VA05 is a tough district for Democrats – Trump won it by 12.2 points in 2024, Hung Cao actually beat Tim Kaine there by 9.9 points, and insurrectionist/far-right-extremist John McGuire won the US House race by 15 points. Which is why Larry Sabato’s “Crystal Ball” has VA05 as “Safe Republican.”
However…with all that said, I’d make a few points: 1) with a Republican in the White House, and a VERY unpopular one at that, it’s quite possible that the midterm elections next year – assuming they’re free and fair of course – will be a “blue wave” or even a “blue tsunami,” like in 2018; 2) John McGuire is truly a horrible Congressman; as extreme as they come, and completely incompetent in terms of actually representing the district…and hopefully at least *some* Republican voters and certainly independents in VA05 see that (?); 3) it’s possible that former Rep. Bob Good (R) could run, possibly under the “America Party” banner or as an independent, which could draw support from McGuire; 4) Democrats obviously need a strong candidate with roots in the district who also runs a top-notch campaign.
On that final point, this is good to see:
Our district is hurting. People feel it in their hearts and in their aching backs. We’re not helpless – we’re mad. That’s a fire I understand, because it burns in me too.
My name is Mike Pruitt. I’m a Navy veteran, a civil rights lawyer, and now I’m running for Congress.
I checked Mike Pruitt’s website, and he definitely has an impressive background:
- “Mike grew up in a blue-collar family in a rural corner of the Blue Ridge”
- “With the help of a military scholarship Mike graduated from Duke University before commissioning into the U.S. Navy, serving 3 tours as a Surface Warfare Officer. “
- “He led teams aboard two warships, deploying twice to combats zones in the Middle East to defend American citizens and support operations against ISIS. He later joined the Office of Naval Intelligence, where he served as a senior analyst and team leader.”
- “Since leaving the Navy, Mike has continued his commitment to public service. He was elected to the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors in 2023, where he’s worked to make housing more affordable, expand broadband access, and create more good paying jobs for all levels of education.”
- “A graduate of UVA Law School, Mike also works as a civil rights lawyer for a Virginia-based nonprofit, working on housing, discrimination, and helping those who have been mistreated by corporations and landlords.”
So that’s definitely the type of background that might appeal to voters. The question, of course, is whether it might appeal to ENOUGH voters in a solid-red district like VA05, along with a “blue wave” and possibly a Bob Good candidacy, to propel someone like Mike Pruitt to victory. First, of course, he’ll have to win the nomination; we’ll see if other Democrats throw their hats in the ring for this. But whoever the Democratic nominee ends up being, whether Mike Pruitt or someone else, I strongly encourage them to speak very loudly, clearly and plainly about your vision, of course, but also about why John McGuire is a *disaster* and a *disgrace* to the district – and why it’s absolutely time for better leadership!
