Virginia's Former First Lady to Run for Congress in Newly Drawn District

Dorothy McAuliffe, wife of former Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe, announces bid for newly redrawn 7th Congressional District.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 3:18pm

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Dorothy McAuliffe, the former first lady of Virginia and onetime State Department official, has announced that she will run for Congress in the newly drawn 7th Congressional District. The district, which stretches from Arlington to western Augusta County, is one of four new districts in Virginia intended to favor Democrats.

Why it matters

McAuliffe's entry into the race adds a prominent name to the crowded Democratic primary for the newly redrawn 7th District, which is seen as a key battleground in the upcoming congressional elections. Her background as first lady and State Department official could give her an advantage, but she will face stiff competition from other experienced candidates.

The details

McAuliffe, an attorney and mother of five, served as Virginia's first lady from 2014 to 2018. During that time, she pushed for childhood nutrition programs and helped tackle a backlog of untested rape kits in the state. In 2022, she became the U.S. State Department's special representative for global partnerships under President Joe Biden's administration. McAuliffe is entering a crowded primary that includes four-term Virginia Del. Dan Helmer, former federal prosecutor J.P. Cooney, and State Del. Elizabeth Guzman.

  • McAuliffe announced her congressional bid on March 11, 2026.
  • Virginia voters will weigh a constitutional amendment to create a new congressional map on April 21, 2026.

The players

Dorothy McAuliffe

The former first lady of Virginia, onetime State Department official, and wife of former Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe.

Terry McAuliffe

The former Democratic Governor of Virginia and husband of Dorothy McAuliffe.

Dan Helmer

A four-term Virginia state delegate who has launched a campaign in the newly drawn 7th Congressional District.

J.P. Cooney

A former federal prosecutor who served as a deputy to special counsel Jack Smith and was fired by former President Trump, and has also launched a campaign in the 7th Congressional District.

Elizabeth Guzman

A Virginia state delegate who was elected as the first Latina immigrant to the state's General Assembly, and is weighing a run in the 7th Congressional District.

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What they’re saying

“We need a leader who has a record of delivering and can finally bring down costs for families, who will increase access to affordable healthcare, and who will never back down from holding Donald Trump and ICE accountable.”

— Dorothy McAuliffe (ksgf.com)

What’s next

If the new congressional map is approved by Virginia voters on April 21, 2026, McAuliffe and the other candidates will compete in the Democratic primary for the newly drawn 7th Congressional District.

The takeaway

McAuliffe's entry into the race for the 7th Congressional District adds a prominent name to the crowded Democratic primary, but she will face stiff competition from other experienced candidates. The outcome of the redistricting effort will be a key factor in determining the shape of the district and the dynamics of the race.