[UPDATED Thursday 11:25 am]:
VA-07 Candidate Dan Helmer Announces more than $300,000 Raised in First 24 Hours
More Than Half of General Assembly Democrats, Former Governor Ralph Northam, Dozens of Virginia Leaders from Across District, UNITE HERE, VoteVets, Rep. Eugene Vindman Endorse Helmer on Day One
FAIRFAX – Today, Dan Helmer announced that his campaign for Congress had raised more than $300,000 in his first 24 hours in the race.
“Our democracy is at a breaking point – and in this moment, we need proven progressive champions who can take on Donald Trump – and win. Most candidates promise to be fighters – I’ve actually done it. Our message is clearly resonating with Virginians across the Commonwealth, and I’m incredibly moved by the messages I’ve received from grassroots supporters across the district. In the weeks ahead, I’ll continue to pound the pavement in every corner of the district to deliver our message of proven, progressive leadership that can get things done.”
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[UPDATED Wednesday 5:50 am]:
Progressive Champion, Veteran, Campaigns Chair Delegate Dan Helmer Launches Congressional Campaign in VA-07
More Than Half of General Assembly Democrats, Former Governor Ralph Northam, Dozens of Virginia Leaders from Across District, UNITE HERE, VoteVets, Rep. Eugene Vindman Endorse Helmer on Day One
FAIRFAX – Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran, progressive champion, and Democratic House of Delegates Campaigns Chair Dan Helmer today announced his candidacy for Virginia’s new Seventh Congressional District. In 2025, Helmer led Virginia Democrats to their largest majority in the House in nearly four decades. In 2023, he led the successful effort to flip the chamber – the first time in sixty years that Democrats had done so under a Republican governor. Helmer released the following statement:
“Our democracy is at a breaking point – and in this moment, we need proven progressive champions who can take on Donald Trump – and win. Most candidates promise to be fighters – I’ve actually done it. As a veteran in Iraq and Afghanistan, I lost my friends who fought for our democracy. So after Donald Trump was first elected, I stood up and ran for office myself, unseating a 17 year Republican incumbent who did Trump’s bidding, because I couldn’t stand idly by as Trump ripped up the Constitution my friends and I had fought to defend.
“In the General Assembly, I wrote and passed an assault weapons ban to get weapons similar to those I carried on battlefields overseas out of our churches, schools, and streets. I overcame Republican opposition to pass the largest expansion of SNAP benefits in Virginia’s history. And I wrote the bill to stop those who stormed the Capitol on January 6th from holding public office in the Commonwealth – and the bill to ensure that our public schools teach the truth of what happened that day, not MAGA propaganda. And today, I’m helping lead the effort to unmask Trump’s ICE agents terrorizing our communities and ending their cooperation with our local law enforcement.
“Last year, I helped recruit the strongest and most diverse class of Democratic challenger candidates in Virginia history. Together, we won a historic victory in November, delivering the largest Democratic majority in nearly four decades and re-electing Virginia’s first Black Speaker of the House of Delegates. I’m honored to have the support in this campaign of every freshman I helped elect last year, because they understand what it takes to campaign and win in every corner of Virginia.
“My wife and I chose to raise our children in Fairfax – where my sons attended Fairfax public schools, and my wife is a proud elementary school assistant principal. I run a business in Arlington, and as Campaigns Chair I’ve knocked doors and met with voters from Goochland to Fauquier to Prince William County to Rockingham. I know this community, and it will be the honor of my life to serve this district in Congress.”
Former Army veteran and Governor Ralph Northam released the following statement:
“As Governor, I got to know Dan Helmer as one of the most effective legislators in Richmond. He’s partnered with me on gun violence prevention and on making Virginia’s public education system the best in the country. As an Army veteran, I know he’s the fellow soldier I want standing watch for us in Washington.”
Democratic House Speaker Don Scott released the following statement:
“As Campaigns Chair, Dan Helmer delivered the largest Democratic majority in four decades. He whipped Virginia Republicans – Republicans in DC should be trembling in their orthopedic shoes.”
Helmer’s campaign announcement comes with the support of more than five dozen current and former elected Democratic officials representing every corner of the new VA-07. Congressman Eugene Vindman, who currently represents a large part of the district, released the following statement:
“Dan Helmer goes where the fight is. Again and again, he has put his entire being into the fight for our democracy: in Afghanistan, in Iraq, and as a lawmaker. He’s faced down threats and stood his ground — but he’s always gotten back up, dusted himself off, and returned to battle. There is no one else I want by my side pushing back against Trump’s attempts to shred our Constitution. Dan is the proven anti-Trump democracy champion we need in Congress now, and I’m proud to endorse him on day one of this campaign.”
Helmer has also received the first endorsement from a labor union in this race, UNITE HERE. Executive Secretary-Treasurer of UNITE HERE Local 25 Paul Schwalb released the following statement:
“Dan Helmer is the proven fighter for working people that Virginians need right now. He has a stellar track record of repeatedly standing up for labor rights and immigrants. We need champions who don’t just speak up on issues that matter to our members — but deliver on them. That’s Dan Helmer, and that’s why we are proud to support his candidacy for Congress.”
VoteVets Senior Advisor and Former Congressman Max Rose released the following statement:
“Dan Helmer embodies the very best of what leadership and service look like in public life — fearless in defense of our values and unwavering in his commitment to the people he represents. He’s proven this time and again as one of Virginia’s most effective legislators. As a fellow veteran, I know firsthand the importance of principled, proven leadership, and Dan has my full confidence to deliver results in Washington.”
The following leaders have also endorsed Dan Helmer’s campaign, including more than half of the Democrats currently serving in the General Assembly:
Senator Stella Pekarsky: “Every time Trump has tried to strip rights from Virginians, Helmer has been there with legislation, with his voice, and with his vote. When the Trump Administration fired tens of thousands of our neighbors, Dan fought back. I can’t wait to have him in Congress.”
Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg: “Dan has been a partner on dozens of pieces of legislation over the last seven years – but this year I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done to tackle the housing affordability crisis in Virginia. I know he’ll continue to be an incredible partner in DC focused on lowering costs for working families.”
Delegate Rip Sullivan: “”Dan Helmer quarterbacked our campaign efforts to lead us to the biggest majority in nearly four decades. He will take that same tenacity to Congress.”
Delegate Karrie Delaney: “Dan has been one one of the strongest voices for gender equality and justice in the General Assembly. I can’t wait for his leadership in the House.”
Delegate Gretchen Bulova: “Dan Helmer is a dedicated experienced, leader in the 10th District of the House of Delegates and we would be well served by someone who has his experience in the state in the US House.”
Delegate Holly Seibold: “Dan Helmer is a mentor and a friend. I have known him since 2017 as he was supporting my efforts to provide menstrual products to women in need, and he’s the exact fighter that Fairfax County and Virginia needs in Congress.”
Delegate Marcus Simon: “Dan Helmer leads with integrity, courage, and a deep commitment to service. Virginia is stronger because he fights every day for our families, our freedoms, and our future.”
Delegate Laura Jane Cohen: “I cannot think of anyone to better represent me and the 7th District and who will stand up and fight for every person in our community and against this Admin.”
Delegate Paul Krizek: “I’ve been proud to call Dan a friend and colleague for the last seven years – and I’ve known him as a deep thinker and principled legislator. I’m proud to back his campaign for Congress.”
Delegate Josh Thomas: “Having stood with Dan in the Virginia House to defend our fundamental freedoms, I’ve seen his unwavering commitment to expanding opportunity for every Virginian. He is the leader we need to protect our progress and ensure a fair shot for all families in Congress.”
Delegate Briana Sewell: “At a time when Virginians are tired of DC’s division and politics as usual, Dan Helmer stands out as a leader focused on service, solutions, and results. He has consistently shown up for our communities, and I know he will do the same in Congress.”
Delegate JJ Singh: “Dan has a track record of helping Democrats win tough races. He’s been a true leader in the General Assembly in passing critical legislation to keep us safer including importantly the Assault Weapons Ban.”
Delegate Atoosa Reaser: “Delegate Dan Helmer brings the same sense of duty and mission-first focus to public service that he brought to the military. Dan’s strategic guidance helped us secure the majority not once, but twice — and he never stopped at strategy alone. He personally knocked doors in my district and made sure our caucus showed up and engaged on my behalf, even in a blue district where it would have been easy to look elsewhere. That’s the kind of teammate Dan is.”
Delegate David Read: “As a veteran and public servant, Dan Helmer understands what it means to put country and community first. He brings steady leadership and real results to the people of Virginia.”
Delegate Marty Martinez: “No one works harder than Dan Helmer. We need him working hard for us in DC.”
Delegate John McAuliff: “Dan has served Northern Virginia tirelessly and brought the same energy and grit to the fight to expand our House Majority in 2025. I’m grateful for his leadership and mentorship in bringing up a new generation of leaders in Virginia. As a Fauquier Delegate, I believe Dan is the best choice to defend our rights in Congress.”
Delegate Lily Franklin: “I’ve known Dan for years. He believed in me before other people did. He’s always fought for rural Virginia in addition to his own district. I’m proud to endorse his campaign.”
Delegate Katrina Callsen
Delegate Amy Laufer: “Dan Helmer is the kind of leader who listens, builds consensus, and delivers meaningful change. He never forgets who he’s working for — the people of his district.”
Delegate May Nivar: “Dan Helmer played a critical role in my campaign on a very tough race, which ultimately resulted in my becoming the first Chinese American elected to the General Assembly. I’m supporting him because as a Delegate for parts of the 7th District, I know he’s exactly the kind of leader we need in Washington.”
Delegate Rodney Willett: “I have had the honor of working beside Dan Helmer since 2019, through challenging campaigns and in passing historic legislation for the Commonwealth. Dan is an exceptional public servant who now is willing to take on a Congressional role at a time that Virginia and this country critically need someone of his caliber. I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy for the 7th Congressional District.”
Delegate Stacey Caroll: “Dan Helmer is a true fighter for Virginia on so many levels. He’s genuine and ready to fight for everybody. Rarely do you find it in politicians. He’s the real deal.”
Delegate Joshua Cole: “In challenging times, we need leaders with experience and backbone. Dan Helmer has both, and he consistently stands up for what’s right.”
Delegate Nicole Cole: “For Dan’s experience as a legislator, I feel he would be the best person to run and represent Congressional District 7. For our district and our constituents, we will be well served by the passion and goals that he has for protecting Virginians and our interests.”
Delegate Mark Downey: “As a pediatrician and new member of the House of Delegates who Dan Helmer helped elect, I am proud to endorse Dan as the author of the Assault Weapons Ban to keep our communities and especially our kids safe.”
Delegate Shelly Simonds: “Dan Helmer has been my seatmate in the House of Delegates. I see how hard he works everyday and the mind he has for strategy. Looking toward the future, he will fight in Congress to ensure Virginia is the best place to live and work. As Campaigns Chair, he brought us this incredible majority. He’ll do the things in Washington to move the Democratic Party forward and foster the inclusive party where every Democrat has a voice at the table.”
Delegate Jessica Anderson: “Dan Helmer’s leadership ensured Democrats not only maintained our majority but won the largest majority in four decades, including my seat. His dedication to democracy and drive for our values is what we need in Washington.”
Delegate Leslie Mehta: “We would not be where we are without Dan Helmer in the Virginia House, and we need to bring that fight to Congress.”
Delegate Lindsey Dougherty: “Dan brings a wealth of effective governance and hard work that will serve the 7th well. After pushing the Commonwealth forward through quality legislation and leadership in recent years, Dan will continue his fight to protect Virginia families in this new role, and I wholeheartedly endorse him.”
Delegate Debra Gardner: “I am proud to endorse Dan Helmer because he doesn’t just talk about our values, he delivers results. As a veteran and public servant, Dan understands that leadership means showing up, doing the work, and getting things done for Virginia families. He has fought to defend our democracy, and support working families, not with rhetoric, but with action. Dan builds coalitions, stands firm when it matters most, and has proven he can turn commitment into concrete results. I am confident he will take this same commitment to Washington.”
Delegate Charlie Schmidt: “We need a progressive warrior in Congress who is going to win not just the suburbs but bring rural areas back to Democrats. Dan is that warrior.”
Delegate Betsy Carr: “Dan Helmer is a fearless leader on and off the battlefield. Virginia needs our strongest warriors fighting for us today – and we couldn’t send a better warrior than Dan.”
Delegate Rae Cousins: “Dan Helmer combines thoughtful policy expertise with a genuine passion for helping others. His leadership reflects the very best of Virginia values.”
Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling: “Dan Helmer is a champion for Virginia. He’s relentlessly in the fight for our democracy and we see it every day in the General Assembly and that’s why I’m proud to support him.”
Delegate Kimberly Pope Adams: “I first got to know Dan Helmer in 2022, and he has been a fierce and consistent supporter ever since—ensuring I had not only the opportunity, but the resources and strategy to succeed. His leadership and commitment to others is exactly what we need in Washington. I am proud to endorse him for United States Congress.”
Delegate Nadarius Clark
Delegate Virgil Thornton: “We need Dan Helmer in congress because he is a team player who believes in getting the job done and gets it done.”
Delegate Kacey Carnegie: “Dan Helmer helped recruit me to run. We flipped this seat blue. I can think of no one better to run in the 7th District for Congress.”
Delegate Cliff Hayes Jr.: “From protecting our fundamental rights to strengthening our economy, Dan Helmer gets things done. He’s focused, principled, and always prepared to take the fight to Washington.”
Delegate Bonita Anthony: “I’ve seen Dan Helmer travel to every corner of the Commonwealth to elect Democrats and secure our majority in Richmond. That’s the tenacity we need in these dark times more than ever.”
Delegate Phil Hernandez: “Dan Helmer’s record speaks for itself — he shows up, does the work, and delivers for our community. Virginia needs more leaders like him.”
Delegate Alex Askew: “Service isn’t just a slogan for Dan Helmer — it’s a way of life. He brings that spirit of service to every decision he makes in Richmond, and I know he’ll do the same in DC.”
Delegate Michael Feggans: “In 2023, Dan Helmer walked my district with me as Campaigns Chair and helped us flip this seat and win a new Democratic majority. In 2025, he stood side by side with me again to hold it. We’ve worked together on the issues that matter to Virginians, and he’s one of the most effective legislators in Richmond. Let’s get him to Congress.”
Former Delegate Sally Hudson: “Virginia needs Dan Helmer’s proven leadership in Congress. He brings courage and compassion to the biggest challenges we face.”
Arlington Grassroots Leader Rose Fabia: “I have lived in Arlington County since 1995 where we raised my daughter through the excellent public school system and a loving community. My love for this County knows no bounds and that’s why I’m endorsing Dan Helmer to be our next U.S. Representative. From his four terms in the House of Delegates he has risen to leadership positions where he passed groundbreaking legislation in gun sense laws, reproductive rights, education, and access to affordable healthcare, all of the priorities we hold dear in Arlington.”
Fairfax Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer: “Dan Helmer has promoted education in Virginia and made sure everyone in Fairfax and across the Commonwealth has a seat at the table. He’s a strong team player and supporter of other Democrats. He’s about the work we all want to do to protect our values as they are under assault.”
Fairfax School Board Member Karl Frisch: “Dan Helmer leads with both strength and compassion. He has worked tirelessly to update Virginia’s testing standards and bring teachers, administrators, and parents together to create better educational outcomes for all Virginia children.”
Fairfax School Board Member Tom Dannan: “Dan Helmer has been a great member of the House of Delegates for Braddock District, and he shares my passion for public education at a time when it’s under attack. He’s exactly the fighter we need in Congress.”
Fairfax County School Board Member Kyle McDaniel: “Dan Helmer is a fighter who has put his kids through our public schools is married to a Fairfax County assistant principal and takes education seriously in Richmond. He’s going to take that fight to Washington, and we need him there.”
Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano: “Dan Helmer doesn’t shy away from tough fights when our values are on the line. He stands firm, speaks clearly, and delivers results.”
Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid: “Dan Helmer has been standing up to Donald Trump ever since I met him in 2017. He’s a proven fighter who gets the hard work done, and as the President seeks to undermine law and order, he’s exactly the leader we need in Congress.”
Former Chair of Fairfax County Democrats Dan Lagana: “As the former chair of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee, I’ve seen how Dan Helmer turned a competitive seat into a safe one and ran ahead of other Democrats in a tough year in 2021. He then took that approach to the rest of Virginia. He’s the fighter we need to stand up to Trump.”
Springfield District School Board Member Sandy Anderson: “Dan Helmer has come under attack by Trump’s White House for his work in education and standing up for Democracy. He’s never backed down to deliver for our community, and we need him fighting for us in Washington.”
Sully District School Board Member Seem Dixit: “As a school board member in Fairfax who is myself an immigrant, I’ve seen first hand how Dan Helmer, the son of an immigrant himself, fights for every member of our community, no matter where they come from , what they look like, who they worship, or who they love. He’ll be a champion for us in Washington and we need to get him in Congress.”
Prince William County Chair of Board of Supervisors Deshundra Jefferson: “I know that Dan is a fighter and is going to stand up for everyday Virginians and am proud to endorse him.”
Prince William County Supervisor George Stewart: “Dan Helmer brings discipline, integrity, and a mission-driven mindset to public service. He’s focused on delivering real results that make life better for Virginia families.”
Prince William County Supervisor Victor Angry: “As a fellow Veteran and elected Democrat, I know that we need Dan Helmer in the fight for us in Congress to take on MAGA and keep dealing defeats to Donald Trump. Dan doesn’t waver. He leads with conviction and always puts Virginians first.”
Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth: “Through death threats, through being doxed, through seven years, Dan Helmer has remained steadfast fighting to keep our communities safe from gun violence. His leadership is why Virginia will have an assault weapons ban. He stood up for us on the battlefield and in the Virginia Capitol, and now we need him in Washington.”
Former House of Delegates Candidate, Rockingham County, Andrew Payton: “Dan Helmer believes in the importance of representation in rural districts and that a candidate like me could win here in Rockingham. He worked with me to make it competitive for the first time in decades. He’s exactly the kind of Democrat that is going to stand up for rural Virginia.”
Former Senate Candidate, Rockingham County, Lauren Mullen: “Dan Helmer understands that leadership means showing up and doing the hard work. His steady, thoughtful approach is exactly what Virginia needs right now.”
Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor: “From supporting small businesses to investing in our schools, Dan Helmer is committed to building a stronger Commonwealth. He fights for practical solutions that help people succeed.”
Mayor of Newport News Phillip Jones: “Dan Helmer exemplifies service above self in everything he does. Virginia is fortunate to have a leader who is principled, prepared, and deeply dedicated to the public good.”
Surry County Supervisor Cameran Drew: “As the youngest elected official in Virginia, I know that we need a new generation of bold leaders in office with big ideas and new energy. We need leaders who will fight tirelessly for our rights and our future and that is why I am so proud to endorse Dan Helmer in his run for Congress.”
Former Congressional Candidate Mike Pruitt: “Dan Helmer represents what the Democratic Party should look like — principled, fierce, and rooted in community. He understands rural Virginia and won’t leave us behind.”
Gun Violence Prevention Activist: “From his very first year in the House of Delegates, I’ve worked alongside Dan to pass laws to prevent gun violence in Virginia. I know he fights for what is right and remains steadfast despite even death threats. Virginia will have a ban on the sale of assault weapons this year because of Dan’s leadership. After standing up for us on the battlefield, he continued his public service at the Virginia Capital and now we need him in Washington to continue the fight for the safety of all Virginians.”
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In a surprise to…well, nobody, actually (LOL), Del. Dan Helmer is saying (albeit in a voice mail, per reporter Ally Mutnick’s scoop – and not so far in an official press release or campaign video) that he’s running for Congress in the newly drawn VA07. A few thoughts on this:
- As Sam Shirazi says (see screenshot, below), this is “as expected” (it’s been rumored for months). Also, as Sam Shirazi notes, “Helmer would likely have the backing of House Speaker Don Scott” and “would also seem to be the frontrunner, although imagine others might run.”
- This would be the third run for U.S. House by Helmer, who lives in Fairfax County and has served in the Virginia House of Delegates since January 2020: in 2018, Helmer ran in VA10, finishing fourth (with 12.55% of the vote) behind Jennifer Wexton (41.89%), Alison Friedman (22.96%), and Lindsey Stover (16.02%); then in 2024, Helmer ran in VA10 again, this time finishing second (with 26.55% of the vote) to Suhas Subramanyam (30.43%) in a 12-candidate field; and now in 2026 in the newly drawn VA07, where currently at least two Democrats – Ken Mitchell and JP Cooney – have announced, with many other names being rumored as well. So clearly, Helmer wants to be in the U.S. House very much.
- It’s hard to say for sure if this is what ended up happening, but there was lots of chatter about this district (see here for a detailed map; and yes, it really does look like a lobster, lol) being drawn specifically with Dan Helmer in mind.
- In his voice mail (see below), Helmer says he’s being endorsed by 40 House of Delegates Democratic colleagues, which is certainly impressive. Of course, Helmer just presided over one of the House Democrats’ most impressive victories in Virginia history – picking up 13 seats, to go from 51 to 64 – although it’s hard to say exactly how much that was the result of Abigail Spanberger winning by 15, how much was the result of Don Scott’s and Dan Helmer’s efforts, how much was the result of Virginia voters just hating Trump’s guts, etc.
- Helmer certainly has demonstrated an ability to raise money, whether for House of Delegates races or for U.S. House (e.g., he spent nearly $2 million on his 2024 run for VA10 and over $1.1 million on his 2018 run for VA10).
- So given all of that, we’ll see if any well-known “heavyweight” Democrats – perhaps someone like former VA Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, who ran in 2024 for the VA10 Democratic nomination? – throw their hats into this race.
P.S. Significantly, Helmer recently announced the settlement of a defamation case he’d brought, stemming from the closing days of the 2024 VA10 Democratic primary, during which allegations were made about Helmer; allegations which Helmer said “caused immeasurable harm to myself, my wife, and my two children.” Clearing out that matter seemed to be essential for Helmer to run again for Congress, which is exactly what’s now come to pass…
“Hi, this is Dan Helmer. I’m sorry to have missed you. I was just calling with some very exciting news, which is I am running for Congress in Virginia’s newly drawn 7th Congressional District. I wanted you to hear from me on day one. I have the endorsement of 40 colleagues in the House of Delegates and dozens of Democratic elected officials across Virginia. It’s so exciting that we have an opportunity to pick up this new seat in Congress. You’ve been a friend and supporter since the early days and I would love to have you on board for this effort. Feel free to give me a call back or if you’re able to support to show us coming out the gate strong on the first day, please go to danhomer.com. Let’s go win this thing. Let’s take control of Congress back and let’s get our country back on the right track. Thanks so much. Take care. Bye-bye.”
