Another Democrat – public interest attorney at the Virginia Poverty Law Center, Salaam Bhatti – has stepped up and announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in VA01 to take on (and hopefully defeat!) the district’s current disgrace of a Congressman, Rob Wittman (R). See below for Bhatti’s introductory video and press release, which says:
“Rob Wittman has had 17 years in Congress, and what do we have to show for it? Higher costs for the basics, at least one hospital closing in our district due to budget cuts he voted for, and a representative who’s more focused on cutting healthcare than showing up for town halls.”
So true – VA01 badly needs a change in representation in Congress, so hopefully we’ll end up with a strong Democratic nominee who can really take it to Wittman. For now, announced Democratic candidates (in addition to Bhatti) Amanda Pohl, Lisa Vedernikova Khanna, Melvin Tull, Andrew Lucchetti, and James Shea. May the best Democrat win!
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Salaam Bhatti Launches Campaign for Congress in Virginia’s 1st District
Public interest attorney who fights for the working class ready to bring experienced representation to a changing district
Henrico County, VA – Today, public interest attorney and national anti-poverty advocate Salaam Bhatti announced his candidacy for Congress in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District, launching a people-powered campaign to fight for working families and flip the district in 2026.
“Groceries that used to cost $30 now cost over $75. Families are struggling and wages aren’t keeping up. Instead of addressing these issues, Republicans are giving billionaires trillion-dollar tax breaks,” said Bhatti. “I’ve spent my career delivering results for working people. Now, I’m running for Congress because we need experienced fighters in the House.”
Bhatti brings deep personal and professional experience to the race. The son of immigrants and a recipient of basic needs programs like Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and free school meals, he has spent his career fighting to make life more affordable for working families. As a public benefits attorney at the Virginia Poverty Law Center, Bhatti led bipartisan efforts that helped more than 25,000 working families qualify for food assistance, expanded free school meals for thousands of children across the Commonwealth, and repealed unjust laws. While at the Food Research & Action Center, he was a leading expert on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and educated thousands of people nationwide – including Congressmembers – about the program.
During the pandemic, Salaam created a benefits screening tool with 18F. The tool became an overnight sensation in Virginia and was later rolled out for the entire country, helping over a million people unlock tens of millions of dollars in food benefits. “Rob Wittman has had 17 years in Congress, and what do we have to show for it? Higher costs for the basics, at least one hospital closing in our district due to budget cuts he voted for, and a representative who’s more focused on cutting healthcare than showing up for town halls,” said Bhatti. “We deserve leadership that shows up for us, fights harmful policies, and moves us forward. I have been doing that for all of my neighbors and will keep fighting.”
Bhatti is building a grassroots people-funded movement focused on lifting up the working class.
Visit SalaamForVA.com to learn more, sign up, or donate.
