Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi is endorsing Dorothy McAuliffe’s run for Virginia’s newly created 7th District.
McAuliffe, an attorney and former first lady of Virginia, on Wednesday entered the crowded Democratic primary for the district, which spans out from northern Virginia and is shaped like a lobster. Her competition includes state Del. Dan Helmer, who has twice run for Congress, and former federal prosecutor J.P. Cooney.
Pelosi’s endorsement could be powerful currency in a Democratic contest. The district is safely blue and winning the Democratic primary is tantamount to winning the general election.
All Democrats in the district are running under the assumption that voters approve the April 21 referendum to install a new congressional map. This seat was one of the newly created Democratic districts.
McAuliffe’s husband, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, and Pelosi have a longstanding relationship.
“From tackling childhood hunger to supporting military families and helping survivors of sexual violence find justice, Dorothy has never backed down from the fights that matter. I’m proud to endorse her for Congress,” Pelosi said in a statement.
Pelosi is retiring after a storied congressional tenure, although she’s waded into a few open-seat races. Most recently, she endorsed former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who is running to succeed retiring Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.). Hoyer has endorsed a different candidate in the race.
McAuliffe announced endorsements from state Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas, former state House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn and several former Virginia first ladies
Helmer rolled out 80 endorsements, including Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-Va.).
But in a clear sign of how contentious this primary will be, former Gov. Ralph Northam is backing Helmer, while his wife, Pamela Northam, is backing McAuliffe.
