(The Center Square) – A potential congressional race in Virginia is taking shape before litigation is settled, voters have approved an amendment, or district lines have been finalized.
In what would be known as the 7th Congressional District, state Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim is the latest entry among Democrats. Others declaring are Del. Dan Helmer, Del. Adele McClure and former Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe.
Voters will decide April 21 whether to approve a constitutional amendment allowing the General Assembly to redraw congressional districts before the next census. If approved, party primaries for congressional races are scheduled Aug. 4.
Also in play is litigation on the amendment process.
A proposed congressional map approved by the General Assembly would significantly reshape district lines, with changes concentrated in Northern and Central Virginia. The newly configured 7th District is expected to be centered in Northern Virginia and favor Democrats.
Virginia’s delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives is 6-5 Democrats today. If new maps are allowed, they’re expected to change the offering to 10-1 Democrats.
Salim told The Center Square he decided to run now so voters would have a choice if the redistricting measure is approved. “I announced my candidacy now so people know they will have that choice if they vote yes,” he said.
Salim, a Democrat representing the 37th Senate District in Northern Virginia, pointed to his legislative record and campaign message as part of his decision to run.
During the 2026 General Assembly session, Salim sponsored a range of legislation spanning immigration enforcement, public safety and housing policy.
His proposals include measures to limit certain cooperation between local entities and federal immigration authorities in locations such as courthouses, schools and hospitals, as well as legislation placing conditions on agreements between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies.
He also sponsored a bill restricting when law enforcement officers can wear face coverings while on duty, along with legislation tied to transit-oriented housing development and firearm-related restrictions.
Several of those bills have passed the General Assembly and are awaiting action from the governor, while others did not advance.
His entry adds to a field that is still taking shape, with candidates beginning to outline different policy priorities. The potential race could become one of the more closely watched Democratic primaries in Virginia if the proposed map is approved.
