Dorothy McAuliffe, a former Biden State Department official and first lady of Virginia, announced Wednesday that she is running for the Democratic nomination in the potentially new 7th Congressional District, setting up what is expected to be a competitive primary for the open seat.
McAuliffe, in her first interview as a candidate, said she decided to enter the race because she believes the district needs strong representation in Congress at a time when many families are struggling with rising costs and uncertainty about the future.
“I feel like the moment is really important. We need the best representation in Congress we can possibly have and I feel like I will be that representation,” McAuliffe said.
“I see too many politicians who care more about their future than yours. Too many people don’t have a voice in Congress, and that’s kids, seniors and parents who are struggling with higher costs and worrying about health care for their kids.”
McAuliffe acknowledged that multiple Democrats are expected to compete for the nomination but said primaries are a healthy part of the political process. Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, and former federal prosecutor J.P. Cooney have announced their campaigns so far.
“There are some very talented people who have already thrown their hat in this ring,” she said. “I also believe, as a lifelong Democrat, that primaries are healthy. They are good for the process. They are good for voters and making sure they understand the choices and what differentiates the candidates who want to represent them.”
McAuliffe argued that her experience in public life and advocacy work makes her well-suited for Congress.
“I believe that I have the skill set, the talents, the work that I’ve shown and demonstrated, both at the federal and the state level, to show that I am eager, willing, and will have an impact if I’m elected to Congress,” she said.
McAuliffe said she wants to focus on issues such as health care costs and affordability.
{Congress has] abdicated its responsibilities,” she said. “Whether it’s the cuts to the most vulnerable people with Medicaid and SNAP benefits, or it’s just the affordability issues that are challenging our middle class — health care costs, prescription drug costs, the price of groceries, the price of gas, the price of energy … There is nobody representing everyday people in the halls of Congress today.”
McAuliffe pointed to her work expanding school meal programs in Virginia as an example of her approach to governing.
“I like to work with people. I like to find consensus,” she said. “The work I did on expanding our school meal programs in Virginia … I worked across localities to deliver for families and kids, and through that process, we brought a lot of people to the table who care and were working in this area.”
“I want to find solutions by working with people in the particular issues, and bring them together, innovate, problem solve and bring the best solutions to life.”
Although McAuliffe has campaigned for other candidates for years, this will be the first time her own name appears on the ballot.
“I am incredibly motivated by the challenging times we find ourselves in,” she said. “Having my name on the ballot is the greatest honor of my life.”
“I have campaigned across this commonwealth in every nook and cranny, on three statewide campaigns,” McAuliffe continued. “I just think there’s nothing more important than getting out there and talking and listening to voters to help me understand what it is that concerns everyday people across Virginia.”
McAuliffe said she believes the political moment requires candidates to step forward.
“I believe that this moment demands that all of us do whatever we can to step up and help everyday Americans, and especially our everyday Virginians in the Seventh District.”
If voters approve redistricting in the April 21 referendum, there will be no Democratic incumbent in the Seventh Congressional District.