Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has officially endorsed former Virginia first lady Dorothy McAuliffe’s run for Congress in the state’s 7th Congressional District. McAuliffe, the wife of former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) and a State Department official during the Biden administration, announced her candidacy on Wednesday.
In her endorsement, Pelosi praised McAuliffe’s dedication to fighting for children and families throughout her career. She highlighted McAuliffe’s experience and qualifications, stating that she is the right candidate to represent the people of Virginia’s 7th District.
“Dorothy McAuliffe has spent her life fighting for children and families, and I am proud to endorse her campaign for Congress,” Pelosi said. “In her roles as a first lady and a State Department official, she has shown a deep commitment to public service and improving the lives of those around her. I have no doubt that she will continue to be a strong advocate for the people of Virginia’s 7th District.”
McAuliffe’s campaign launch comes after current Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) announced that she will not seek reelection in 2022. The 7th District, which includes parts of Richmond and its surrounding counties, has historically been a competitive district, with Spanberger winning by a narrow margin in 2018 and 2020.
McAuliffe’s campaign is already gaining momentum, with high-profile endorsements from Pelosi and other prominent Democrats. Her husband, Terry McAuliffe, is also a well-known figure in Virginia politics, having served as governor from 2014 to 2018. He is currently running for a second term as governor.
In her campaign launch video, McAuliffe emphasized her commitment to fighting for working families and children. She highlighted her work as a teacher and her advocacy for early childhood education, as well as her experience in the State Department, where she focused on issues such as human trafficking and women’s empowerment.
“I am running for Congress because I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and every family deserves a fair shot at success,” McAuliffe said in her video. “I have dedicated my life to fighting for these values, and I am ready to take that fight to Washington.”
McAuliffe’s campaign is also focusing on issues such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunity for all. She has already received endorsements from organizations such as EMILY’s List, which works to elect pro-choice Democratic women, and the National Education Association, the largest labor union in the country.
Pelosi’s endorsement of McAuliffe further solidifies her position as a top contender in the race for Virginia’s 7th District. With her strong qualifications, experience, and support from influential figures, McAuliffe is well-positioned to win the seat and continue the fight for the people of her district.
In her endorsement, Pelosi also emphasized the importance of electing more women to Congress, stating that McAuliffe’s candidacy is a step towards achieving gender parity in government.
“Dorothy’s candidacy is a crucial step towards achieving equal representation in Congress, and I am proud to support her in this endeavor,” Pelosi said. “I urge the people of Virginia’s 7th District to join me in supporting Dorothy McAuliffe for Congress.”
As the race for Virginia’s 7th District heats up, McAuliffe’s candidacy is already gaining momentum and support. With her strong track record of fighting for children and families, and her commitment to making a positive impact in her community, she is a formidable candidate who has the potential to make a real difference in Congress.
