(The Center Square) – Virginia’s congressional nominees wasted little time turning to the general election after Tuesday’s primaries, thanking supporters, launching fall campaigns and calling for party unity ahead of November.
Tuesday’s primaries finalized nominees in the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th congressional districts, setting several key U.S. House of Representatives matchups for the Nov. 3 general election.
In the 1st District, Democratic nominee Shannon Taylor thanked supporters after her victory and quickly turned her attention to Republican Rep. Rob Wittman.
“This campaign is for everyone,” Taylor wrote on social media. “Democrats, Republicans, and independents who are tired of career politicians like Rob Wittman putting Washington insiders ahead of the people they represent.”
In the 2nd District, Democratic nominee Elaine Luria also shifted her focus to November after winning the nomination.
“I’m honored to be your Democratic nominee in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District to lower prices for working families, take on corruption in Washington, and flip the House to hold Donald Trump and Jen Kiggans accountable,” Luria wrote on social media.
Former U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello launched his general election campaign hours after winning the Democratic nomination in the 5th District.
“My top priority will be to cut costs and bills by getting rid of the trade war, Iran war, and war on common sense,” Perriello said in a campaign statement.
Republican nominees also began looking ahead to November.
Retired Army Lt. Col. Doug Ollivant thanked supporters after winning the Republican nomination in the 7th District and said his campaign now turns to Democratic Rep. Eugene Vindman.
“We have been at this for over a year and the support we have gotten from every part of the community has been incredible,” Ollivant said in a victory statement.
In the 10th District, retired Air Force Col. Dave Beckwith thanked supporters after winning the Republican nomination and began outlining his campaign ahead of his race against Democratic Rep. Suhas Subramanyam.
Several unsuccessful candidates also urged Republicans to unite behind their nominees.
Julie Perry congratulated Beckwith on his victory and encouraged Republicans to rally behind the nominee. David Williams, who lost the Republican U.S. Senate primary, also congratulated Republican nominee Bert Mizusawa.
“While tonight’s results were not what we had hoped for, I am deeply grateful for the friendships we’ve built and the encouragement we received along the way,” Williams wrote. “I congratulate our Republican nominee, Bert Mizusawa, and wish him success as he takes on Mark Warner in November.”
