Speaker Johnson to Campaign in Tight Virginia House Races
Speaker Mike Johnson is set to campaign in two crucial Virginia House districts on election eve, stating exclusively to The Post that "the road to maintaining and expanding our majority runs directly through Virginia." He emphasized that "we have two candidates who will win and deliver results for Commonwealth families."
Johnson will attend events supporting Republican candidates Derrick Anderson, aiming for an open seat, and freshman Rep. Jen Kiggans. He will also be joined by special guests, according to the New York Post.
"Congresswoman Kiggans is a champion for veterans, our troops, and military families, and she works across the aisle to fight for Virginia’s 2nd District. Green Beret Derrick Anderson has served our country and will be a strong voice for Virginia’s 7th District to secure our border, fix our economy, and restore peace through strength," Johnson told The Post.
After a nationwide campaign tour that took him to over 250 cities across 40 states, Johnson expressed his eagerness to "turn out the vote across Virginia on the eve of the most important election of our lifetimes."
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, opening a rally in Salem, Va., with a confident message: “I’m here today in this incredible commonwealth for one very simple reason — because I believe we can win Virginia.”
Though a Republican presidential candidate hasn’t won Virginia in 20 years, the GOP made notable strides in 2021 by securing the governorship, lieutenant governorship, and attorney general’s office.
Johnson will rally for Anderson in Spotsylvania, joined by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and others, as reported by The Post.
Anderson’s opponent, Democrat Eugene Vindman, gained national attention in 2019 as a whistleblower during Trump’s first impeachment, related to a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Vindman's twin brother, Alexander, testified before Congress in the case.
The race is seen as a prime chance for Republicans to flip a seat and bolster their slim House majority. Current Democrat Rep. Abigail Spanberger is not seeking reelection, having announced her intention to run for Virginia governor in 2025.
Despite his national profile, Vindman’s campaign has been relatively low-profile, with just one debate appearance and limited media engagement. He recently provided WUSA TV with only seven minutes of the requested 15-minute interview, while Anderson had agreed to the full time weeks earlier, noted The Post.
This approach, which includes sidestepping press inquiries, has fueled speculation. Critics, including Anderson, allege that Vindman has embellished aspects of his military record. The Cook Political Report recently updated its rating on the race from "lean Democrat" to a "toss-up."
In Virginia Beach, Johnson and Youngkin will rally with Kiggans, joined by Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares.
Kiggans reclaimed her seat for Republicans in 2022 after defeating two-term Democrat Rep. Elaine Luria. Previously, Republican Scott Taylor represented this district with a high concentration of military and veteran residents.
As an incumbent, Kiggans enters the current election season in a strong position, balancing the interests of both staunch conservatives and moderate voters in her first term.
A September poll by Christopher Newport University found Kiggans leading her Democratic challenger Missy Cotter Smasal by 5 points.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris has dedicated the past day to campaigning in Pennsylvania, a critical swing state, even going door-to-door in what some have described as a last-ditch effort. She is set to attend five rallies in the state on Election Day, this Tuesday.