional seats in the state. His role in the redistricting process has given him a strong political base, but he will still need to win a competitive primary and general election to secure the new seat.