On January 7, the U.S. House of Representatives convened for the first session of the 119th Congress and passed H.R. 29, the “Riley Laken Act,” with bipartisan support.

The bill is named in memory of Riley Laken, a 22-year-old nursing student tragically murdered in February 2024 while jogging on the University of Georgia campus. Her assailant, José Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan national who entered the U.S. illegally, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Riley’s death ignited widespread media attention and a national debate over immigration policies, focusing on the detention and monitoring of individuals entering the country illegally.

The Riley Laken Act mandates the detention of certain undocumented immigrants arrested for or charged with crimes such as burglary and theft. It also empowers states to sue the federal government for perceived failures in immigration enforcement.

The bill passed the House with a 264-159 vote. Eleven members abstained, while 48 Democrats joined Republicans in support of the measure.

Northern Virginia’s Representatives Divided

Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-10, Loudoun, Prince William, Manassas) was among the Democrats who voted in favor of the bill, joining five Republican representatives from Virginia.

Meanwhile, Eugene Vindman (D-7th, Woodbridge, Stafford, Fredericksburg) opposed the legislation. In a statement, Vindman expressed frustration over the lack of collaboration, stating:

“The Riley Laken Act puts additional burdens on our local police without their input or additional funding, overwhelms our corrections facilities, and leaves so many of the most pressing challenges on immigration unresolved.”

Vindman, a University of Georgia alumnus with a family member currently attending the school, emphasized his commitment to bipartisan solutions:

“I voted no today to uphold the right to due process and keep our law enforcement focused on the most pressing issues in our communities, but remain frustrated by the lack of real solutions to our immigration problems. We need to find bipartisan solutions that prioritize securing our borders while providing pathways to legal immigration.”

Vindman narrowly won his seat in the November 2024 election against Republican challenger Derrick Anderson.

Historical Context: Bipartisan Immigration Legislation

The Riley Laken Act echoes the controversy surrounding H.R. 7909, the “Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act,” passed in 2024. That legislation, which garnered support from 51 Democrats, including Vindman’s predecessor Abigail Spanberger, made sexual offenses or conspiracies to commit them grounds for deportation. It also expanded the list of domestic violence crimes that can lead to deportation, including physical or sexual abuse and coercive behavior within close relationships.

After passing the House in September 2024, H.R. 7909 was sent to the Senate and referred to the Judiciary Committee for review.

Both bills underscore the continued challenge of addressing immigration policy, balancing enforcement, and securing bipartisan consensus on pathways to reform.

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.

On Monday, November 4, Senator Tim Kaine (D) and Eugene Vindman spoke briefly to a small gathering in downtown Fredericksburg. Kaine is running again for Virginia Senate, and Vindman, a Democrat, is for the 7th Congressional District.

Kaine said, “Virginia is going to send a message,” noting that the state is often among the first to report election results and saying, “Virginia’s looking solid for Kamala.” Kaine noted that his campaign has held around 220 events this season, not including interviews, fundraisers, and Senate duties.

Kaine shared he first met Vindman when Vindman asked Kaine to perform his U.S. Army promotion ceremony after his superiors, U.S. Army Generals, were afraid to perform the ceremony for fear of angering then-President Donald Trump.

Vindman noted that he and his campaign have knocked on over 100,000 doors and crossed all areas of the district multiple times. He said, “People know what the stakes are in this election. They know that this country gets to choose what our path will be.”

Vindman did not stay after his remarks to speak to the press or the volunteers.

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.

From New York Post:

Trump whistleblower and Virginia congressional candidate Eugene Vindman refuses to answer questions about his business dealings in Ukraine, which started after he took more than a dozen taxpayer-funded trips to the war-torn nation.

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?

Kaine responded:

As a result of draconian abortion bans put into place following the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, women like Amber Thurman have died because they haven’t been able to get the care they need. Virginia is the last state in the South without an extreme abortion ban, and I won’t stop fighting against efforts to implement a national abortion ban so women can make their own health care decisions without interference from out-of-touch politicians. After the Supreme Court’s disastrous Dobbs decision, I introduced the bipartisan Reproductive Freedom for All Act, which would enact the core holdings of Supreme Court cases, including Roe v. Wade, which established and affirmed the rights to abortion and contraception. My bill is the only bipartisan proposal currently before Congress that would codify Roe v. Wade as a national protection of reproductive freedom.

Cao responded:

As a United States Senator, I will vote against any national abortion ban. I believe this issue was correctly sent back to the states which is a contrast from my opponent who wants to federalize this and take it out of the hands of voters in Virginia and put it in the hands of a Senator in California and a Congressman in Idaho. He wants to do this in order to push the most extreme agenda of unlimited abortion up to the moment of birth. This is why he voted against the Born Alive Infant Protection Act.

My family benefitted from fertility treatments so I would support making insurance companies pay for IVF and other fertility procedures. One of our five children was adopted so I would like to streamline the adoption process to help American families grow.

Anderson responded:

Unfortunately, this is something my opponent has been lying to voters about for weeks. I look at this issue as one we should approach with compassion and common sense rather than division and lies. To be very clear, I will not and do not support a national abortion ban. I’m a strong supporter of IVF and of over the counter contraceptive access. The Dobbs decision put this discussion back in the hands of the states and Virginia has spoken on this. I do not want to federalize this issue.

Vindman responded:

In 2022, when the Supreme Court overturned over 50 years of precedent in the dangerous Dobbs decision, they took away a Constitutional right held by women for generations. I don’t want my 14-year-old daughter to grow up in a world in which she has fewer rights than her mother or grandmother before her. That is unconscionable. My position on this is simple: an issue as personal as access to abortion care should be a decision made between a woman and her doctor, a politician shouldn’t be in the room. In office, I will codify Roe to make it the law of the land. My opponent unfortunately has dodged this question.

Derrick Anderson wants to let politicians dictate to women if they are allowed to access critical reproductive care. He has committed to being a “pro-life” member of Congress if elected. He actively campaigned for a candidate who disgustingly claimed that women can’t get pregnant from being raped, and therefore shouldn’t be allowed to receive an abortion if they requested one. And he is bankrolled by MAGA extremists who have called for a national abortion ban without exceptions like in Project 2025. Simply put: Derrick is a danger to women, and cannot be trusted to protect our families in Congress.

Derrick has claimed that “this should be an issue left to the states.” Let me be clear: this means that Derrick supports state legislatures and governors being able to ban abortion without exception. Including for victims of rape or incest and even when the life of the mother is in jeopardy. This is not a hypothetical future, it’s a reality women face every day. After the Dobbs decision, a 10-year-old rape victim was forced to flee her state because Ohio had banned abortion. Amber Thurman, a young mother in Georgia who had to travel hundreds of miles to receive an abortion, died from sepsis because she was denied the care she desperately needed. Right now, because of state politicians, victims are being denied care, and women are dying. So when Derrick says “leave it up to the states” don’t let his canned line distract you from the reality of what that really means.

It’s obvious that Derrick knows that his extreme position is unpopular, and that’s why he has done everything he can to dodge and distract from his true beliefs. At a recent candidate forum, Derrick was asked simply “do you support a woman’s right to choose, yes or no?” he repeatedly refused to answer. Derrick even went so far as to stage a photo-op with a “fake wife and daughters” in an attempt to soften his image as a bachelor who believes that women should be denied the ability to make their own healthcare decisions. It’s clear that he will do whatever it takes to hide his true position from voters because he’s too extreme for Virginia.

In this election, the voters of this district will decide the future of abortion rights and women’s healthcare access in Virginia and across the country. As a member of Congress, I will always vote to empower women to make their own choices. It is clear that Derrick won’t.

 

Just The News: “The nonpartisan Cook Political Report on Tuesday shifted two House races towards Republicans, with a New Jersey House race becoming “lean Republican” instead of toss up, and a Virginia race becoming a “toss up” instead of leaning Democrat.”

“The Virginia race adds pressure to Democratic candidate Eugene Vindman, who is trying to defeat Republican Derrick Anderson in the state’s seventh district. Anderson and Vindman won their respective primaries in June, and are seeking to replace Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who is running for governor. Both men are Army veterans.”

The 7th District includes portions of Prince William County, Stafford and Spotsylvania counties, and Fredericksburg.