Republican candidate Derrick Anderson officially conceded his race for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District on November 7, 2024.

His Democratic opponent, Eugene Vindman, claimed victory on Election Night, securing 50.94% of the vote in Prince William County compared to Anderson’s 48.79%. Prince William, the district’s most populous jurisdiction, played a crucial role in the outcome.

Anderson’s campaign focused heavily on voter outreach across the district, particularly in Prince William County. He noted his efforts to connect with voters in the area, saying his team “did well in Prince William” by visiting locations like Todos and other local businesses to address issues such as rising electricity costs. His strategy resonated strongly in precincts like Colgan and Quantico, where he led with 54.90% and 54.70% of the vote, respectively.

Vindman’s victory was aided by significant early voting support in Prince William County, where he received 66.88% of in-person early votes. Anderson thanked his supporters, acknowledging their dedication and hard work throughout the campaign. While disappointed by the results, Anderson conveyed pride in his efforts to address community concerns and optimism for the future of the 7th District.

Anderson emphasized unity and the importance of addressing the pressing concerns of local residents. In his address, Anderson reflected on his campaign, acknowledging the dedication of his volunteers and supporters. He thanked an extensive network of friends, family, and colleagues, underscoring the deep community ties that fueled his bid for office.

Anderson, who grew up in Spotsylvania County, shared his motivation for running: a commitment to improve the lives of those in his district. He recounted memories of mopping floors at his mother’s restaurant and wrestling at Courtland High School, moments that shaped his vision for service. “The seventh district is my home,” he said. “It’s where I began my journey that took me to the army and ultimately to run for Congress.”

While recounting his experiences and milestones, Anderson addressed the recent election process, noting the 11,000 provisional ballots still pending. However, with the current ballot count leaving no clear path to victory, he conceded, stating it was in the district’s best interest to move forward.

Reflecting on broader national concerns, Anderson outlined his expectations for Washington. He called for a secure border, fiscal responsibility, and support for the nation’s allies, asserting that the next administration should focus on citizens’ economic well-being. “People are ready for change,” he said, voicing the frustrations of those struggling with rising costs of living and security concerns.

In closing, Anderson urged the community to set aside partisan differences and work together, regardless of the campaign’s outcome. “While we can’t claim victory today, I’m asking everyone to come together, as one district, dedicated to looking after our fellow neighbors and focusing on a better future,” he concluded, leaving a message of hope and resilience for his supporters and constituents alike.

This was Anderson’s second bid for the congressional seat. He ran in a Republican Party Primary Election in 2022, and lost to Prince William County Supervisor Yesli Vega, who lost to Democrat Abigail Spanberger (D).

Spanberger, a three-term congresswoman, has hinted she will run against Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears in Virginia’s gubernatorial race in 2025 to replace Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who cannot seek re-election due to constitutionally imposed term limits.

In Virginia’s highly contested 7th Congressional District race, Democratic candidate Eugene S. Vindman currently leads Republican Derrick M. Anderson by a narrow 12,750 votes, with Vindman tallying 152,136 votes to Anderson’s 139,386.

However, Anderson’s campaign has emphasized that the race remains undecided, with significant numbers of ballots still uncounted and Orange County’s Election Day results not yet published.

“Simply put, like so many other races across the country, this race remains too close to call,” Anderson stated. “And like many other races across the country, it has not been called by any major media outlet. The reality is that there are thousands of outstanding ballots to count. In fact, according to the VA Dept. of Elections, Orange County hasn’t published any Election Day votes.”

We told you last night that Vindman declared victory. 

In Orange County, so far, Vindman captured 4,174 votes, or 42.74%, while Anderson received 5,569 votes, or 57.02%. Anderson’s campaign expects the final tally here could play a significant role in the district’s outcome. “Many of those ballots will be counted today,” Anderson added. “Our team is deploying out to canvasses across all 11 localities in VA07 to get an accurate read on all the votes outstanding.”

The breakdown of votes in other counties shows Prince William County delivered the highest number of votes to Vindman, with 74,834 compared to Anderson’s 38,512. In Culpeper County, however, Anderson claimed a substantial lead, capturing 17,335 votes to Vindman’s 10,349. Other counties, including Spotsylvania and Greene, followed similar trends, with Anderson leading in more rural areas while Vindman garnered stronger support in urban and suburban regions.

The campaign also noted that the Virginia Department of Elections has a Friday deadline for voters to cure ballots that were rejected for various reasons. “We will be working hard to ensure that every vote is counted,” Anderson said, urging voters whose ballots were initially rejected to take action before the deadline.

Anderson criticized a local media entity for what he described as “misinformation” after an incorrect race call led to confusion. “To be exceedingly clear: this media entity gave Virginia voters misinformation at a critical point during an election,” he said. “We ask that, given the amount of misinformation already going around today, any outlet with questions please reach out to us immediately.”

As final counts and cures continue, both campaigns remain vigilant, with Anderson’s team actively tracking remaining ballots across the district’s 11 localities to ensure every vote is accounted for.

More as we have it.

Updated 11:52 p.m — In a tightly contested race, Eugene Vindman emerged victorious over Republican Derrick M. Anderson in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, securing a seat that will keep the district under Democratic control. Vindman’s win fills the seat previously held by Abigail Spanberger, who chose not to seek re-election and is widely speculated to be considering a run for Virginia governor in 2025.

However, Anderson has not conceded the race. “The media calling the #VA07 race before all votes have been reported is premature. This is still too close to call,” Anderson posted to X.  “Over ten thousand votes – including Election Day votes, early votes, & mail-in votes – are yet to be reported. This race & the voters deserve more time.”

Vindman’s campaign, which saw significant financial backing, raised an impressive $15.7 million and spent $13.4 million. His opponent, Anderson, reported $2.4 million in receipts and $2 million in expenditures, underscoring the scale of Vindman’s campaign efforts. Vindman captured 51.51% of the vote with 191,435 ballots in his favor, while Anderson garnered 48.22% with 179,200 votes.

Results Highlight Prince William County’s Role

The results across Virginia’s 7th District highlight the varied political landscape within the region. Prince William County, the district’s most populous county, leaned strongly Democratic in the election, with Vindman receiving 65.73% of the vote there.

Known for its growing suburban population and diverse communities, Prince William County has consistently voted Democratic in recent years, further solidifying its status as a crucial party stronghold.

In contrast, other counties within the district, such as Culpeper, Greene, and King George, showed strong support for Republican candidate Derrick Anderson, with each giving him well over 60% of the vote. These rural and traditionally conservative counties counterbalanced the Democratic backing of Prince William and Fredericksburg.

Vindman’s Statement of Thanks and Vision for Service

In his victory speech, Vindman expressed gratitude to his supporters, acknowledging the “grassroots army” that propelled his campaign. Reflecting on his journey from an immigrant who fled Soviet oppression to a U.S. Congressman-elect, Vindman shared, “It’s a testament to the power of the American experience that an immigrant who escaped a Soviet Regime and came to this great nation with less than $800 in our pockets, would now stand here as a Congressman-elect of the United States House of Representatives.”

Vindman, a retired U.S. Army officer, highlighted his commitment to service. “In my 25 years of military service, it didn’t matter to me the color, creed, background, race, or party affiliation of the person next to me. What mattered was getting the mission done,” he said, adding that he intends to bring this mission-focused approach to Washington.

Vindman will be sworn in to represent Virginia’s 7th Congressional District. He pledges to serve all constituents as he embarks on his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Derrick Anderson (R), who is running for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, held a rally in Spotsylvania with Governor Glenn Youngkin and Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.  The speakers focused on getting out to vote on Election Day, Nov. 5, and encouraging friends and family to ensure they also vote.

One volunteer, Marie, who reportedly wrote thousands of postcards supporting Anderson, fainted during the rally. According to other attendees, both Youngkin and Johnson hopped down from the stage to assist her.

Today, November 4, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R) and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will join Republican congressional candidate Derrick Anderson in a Get Out the Vote Rally in Spotsylvania County.

A former Green Beret, Anderson is vying to unseat Democratic Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger in Virginia’s hotly contested 7th District. Anderson faces Democrat Eugene Vindman in what many are calling a close race.

The rally, intended to energize supporters just days before Election Day, will be held at Anderson’s campaign office near the Cracker Barrel on Southpoint Parkway, conveniently located near I-95. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the event beginning at 5 p.m.

Election Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

A sign for Republican Senate Candidate Hung Cao and Republican Derrick Anderson, running to replace the outgoing Abigail Spanberger in Congress, was spotted defaced today at Prince William Parkway and Ridgefield Road in Woodbridge.

From The Center Square

Despite Democrat Eugene Vindman raising more than five times as much as his Republican opponent Derrick Anderson, the race for Virginia’s 7th District remains tight.

A new poll shows Anderson lags Vindman by only 2%, a statistical tie according to one of the poll’s partners.

Our survey series ends with our eighth and final question to our candidates. Senator Tim Kaine and Hung Cao are running to represent Virginia in the U.S. Senate. Derrick Anderson and Eugene Vindman are running for the District 7 seat in the House of Representatives.

Early voting began Sept. 20. and ends November 2. Election Day is Nov. 5.

Over the past few weeks, we have offered a feature series offering insights into each candidate’s stand on critical issues affecting our area. Candidates have answered questions about the economy, education, veterans, borders, data centers, and more.

Each week, candidates were emailed a question and asked to reply by a deadline. This format lets voters quickly compare the candidates’ views on critical issues, helping them make an informed choice come election day.

We asked our candidates the following question:

With Winsome Sears and Abigail Spanberger leading the 2025 gubernatorial race, reproductive rights are expected to remain a central issue. What is your position on the current reproductive healthcare laws, and how do you plan to address concerns about access to services on one side and the need for restrictions on the other?

Deuntay Diggs, an Independent Stafford County Board of Supervisors member, has officially endorsed Derrick Anderson in the race for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District. Anderson, a Republican, is running against Democrat Eugene Vindman to represent a district that includes Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, Fredericksburg, and a portion of Prince William County.

Diggs, elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2024 representing the George Washington District, praised Anderson’s leadership and vision for the future in a statement announcing his endorsement.

“Derrick Anderson is the leader we need to unite our community and tackle the challenges that matter most, both locally and globally,” Diggs said. “With a deep commitment to putting country over party and strong roots in our community, Derrick is focused on building a brighter, more inclusive future for all. His vision and dedication inspire real change. Let’s come together and support Derrick in making that vision a reality.”

Diggs’ endorsement is significant in a closely watched race because of his nonpartisan approach. Beyond his political role, Diggs has gained recognition for his diverse accomplishments as a law enforcement officer, motivational speaker, author, actor, and even a contestant on “America’s Got Talent.”

In response to the endorsement, Anderson expressed his gratitude, highlighting Diggs’ bipartisan approach and service to the community.

“Supervisor Diggs is an energetic, effective, and bipartisan community leader, and I’m honored to have his endorsement,” Anderson said. “He puts country over party every day, and I appreciate his service as a law enforcement officer. I look forward to working with him closely to improve our great district when I’m in Congress.”

Diggs currently serves as an alternate on several key committees, including the Joint Schools Working Committee, the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Association, and the Rappahannock Regional Jail Authority Board. He also represents the county on the George Washington Regional Commission and the Rappahannock River Basin Commission.

As the race for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District heats up, Diggs’ endorsement could provide Anderson with a boost, particularly among independent voters in the region.

Anderson has a background in military service and public policy. His campaign emphasizes national security, economic growth, and bipartisanship as key tenets of his platform.

The 7th Congressional District race is expected to be highly competitive and is considered a “toss-up.‘ Voters will decide on November 5 who will represent their interests in a region that spans urban and rural communities. Early voting is underway.