See below for a press release and video from Democrat James Osyf, who just announced his candidacy for Congress in VA02, currently misrepresented by the horrible, hurts-her-district-and-doesn’t-give-a-crap Republican Jen Kiggans. Osyf, who describes himself as “a Commander in the Navy Reserve and first-generation Ukrainian American,” says in his video that “silent service” is a core value for him, including when he stayed silent under “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” in order to continue to serve his country. As for Kiggans, Osyf says she “has abandoned her post, voting last week to rip healthcare away from millions, stop children from receiving SNAP benefits they depend on, and give a tax break to the mega donors who fund her campaign – leaving hard working Virginians and fellow Veterans behind.” Yep, the truth hurts…
By the way, VA02 is a competitive/”purple” district that “currently encompasses all of the counties of Accomack, Northampton, and Isle of Wight; all of the independent cities of Virginia Beach, Suffolk, and Franklin; part of the independent city of Chesapeake; and part of Southampton County.” The district “has a significant military presence,” which is why it’s not surprising that its current member of Congress (Kiggans), as well as its two previous members of Congress (Democrat Elaine Luria, Republican Scott Taylor), were military veterans. So that’s definitely a good profile for this district.
Anyway, James Osyf is the first Democrat to formally announce for this seat, but presumably others will as well; names I’ve heard mentioned include State Sen. Aaron Rouse, former VA First Lady Pam Northam, and Del. Michael Feggans – and potentially others I haven’t heard. So…good luck to James Osyf, and let the strongest Democrat win the nomination, because to beat Kiggans, it’s going to take a top-notch nominee and a top-tier campaign next year.
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RELEASE: James Osyf Announces Campaign for Congress in VA-02
“Country over party. Service over spectacle. Leadership that actually delivers.”
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. – Today, James Osyf, a Commander in the Navy Reserve and first-generation Ukrainian American, announced his candidacy for Congress in Virginia’s Second Congressional District. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Harvard Kennedy School, and Georgetown Law, James is a leader in the private sector and is launching his campaign where his Navy career began – Virginia Beach. James deployed twice to the Persian Gulf aboard the fast-attack submarine USS Norfolk (SSN-714). Following additional tours of duty—from the Pentagon to Submarine Rescue Command—he continues to serve today, supporting U.S. Second Fleet operations. The following quote can be attributed to James:
“Inspired by my family, I have devoted my life to service. Whether in the Navy or the private sector, I have sought to give back to the country that gave my family a real shot at achieving the American Dream. Now, with Congress actively working to dismantle those same opportunities, I can’t sit on the sidelines. I’m entering the political arena for the first time because the Virginia Second needs a member of Congress who will put country over party, service over spectacle, and provide the type of leadership that actually delivers. Jen Kiggans has abandoned her post, voting last week to rip healthcare away from millions, stop children from receiving SNAP benefits they depend on, and give a tax break to the mega donors who fund her campaign – leaving hard working Virginians and fellow Veterans behind.
I’m not a politician, and I will never be beholden to anyone other than my constituents. Together, we can restore the type of service-driven, results-oriented leadership the Second District deserves. I look forward to this campaign and to bringing the type of change to Washington that lowers costs and puts people first.”
You can watch his announcement video HERE.
Transcript of Announcement Video:
I started my Navy career as a submariner – a member of the Silent Service…
…operating deep below the surface, unseen, undetected.
But Silent Service is more than a job description…
…it’s a mindset.
You don’t chase attention.
You show up. You do your job. You lead without credit.
That’s the tradition I come from.
When I served under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, I stayed silent – not because I lacked pride – but because I believed the mission came first.
At the time, that silence was the cost of serving the nation I love. After active duty, I continued to serve my country…
…as a commander in the Navy Reserve. In national security. In defense innovation.
Behind the scenes. Always focused on the mission.
But lately, I’ve started to ask: what’s our mission now?
My family served in uniform for generations.
But what I see from our politicians today…it’s not leadership.
It’s not service.
It’s not in line with the values I swore an oath to protect.
We need something new…
And silence won’t serve this moment.
I’ve lived the Silent Service.
But now, I’m speaking up because the stakes are too high to stay quiet.
If you believe in country over party…
…in service over spectacle…
…in leadership that actually delivers…
If you’re tired of working harder for less while Washington plays political games…
….and families get left behind…
…then I’m asking you to stand with me.
I’m James Osyf and I’m running for Congress because we can no longer afford to be silent.
Let’s raise our voices, together.
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