(The Center Square) — Democratic Virginia congressional candidate Eugene Vindman has been declared the winner of the commonwealth’s 7th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press.
As of Wednesday evening, Vindman’s Republican challenger, Derrick Anderson, refused to concede the elections, claiming “thousands” of outstanding ballots. Vindman holds a nearly three-point lead over Anderson, 51.1%- 48.9%, with 98% of the votes reporting.
“The process is ongoing and thousands of uncounted ballots remain. We want [to] make sure everyone’s voice is heard in this extremely close race,” Anderson said in a statement.
Despite the race being called Wednesday evening, Vindman appeared to claim victory Tuesday evening simply, posting on social media, “Thank you, Virginia!”
Vindman rose to notoriety as a whistleblower on former President Donald Trump in 2019 while he served as a legal adviser to the National Security Council. Vindman claimed Trump allegedly “attempt[ed] to extort Ukraine into investigating Joe Biden,” ultimately leading to Trump’s first impeachment.
Along with his family, Vindman emigrated from Ukraine as a child during the Cold War. After graduating college, Vindman began a military career as an Army officer, spanning 25 years as a paratrooper, infantry officer and officer in the JAG Corps. He eventually joined the National Security Council, where he “eventually became the NSC’s Senior Ethics Official in the White House,” according to his campaign website.
Vindman focused on the platform to “defend democracy” from “MAGA Republicans” and abortion, which he described as “our most fundamental rights, from a woman’s right to access abortion care, a student’s right to learn in a safe, high quality public school, a worker’s ability to enter the middle class, or a voter’s right to make their voice heard.”
Like Vindman, Anderson was also an Army officer, completing ranger school within a year of graduating, becoming a platoon leader, and later an A-Team leader in the Green Berets.
After serving in the Army, he earned a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center, clerking for two federal judges. He also “served in the White House during President Trump’s administration, where he worked in the Office of National Drug Control Policy,” according to his campaign website.
Anderson’s campaign focused on the economy, security, immigration and his military service.
Both candidates received ample support, as the race was considered one of the most competitive House races in the nation. Vindman far outraised his challenger, racking up around $14 million, while Anderson fundraised about $2.6 million.
Vindman’s victory won’t be a gain for Democrats battling for the House’s control. Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger opted not to run for reelection after announcing her intention to run for governor of the commonwealth in 2025.
