Elaine Luria, a former member of the January 6 Capitol attack committee, is running for Congress in Virginia's 2nd District with a goal to flip the House back to Democrats in the 2026 midterms.

She argues that national sentiment is turning against Donald Trump, pointing to unfavorable approval ratings and policy missteps abroad, including a controversial move in Iran that she says impacted gas prices and the economy.

Virginia redistricting developments loom over the race, with possible map changes that could affect Democratic chances; a campaign video from Kiggans casts redistricting as gerrymandering, which Luria aims to counter.

Luria has secured endorsements from top Virginia figures, including Governor Abigail Spanberger and U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, and reports strong fundraising with over $1.75 million raised in the first quarter of 2026 and more than $2.3 million cash on hand.

Her candidacy centers on holding Trump and his allies accountable, contrasting her congressional work with the bid to win back a district that flipped to Republican Jennifer Kiggans in 2022.

Virginia’s 2nd District is highly competitive and pivotal for determining whether Congress can serve as a check on the president, with broader implications for the 2026 midterms.