Home 2026 Elections VA02 Democratic Candidate Mike Williamson Announces He’s Ending His Campaign, Endorses Fmr....

VA02 Democratic Candidate Mike Williamson Announces He’s Ending His Campaign, Endorses Fmr. Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA02), Urges Other Candidates to “do what this moment demands—end your campaigns, stand down with purpose, and unite behind…Luria”

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See below for a press release from Mike Williamson, who had been running for the Democratic nomination in VA02 until former Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA02) announced her candidacy. Now, he’s announcing that he’s ending his campaign and endorsing Luria, adding:

“This moment also requires honesty beyond personal decisions—it requires collective responsibility. To the other candidates in this race who believe in constitutional government, the rule of law, and defeating tyranny: I urge you to do what this moment demands—end your campaigns, stand down with purpose, and unite behind Elaine Luria. Virginia’s 2nd District does not need fragmentation. It needs clarity. It does not need a crowded ballot. It needs a united front for principled leadership and a decisive end to Jen Kiggans’ tenure in office. This is not the time for symbolic campaigns. This is the time for alignment, victory, and service to something greater than ourselves.”

It’s hard to disagree with any of that. Also, let’s just be real; former Rep. Luria is the overwhelming favorite to win the nomination…

In Letter to Supporters, Mike Williamson Ends Campaign for Congress, Endorses Elaine Luria

Friends, supporters, and citizens of Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District,

Today, after thoughtful counsel from my family and campaign team, I am ending my campaign for the United States Congress. I did not enter this race for prestige, party, or personal ambition. I entered it out of duty—to the Constitution, to our district, and to the country I once swore an oath to defend. Public service, at its core, is not about the individual. It must always place country over self.

That belief has guided every step of this campaign, and it guides this decision.

The 2nd District faces a defining choice. We need leadership rooted in accountability, character, and Constitutional conviction. Sadly, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans has repeatedly fallen short of that standard. When confronted with moments that required courage, clarity, and fidelity to her oath, she has repeatedly chosen partisan safety over principled leadership. Our district deserves representation worthy of its service members, parents, entrepreneurs, and patriots—not political avoidance or half-measures.

Virginia deserves better.

For that reason, I am endorsing Elaine Luria for Congress. This moment also requires honesty beyond personal decisions—it requires collective responsibility. To the other candidates in this race who believe in constitutional government, the rule of law, and defeating tyranny: I urge you to do what this moment demands—end your campaigns, stand down with purpose, and unite behind Elaine Luria. Virginia’s 2nd District does not need fragmentation. It needs clarity. It does not need a crowded ballot. It needs a united front for principled leadership and a decisive end to Jen Kiggans’ tenure in office. This is not the time for symbolic campaigns. This is the time for alignment, victory, and service to something greater than ourselves.

To everyone who supported me, believed in this mission, volunteered, donated, or simply listened—thank you. Your trust is a responsibility I will continue to honor. My commitment to our Constitution does not end with this campaign. My belief in service above self remains unchanged. This is not the end of my service and I am excited to share my next endeavor for the Commonwealth of Virginia when it is appropriate to do so. Stay tuned!

Now, for the good of the district, the Commonwealth, and the country I love, let us rally behind the candidate prepared for this moment.

Semper Fidelis and Sic Semper Tyrannis,

Mike Williamson (LtCol, USMC ret.)

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