Wittman Wins Big in 1st District in Primary

UPDATE June 12, 2014

Rob Wittman (R, Va.-1) issued this statement to supporters upon his primary win in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District.

“It is a privilege to serve the people of Virginia’s 1st District, and I am honored that voters across the district selected me as their nominee today in the Republican primary. I look forward to continuing to serve the great citizens of the 1st District and advocating for common-sense, conservative solutions to the challenges we face.

“This is a critical year for America’s future and for our party. The upcoming elections provide a significant opportunity for the American people to fill the House of Representatives and the Senate with leaders who can get this nation back on track. I will be working hard to ensure that the voices of Virginians are heard in Washington.

“I would like to thank all the volunteers who have supported me by knocking on doors, talking to friends and family about the campaign, hosting and attending events, and calling fellow residents of the 1st District to remind them to vote. I am grateful for your support and look forward to working with you in the weeks and months ahead.”

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — Rob Wittman (R-Va. 1) has handily defeated his opponent in today’s Republican Primary Election.

Republican Anthony T. Reidel lost to the incumbent Congressman by at least 52 points. Wittman has held the 1^st District seat for the past eight years, which spans from Williamsburg to Stafford, and also includes portions of Prince William and Fauquier counties.

Reidel issued the following statement on his website:

“I would like to congratulate Congressman Rob Wittman on a well-run, clean campaign focused on the issues facing America’s First District and the country. And I look forward to helping our entire Virginia Republican Party ticket achieve victory in November.

“I would like to thank my family, friends, volunteers, donors, and the voters of the First District for their support and prayers. We have come a long way since January 7.

“While we came up short tonight, the cause of liberty will march on. For if we rely on ourselves, on each other, and on God, liberty will prevail.”

Riedel is a public relations specialist at the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation in Springfield. Anthony graduated from Gloucester High School and holds a BA in Communications from James Madison University. Prior to joining the National Right to Work Foundation in 2008, Anthony worked on Ron Paul’s presidential primary campaign.

Incumbent Wittman did not issue a statement on his website, and he used his social media channels to encourage residents to get out and vote before polls closed at 7 p.m. He will now face Democrat Norm Mosher, of Irvington, Va. in the General Election in November.

The biggest upset of the night came when Republican Eric Cantor (R, Va.-7) was ousted from his seat by Republican challenger David A. Brat, who beat Cantor by just nine points. Cantor has served as the House Majority Leader since 2011 and was the Minority Whip for the thee years prior to that. He represented the 7^th District, which is comprised of Richmond suburbs and portions of the Shenandoah Valley, since 2001.

Closer to home in the 8^th District in Arlington and Alexandria, 10 Democrats through their name into the ring to replace the long-severing Jim Moran who will retire at the end of the year. Automobile salesman Don Beyer won the majority of the vote with about 46%, with Patrick Hope coming in second with 18% of the vote.

The General Election will be held Nov. 4.