Derrick Anderson secures crucial support in Virginia’s competitive congressional race.
Exclusive: Former Navy SEAL Endorses Green Beret in Competitive Virginia Congressional Race
Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) is throwing his support behind Republican Derrick Anderson, a former Green Beret, in a highly contested Virginia congressional race that House Republicans are determined to win in the upcoming 2024 elections. The endorsement, which was first revealed to the Washington Examiner, comes just one week after Anderson announced his candidacy.
“A Fresh Perspective to a Stagnant Congress”
“I am proud to endorse a fellow Special Operator in the fight to flip Virginia’s Seventh Congressional District. Derrick repeatedly put his life on the line defending our nation, and his commitment to our country is absolute,” expressed Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL. “His leadership is what is needed in D.C. to shake up the status quo and bring a fresh perspective to a stagnant Congress.”
The current representative of Virginia’s 7th Congressional District is Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), who secured the seat in 2018. However, this district is expected to be a closely watched battleground during the upcoming elections. Anderson previously ran for the seat in the 2022 midterm elections but came in second during the GOP primary.
House Republicans currently hold a four-seat majority, and they, along with the Congressional Leadership Fund, a PAC affiliated with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), have identified Spanberger’s district as a top priority for flipping in the next election. While Spanberger is anticipated to run for governor in 2025, she has not yet confirmed whether she will seek reelection.
Anderson, a native of Spotsylvania County, Virginia, has an impressive military background, having served six tours of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other Middle Eastern countries. He is a graduate of Georgetown University law school and was a member of the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Tech University.
“A Chaotic Path and Weakness”
“I am honored to have the support of Congressman Derrick Van Orden. His service to our country is admirable, and the leadership he demonstrated as a Senior Chief in the Navy is now evident in the halls of Congress,” expressed Anderson. “Navy SEALs, Green Berets, Army Rangers, and other veterans are stepping up to serve in Congress and run for Congress because we see the chaotic path President Biden has taken us down and the weakness we display to our adversaries we have fought against in order to protect our freedoms here at home.”
Other Republicans vying for the GOP primary in Virginia’s 7th District include Bill Moher, Jon Myers, Shaliek Tarpley, and former Navy SEAL Cameron Hamilton. Independent candidate Craig Ennis is also running in the race.
Anderson has garnered endorsements from Reps. Brian Mast (R-FL), an Army veteran, and Mike Waltz (R-FL), the sole Green Beret veteran in Congress. Both Mast and Waltz have praised Anderson’s unwavering commitment to “fighting the good fight” as they enthusiastically support his candidacy.
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
What impact might Rep. Van Orden’s endorsement have on voters who prioritize national security and military experience in their candidate choice
Ntly hold a slim majority in the House of Representatives and see winning back the 7th Congressional District in Virginia as crucial to maintaining their control. As such, they are throwing their support behind candidates they believe have the best chance of flipping the district from blue to red.
Derrick Anderson, a former Green Beret and Republican candidate, has emerged as a strong contender for the seat. His military background and commitment to service have resonated with many in the district, including Rep. Derrick Van Orden.
Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL, recently announced his endorsement of Anderson in the upcoming congressional race. In a statement to the Washington Examiner, Van Orden praised Anderson’s dedication to the country and his ability to bring a fresh perspective to Congress.
“A Fresh Perspective to a Stagnant Congress,” Van Orden stated. “I am proud to endorse a fellow Special Operator in the fight to flip Virginia’s 7th Congressional District. Derrick repeatedly put his life on the line defending our nation, and his commitment to our country is absolute. His leadership is what is needed in D.C. to shake up the status quo and bring a fresh perspective to a stagnant Congress.”
The endorsement comes shortly after Anderson announced his candidacy, signaling early support and momentum for his campaign. Anderson’s previous experience running for the seat in the 2022 midterm elections has given him valuable insight and understanding of the district’s dynamics.
The current representative of Virginia’s 7th Congressional District is Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat who secured the seat in 2018. However, Republicans see an opportunity to challenge and potentially defeat her in the upcoming elections.
The 7th Congressional District is expected to be a closely watched battleground, with both parties heavily investing in the race. House Republicans are determined to win back the seat and strengthen their majority, while Democrats are rallying behind Spanberger to maintain control of the district.
Anderson’s endorsement by former Navy SEAL Rep. Derrick Van Orden adds credibility and support to his campaign. As a highly decorated military veteran, Van Orden’s endorsement carries weight and may sway voters who prioritize national security and military experience in their candidates.
The upcoming 2024 elections will undoubtedly be crucial for both parties, and the race in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District will be one to watch. As the contest heats up, Anderson will rely on the endorsement of Rep. Derrick Van Orden and the support of Republicans to give him an edge in this highly contested race.
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