Currently, as you’re undoubtedly aware, the Virginia 2nd Congressional District is (mis)represented by the abysmal Rep. Jen Kiggans (R), who narrowly defeated the superb Elaine Luria (D) in the 2022 midterm election in this “purple,” Hampton Roads-based district which Joe Biden won by 2 points in 2020. So, clearly, this is a winnable district in a presidential election year such as 2024. Of course, to do that, Democrats are going to have to nominate a strong candidate, who in turn is going to have to run a top-notch campaign this fall. With that in mind, the two Democrats who have thrown their hats in the ring so far are:
- U.S. Navy veteran Missy Cotter Smasal, who announced in early September, who was just recently added to the DCCC’s “Red-to-Blue” list, and who has been endorsed by Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA04), Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA07), Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA10), Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA08), former Gov. Ralph Northam, etc.
- Constitutional law and civil rights attorney Jake Denton, who announced on January 31 (see his press release, below). According to Denton: “We need a leader in the 2nd District
who’s focused on building our economy, restoring reproductive rights, and protecting the rule of law. But extremists – Donald Trump and his followers – are threatening our Constitution and basic freedoms like the right to choose and the right to vote. Trump tried to overturn the last election and claims he’s above the law. Trump talks openly about turning our democracy into a dictatorship. Americans deserve better.”
May the best Democratic candidate win!
Constitutional and Civil Rights Attorney Jake Denton Announces Run for Congress in VA-02
Virginia Beach, VA – Today, constitutional law and civil rights attorney Jeremiah “Jake” Denton IV announced he is running for Congress in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District as a Democrat.
Denton starts the race after having raised more than $100,000 since he began testing the waters in late December.
“My wife Katie and I grew up in Virginia Beach and love raising our children in Hampton Roads. I’ve practiced law throughout the 2nd District for 12 years. Before law school, I worked as a
journalist, covering disadvantaged communities and our local economy,” said Jake Denton. “First as a writer and now as a constitutional and civil rights attorney, I have always considered it
my job to call out and fight injustice. I’m proud to represent clients in anti-defamation, sexual harassment, and discrimination cases. Our Constitution, civil rights, and the rule of law are
critically important to me.”
“I believe in finding common ground to solve big problems. We need a leader in the 2nd District who’s focused on building our economy, restoring reproductive rights, and protecting the rule of
law,” Denton continued. “But extremists – Donald Trump and his followers – are threatening our Constitution and basic freedoms like the right to choose and the right to vote. Trump tried to
overturn the last election and claims he’s above the law. Trump talks openly about turning our democracy into a dictatorship. Americans deserve better.”
About Jake Denton
Jeremiah “Jake” Denton, IV, Esq. is a civil rights and constitutional law attorney. After practicing law for ten years with his father, himself a distinguished civil rights attorney, Jake opened his own law firm in 2022. His law practice focuses on First Amendment law and discrimination cases. Jake also volunteers pro bono legal services to victims of domestic violence; regularly
tries cases in state and federal courts; and has served as a court-appointed attorney for indigent defendants.
Jake enters the race inspired by a family deeply rooted in public service. Jake grew up in Virginia Beach because both his grandfathers were U.S. Navy fighter pilots who moved here
while serving in the Vietnam War. His grandfather Jeremiah A. Denton Jr., a former U.S. Senator, was held captive as a POW for seven years in Vietnam, where his father also fought as an Army helicopter pilot. Jake’s mother was a pioneer among women lawyers in Hampton Roads starting the practice of law in the late 1970’s, and then served for nearly two decades on the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. His step-father and political mentor Guy Tower recently served on the City Council of Virginia Beach.
After majoring in history at the University of Virginia, Jake worked as a foreign correspondent and a reporter covering the Hampton Roads economy, local government, and social issues. He wrote about a variety of topics, including education, immigration, and homelessness. Jake also worked for the Virginia Port Authority as editor of The Virginia Maritimer for 7 years. Jake went on to graduate Cum Laude from the William & Mary School of Law and is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Political Leadership Program
Learn more at www.dentonforvirginia.com
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