Dorothy McAuliffe announced her congressional campaign in the potentially new Seventh Congressional District.
McAuliffe is a former State Department official, first lady of Virginia and attorney.
“I’m a proud mom of five and a new grandmother, and right now, I’m worried about the future of all our children,” she said in her launch statement.
“Virginians are working harder than ever, but the middle class is still out of reach for too many. We need a leader who has a record of delivering and can finally bring down costs for families, who will increase access to affordable healthcare, and who will never back down from holding Donald Trump and ICE accountable.”
Virginia voters still have to approve the congressional district redraw in a referendum on April 21 for this district to exist.
“It should not be that complicated: Families and children should be at the center of every decision we make in Washington,” McAuliffe said. “I look forward to traveling this district – from Arlington to Augusta and Prince William to Powhatan – and sharing that vision for this community.”
McAuliffe also announced these endorsements:
- Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas
- Former Attorney General Mary Sue Terry
- Former Speaker of the House Eileen Filler-Corn
- Former Secretary of Education, First Lady and Richmond School Board Member Anne Holton
- Former First Lady Pamela Northam
- Former First Lady Lisa Collis
- Former First Lady Lynda Johnson Robb
“Dorothy has always fought for people who feel like no one in Washington is fighting for them,” Lucas said in a statement. “She took on childhood hunger, stood up for survivors of sexual violence, and never hesitated to challenge the system when families needed help. Dorothy brings toughness, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose — and that’s exactly what we need representing Virginia in Congress.”
Filler-Corn, who was a rumored candidate, announced Tuesday night that she would not be running.
“Dorothy understands that families need someone willing to fight for them — especially when it comes to protecting children and making life more affordable,” Filler-Corn said. “Her work expanding access to school meals and supporting survivors showed what determined leadership can accomplish. Dorothy will bring that same focus and determination to Congress.”
McAuliffe is joining a crowded field of Democratic candidates in the new potential Seventh Congressional District. Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, and former federal prosecutor J.P. Cooney have announced their campaigns so far.