Big news in the (potentially) new Virginia 7th Congressional District, aka the “Blue Lobster” or “Blue Crab” district based on its shape (LOL) – former Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe has launched her campaign for the Democratic nomination and announced she will “kick off a 4-day district-wide tour on Saturday in all 16 localities” of the new district. See below for her press release. Other candidates running for this seat include Del. Dan Helmer (who many believe the district was, essentially, drawn for), former federal prosecutor JP Cooney, and many others (Del. Adele McClure, Del. Elizabeth Guzman, State Senator Saddam Salim, Del. Alfonso Lopez, Arlington County Board member Maureen Coffey, former US ambassador Yohannes Abraham, etc.) rumored as possible candidates. Also note that yesterday evening, former VA Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn announced that she will NOT be running for this seat, while teasing an endorsement of someone ” who I believe will be an outstanding advocate for the residents of the new Seventh CD” (sure sounds like Dorothy McAuliffe, but we’ll see…).
Oh, and one more thing I feel important to point out: whatever you think of Terry McAuliffe, good or bad, Dorothy McAuliffe is her own person and should be judged on her own merits – period. I mean, I presume that most of us feel that each person in a marriage is a unique individual, right? So personally, I’m going to listen to what she has to say, what her policy positions are, etc., and also listen to the other candidates for this seat before deciding who to support…
Anyway, with that, here’s Dorothy McAuliffe’s press release.
Dorothy McAuliffe Launches Campaign for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District
Former State Department Official, First Lady of Virginia Led Charge to Combat Childhood Hunger, Protect Victims of Sexual Assault & Support Military Families
Dorothy Will Kick Off 4 day-District Wide Tour on Saturday in All 16 Localities in New 7th CD
Fairfax, VA – Today, Dorothy McAuliffe announced her campaign for Congress in the anticipated Virginia’s 7th Congressional District. The former State Department official, First Lady of Virginia and attorney emphasized the need for families, children and everyday people to have a voice in Congress. Dorothy highlighted her work combating childhood hunger in Virginia, protecting victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse, and support of Virginia’s military families as examples of her persistence and record of results.
Dorothy emphasized that too many politicians in Washington are focused on their own power and self-interest, and are neglecting families and future generations in the process. She is in this race to bring down costs for families and the middle class, to address food insecurity and lower the cost of healthcare, and to fight back against the corruption and abuses of the Trump Administration.
Dorothy McAuliffe, candidate for the new VA-07, has released the following statement on the launch of her campaign:
“I’m a proud mom of five and a new grandmother, and right now, I’m worried about the future of all our children. Throughout my career I have been honored to serve our Commonwealth and our country, and deliver for neighbors and everyday people who do not have a voice in the halls of power in Richmond or Washington.
“Virginians are working harder than ever, but the middle class is still out of reach for too many. We need a leader who has a record of delivering and can finally bring down costs for families, who will increase access to affordable healthcare, and who will never back down from holding Donald Trump and ICE accountable.”
“It should not be that complicated: Families and children should be at the center of every decision we make in Washington. I look forward to traveling this district – from Arlington to Augusta and Prince William to Powhatan – and sharing that vision for this community.”
Dorothy also announced that she will be kicking off a 4-day district wide tour on Saturday March 14th. This tour includes 16 stops throughout every locality in the district and will be open to the public. More details forthcoming.
Dorothy McAuliffe is a former State Department official, First Lady of Virginia and attorney with experience at the highest levels of federal and state government, who has spent her career working to improve the lives of children, families and everyday people. She is also a mother of five and a new grandmother who is running for Congress to lower costs for families, protect children, strengthen gun safety laws, and stand up to the reckless corruption and incompetence of the Trump administration.
Dorothy has never been afraid to take on tough fights. She will work every day to deliver a government that puts people first and serves the communities that make up Virginia’s Seventh Congressional District, from Annandale to Augusta, Ballston to Buckingham, and every community in between.
As First Lady from 2014 to 2018, Dorothy led the Commonwealth’s No Kid Hungry Virginia campaign, tackling childhood hunger and dramatically expanding access to school breakfast, summer meals, and after-school nutrition programs for kids. Her commitment drove a major statewide expansion of school breakfast programs that resulted in more than 12 million additional breakfasts being served to Virginia’s children, ensuring thousands of students start the school day nourished and ready to learn.
Dorothy has helped lead major efforts to protect women and victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse in Virginia. Dorothy worked to stop Republicans from restricting access to women’s healthcare and abortion services. She also partnered with Virginia’s Attorney General, leading the statewide effort to eliminate Virginia’s backlog of untested sexual assault kits, resulting in new laws that improved testing procedures and strengthened support for survivors.
She also worked with key legislators to secure passage of a funding structure that directs additional resources to school districts with children from military families, helping ensure that the sons and daughters of those who serve our country receive the support and educational opportunities they deserve.
Dorothy most recently served as Special Representative for Global Partnerships at the U.S. Department of State, where she built partnerships that strengthened American leadership around the world. She led initiatives to bolster the economic resilience of our partners and allies abroad, strengthening our national and economic security at home.
Dorothy and her husband, former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, have lived in the same home in Fairfax County for 34 years. As a proud Marine Corps mom, she understands the sacrifice made every day by the families of the men and women who serve our country.
See below for some endorsements for Dorothy McAuliffe:
History-Making Virginia Women Leaders Rally Behind Dorothy McAuliffe Hours After Campaign Launch
Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas, Former Attorney General Mary Sue Terry, Former Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, Former Secretary of Education Anne Holton, First Ladies Pamela Northam, Lisa Collis, and Lynda Johnson Robb are backing McAuliffe’s Campaign for Congress
Fairfax, VA – Just hours after launching her campaign for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, Dorothy McAuliffe is already building powerful momentum with support from across the Commonwealth.
A coalition of trailblazing Virginia leaders – including the first women to serve as Senate President Pro Tempore, Attorney General, and Speaker of the House — announced their endorsement today, forming a powerful coalition of Virginia statewide leaders assembled behind Dorothy McAuliffe.
- Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas
- Former Attorney General Mary Sue Terry
- Former Speaker of the House Eileen Filler-Corn
- Former Secretary of Education, First Lady and Richmond School Board Member Anne Holton
- Former First Lady Pamela Northam
- Former First Lady Lisa Collis
- Former First Lady Lynda Johnson Robb
Together, they highlighted McAuliffe’s record fighting for families and children — from leading Virginia’s fight against childhood hunger to protecting women against sexual assault and domestic violence to advocating for military families across Virginia.
“I am honored to have the support of these extraordinary women who helped shape Virginia’s history,” said Dorothy McAuliffe. “Each of them broke barriers and spent their time in public serve standing up for children and families across the Commonwealth. Together we are building a campaign focused on something simple: children, parents, and seniors who feel shut out of Washington and deserve someone fighting for them.”
Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas
“Dorothy has always fought for people who feel like no one in Washington is fighting for them. She took on childhood hunger, stood up for survivors of sexual violence, and never hesitated to challenge the system when families needed help. Dorothy brings toughness, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose — and that’s exactly what we need representing Virginia in Congress.”
Lucas, the first woman to serve as President Pro Tempore of the Virginia Senate, will also serve as Treasurer for Dorothy for Congress.
Former Attorney General Mary Sue Terry
“Dorothy knows how to be a public servant. She’s done that all of her life. For years she has been a strong voice for children and families who too often are overlooked in Washington, which is unforgivable. In my opinion, Virginia needs more servant leaders and listeners, like Dorothy. Congress desperately needs her kind of leadership. It warms my heart to know that Dorothy will see people who have always felt invisible and without hope. Dorothy will bring that hope and bring results to those who need it and that’s why I am supporting her for Congress.”
Terry was the first woman elected Attorney General of Virginia and the first woman elected to statewide office in the Commonwealth.
Former Speaker of the House Eileen Filler-Corn
“Dorothy understands that families need someone willing to fight for them — especially when it comes to protecting children and making life more affordable. Her work expanding access to school meals and supporting survivors showed what determined leadership can accomplish. Dorothy will bring that same focus and determination to Congress.”
Filler-Corn was the first woman and first Jewish Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates.
Anne Holton, Former First Lady, Secretary of Education and Member of Richmond City School Board
“Dorothy has always put children and families at the center of her work. From helping expand school breakfast programs to advocating for students and military families, she has focused on making sure every child has the opportunity to succeed. Congress needs leaders who keep that mission front and center.”
Holton served as First Lady of Virginia from 2006 to 2010 and later as Virginia’s Secretary of Education. She currently serves on the Richmond School Board.
Former First Lady Pamela Northam
“Dorothy has always focused on the issues that matter most to families — making sure children have food on the table, strengthening our communities, and standing up for people who need support. She approaches those challenges with compassion and determination, and that’s exactly the kind of leadership Virginia deserves in Congress.”
Northam served as First Lady of Virginia from 2018 to 2022. A pediatric occupational therapist and science educator, she has spent her career advocating for children and families with a particular focus on increasing access to quality, affordable early childhood care and education.
Former First Lady Lisa Collis
“I’ve long admired the way Dorothy has fought for families across Virginia. Whether expanding school meals, supporting military families, or advocating for children who need a voice, she has always put people first. I know how much she cares about this Commonwealth, and she will bring that same dedication to Congress.”
Collis served as First Lady of Virginia from 2002 to 2006 during the administration of Governor Mark Warner. She has long been active in education and civic initiatives across the Commonwealth.
Former First Lady Lynda Johnson Robb
“Dorothy McAuliffe believes deeply that the government should work for families and strengthen communities. The work she has done fighting childhood hunger and helping survivors find justice reflects a commitment to public service that improves people’s lives. Virginia will be well represented with Dorothy fighting for them in Congress.”
Robb is the daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson and the wife of former Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator Chuck Robb.
McAuliffe will begin a four-day district tour this weekend with stops in all 16 cities and counties of Virginia’s Seventh District, meeting with families, community leaders, and local officials as the campaign builds momentum following today’s launch.
