Senator Rand Paul (R), a prominent figure in conservative politics, traveled from his home state of Kentucky to endorse Cameron Hamilton, a Republican, for his party's nomination to replace outgoing Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D).
Hamilton picked up a full-throated endorsement from the Senator who has spent years questioning the motives of retired Dr. Anthony Fauci, who was the center of the government-mandated lockdowns and forced coronavirus vaccinations during the pandemic. Paul, accompanied by his wife, Kelly, drew a fervent crowd of conservatives to Gourmeltz 90s Music Bar and Drafthouse in Spotsylvania County. The atmosphere was enthusiastic, reflecting the unity and excitement among conservative voters.
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Two weeks before the June 18 Primary Election, U.S. Senator Rand Paul will headline a rally supporting Cameron Hamilton’s campaign for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District. The event is set to take place at Gourmeltz restaurant, at 10013 Patriot Highway, on Monday, June 3.
Hamilton is running in a Republican Primary, hoping to become the party nominee to replace incumbent Abigail Spanberger (D), who will not seek reelection. Doors for the event will open at 3 p.m., with the rally scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.
Senator Rand Paul, known for his libertarian-leaning views and advocacy for limited government, individual liberties, and fiscal conservatism, will be the keynote speaker at the rally. Paul’s endorsement is expected to bolster Hamilton’s campaign, drawing attention to his platform and energizing voters in the final stretch before the primary.
Cameron Hamilton, a Navy SEAL, has been campaigning on a platform that includes strengthening the economy, protecting individual freedoms, and enhancing local infrastructure. His campaign has garnered significant attention and support from various community groups and political leaders, including Yesli Vega, the party nominee for the seat in 2022.
The rally will be the latest in a series of high-profile GOP events held at the restaurant. Gourmeltz founder and owner Matt Strickland gained notoriety when he refused to adhere to coronavirus restrictions imposed by former Gov. Ralph Northam.
Northam sued Strickland for his defiance and lost. Strickland went on to run in a 2023 Primary Election for a Virginia State Senate seat now held by Tara Durant (R).
Expressing his gratitude, Anderson said, “I appreciate the support from these dedicated public servants. I look forward to fighting alongside them to improve the lives of Stafford County residents.”
Anderson, who grew up in Spotsylvania County, emphasized his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the community, attributing them to what he referred to as “Biden’s failed presidency.” He outlined his campaign’s focus on taking on key issues, including securing the border and restoring America’s standing in the world.
Crystal Vanuch, past Chair of the Board of Supervisors and a former contender for the congressional seat in the 2022 GOP primary, voiced her full support for Anderson. Vanuch highlighted their discussions on federal issues impacting localities and taxpayers, endorsing Anderson as the candidate who understands the district and is poised to fight for its residents in Congress.
Meg Bohmke, the current Chair of the Board of Supervisors, joined the endorsement, emphasizing the need for a representative who will advocate for the district, secure the border, and strengthen the economy. Bohmke urged others to rally behind Anderson, noting his roots in the 7th District and his deserving support.
Darrell English, representing the Hartwood District on the Board of Supervisors, echoed the sentiment, calling on voters to support Anderson, a local figure dedicated to serving the community and the country.
This marks Anderson’s second run at the 7th District Congressional seat. In 2022, he ran in a crowded party Primary Election.
The race has become more complex with Vega endorsing Cameron Hamilton, a Navy SEAL combat veteran and former Homeland Security division director. Vega, the party nominee in the 2022 race, supported Hamilton at the Prince William County Republican Committee meeting this week. Her nod comes after similar endorsements from Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) and Rep. Bob Good (R-Virginia, 5th District).
The endorsements come amid a competitive landscape, with eight Republicans, including Anderson, and eight Democrats, such as Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman, Margaret Franklin, Brianna Sewell, and Elizabeth Guzman, vying for the open seat in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District. Notably, incumbent Democrat Abigail Spanberger has opted not to seek reelection, aiming to run for Virginia’s governorship in 2025.
As the candidates vie for the open seat, Virginia’s Presidential Primary is scheduled for March 5, 2024. Early voting is underway, both by mail and in person. Find where to vote early.
Yesli Vega will not seek the Republican nomination for the 7th District Congressional race.
Vega was the party nominee in 2022 for the seat now held by Abigail Spanberger. She told Potomac Local News that she endorsed Hamilton at the Prince William County Republican Committee meeting.
Vega began a second term on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors this month.
It’s the latest in a series of endorsements for Hamilton, including the backing of Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.).
Hamilton is married, a father of three, a Navy SEAL combat veteran, and a former Homeland Security division director with a military and public service background.
During his military career, he served in SEAL Team Eight and completed four overseas deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Following an honorable discharge after 10 years, Cameron worked at the U.S. Department of State, supporting crisis response teams and the Bureau of Counterterrorism. His responsibilities included protecting congressional delegations and Ambassadors at U.S. Embassies and Diplomatic Missions. Later, he joined the Department of Homeland Security as the Director of the Emergency Medical Services Division, overseeing EMTs, First Responders, and Operational Medical Programs.
With a bachelor’s degree in health science, Cameron has extensive international experience, serving in over 35 countries under four different Presidential administrations. He and his family live in Orange, Virginia.
Virginia’s 7th Congressional District includes all or part of 10 counties, including Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Culpeper, King George, Orange, Madison, Greene, and Albermarle. It also includes Fredericksburg.
It’s an open seat this year after incumbent Democrat Abigail Spanberger announced she would not seek reelection and instead will run in 2025 to become Virginia’s next governor at the end of Glenn Youngkin’s term (Virginia is the only state in the union that does not permit incumbent governors from serving consecutive terms).
Spanberger, who worked as a federal law enforcement officer and a CIA officer before entering politics, was first elected to the 7th District seat in 2018.
In her 2022 matchup with Vega, Spanberger won 53% of the vote. Vega won eight of the 10 counties in the district, including Stafford and Spotsylvania. But she lost Prince William County, the most populated county in the district. Prince William voters are credited with giving Spanberger the win.
Hamilton is one of eight Republicans vying for the seat.
Eight Democrats- Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman, Margaret Franklin, Brianna Sewell, and Elizabeth Guzman, from Prince William County, and Clifford Heinzer, of Stafford County- also seek the seat.
Virginia’s Presidential Primary is on March 5, 2024. Early voting by mail and in-person is now underway. You can find your polling place here.
