// tabnab protection window.addEventListener('load', function () { // make all links have rel="noopener noreferrer" document.querySelectorAll('a[target="_blank"]').forEach(link => { link.setAttribute('rel', 'noopener noreferrer'); }); }); -->
Join

Eugene Vindman apologizes for Confederate Flag photo amidst congressional bid

A photo posted to X, formerly Twitter, showing Democrat Eugene Vindman, the front runner in the Democratic race to replace Abigail Spanberger in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, holding a Confederate Virginia State Flag, has been deleted from the social media platform.

Eugene Vindman has apologized for posing for a photo while holding the Virginia State Flag adopted by the Confederate state government during the Civil War.

Potomac Local was the first to report on the photo on Monday, April 15, 2024. Vindman asked the person who posted it to X, formerly Twitter, to remove it from the social media platform.

According to the Democrat, a congressional candidate who seeks to replace Abigail Spanberger in Virginia’s 7th District (Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Fredericksburg) in a June 18, 2024, Primary Election, he posed for the photo after delivering a keynote speech at the Ukrainian Action Summit in Washington, D.C.

“Unbeknownst to me, in one of these pictures was a flag of Virginia spanning the Civil War era. When I glanced at the flag, I did not link it to the Civil War era. When I realized this mistake, I directed my team to reach out to this attendee to ask him to take the picture down, as it in no way aligns with any of my core values and background. I apologize,” Vindman wrote in a statement on X.

Democrats and Republicans were quick to criticize Vindman today on social media. The most notable, Virignia State Senator Louise Lucas, posted on X, “How could someone who wants to represent us be so ignorant of our history?”

Other Democrats seeking the party’s nomination in the 7th District race chimed in, too.

“One thing you’ll never see me do is pose for a picture with a Confederate flag,” said a former Virginia House of Delegates member, Elizabeth Guzman.

“It’s disheartening to see that someone who wants to represent so many people of color pose behind a confederate flag,” said Andrea Bailey, another Democrat seeking the nomination and a Prince William County Board of Supervisors member.

Republican Derrick Anderson, who’s in a race of multiple Republicans seeking that party’s nomination, said, “Yet another reason why this newcomer isn’t fit to serve Virginia’s 7th District.”

Vindman has raised more than $1.7 million in the race to replace Spanberger, more than any other Democrat or Republican seeking the congressional seat. Much of that cash has come from out-of-state contributors from places like California and New York.

The 25-year Army veteran, originally from Ukraine, was a crucial witness in the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. He continues to campaign on that fact, all the while facing criticism from members of his party for being a political newcomer and from residents who question his intentions of being a white man running against a field of black female Democrats.

During a Democrat voter forum at the Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Government Building in Woodbridge on March 27, 2024, a white man asked Vindman, “Currently, our Congressional representative is a white woman. Do you think it’s time to pass that torch to someone of color? And considering we have so many strong women of color running for this seat.”

“I’m an immigrant, and I’m Jewish, fleeing a bigoted communist regime. So I understand those perspectives,” Vindman responded.

Vindman has also been criticized for not being active locally in the Democratic Party. Delegate Joshua Cole asked, “I’m sorry – who is this? I’ve never seen this person in our area. At. All.”

During the March 27 forum, Vindman, currently a Prince William County resident, defended himself, saying he has lived in the 7th District since 2016. “My kids have gone to school here. I think for Northern Virginia, I qualify as a long-term resident since I’ve been here since 2016 in this transitory community,” said Vindman.

The three-term incumbent Spanberger announced her run for governor of Virginia in 2025. She seeks to replace Glenn Youngkin (R), whom the Virginia State Constitution prohibits from seeking a second term.

A note to you, our readers:

This story is free to read, but it costs money to bring it to you. If you rely on us for local news and haven’t already, please support us by becoming a member!

Recent Stories

From major protests in Manassas and Fredericksburg to the closing of a beloved Dumfries restaurant, here’s what’s making headlines as we start the week. We’re tracking road closures, school board decisions, Easter events, and a championship celebration for the Fredericksburg Nationals. Check back throughout the day for more local news and updates.

Two new elementary schools that could help ease overcrowding in Prince William County won’t open until at least 2026 and 2027, respectively, school officials say.

The cold temperatures in February took their toll on area roads, and now the drivers are playing dodgeball with the potholes. When dodging isn’t successful, there can be a flat tire, a bent rim, or even worse for area drivers.

This beautifully updated townhome in the Cabin Creekwood subdivision offers comfort, convenience, and style—all in one. Now available at a new price, this home is centrally located just minutes from Quantico, I-95, Route 1, and the VRE, providing easy access for commuters.

The New Dominion Choraliers

Have a Show-Stopping Concert in Store!

Join us on Saturday, May 3 or Sunday, May 4 as the New Dominion Choraliers put on a concert with fun and fabulous songs straight from your favorite Broadway shows and Big Screen musicals. Selections from Pixar, Disney, and Rodgers and Hammerstein offer familiar tunes across the generations, as well as selections from Wicked, Les Miserables, The Greatest Showman, and more!

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Properly using a car seat can reduce the risk of injury or death in a car crash by a significant amount, with studies showing reductions of 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.

Check your child safety seat with the Montgomery County Safe Kids Coalition on Thursday March 20, 2025 from 10am-12:30pm. No appointment necessary.

Fitzgerald GMC Rockville

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Your Weight Matters National Convention

–

Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.

This unique Convention truly has something

Cascade Landing Community Grand Opening

–

You’re invited to celebrate the Official Grand Opening of our newest community Cascade Landing in Dumfries, VA. Join us April 12th from 11 AM – 6 PM and fall for your new townhome!

Enjoy our grand opening celebration, complete with

Ă—

Subscribe to our mailing list