In the race for Virginia’s 7th Congressional district, Democrat Eugene Vindman and Republican Derrick Anderson are presenting the election as a key test of Presidential politics.

Following the primaries, a staggering $7,000,000 had been spent and over 67,000 votes cast, leading to both major parties selecting US Army veterans as their candidates.

The Republican nomination went to Derrick Anderson, a Green Beret and Georgetown Law graduate. On the Democratic side, Eugene Vindman, a Ukrainian immigrant known for his role in the impeachment proceedings against former President Trump, emerged as the candidate.

Despite the crowded primary, Republican votes surpassed Democratic ones by about 1,000. However, Vindman outperformed his rivals in fundraising, amassing more contributions than all his opponents combined. The district, which leans slightly Democratic, is seen as a critical battleground for control of the House in the next term.

The district’s political landscape is volatile, having supported Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2021 and then Democrat Rep. Spanberger in 2022, making it a competitive seat for either party.

In his victory speech, Anderson highlighted his differing vision from his opponent. “Eugene Vindman is only running for revenge — revenge against Donald Trump and revenge against Republicans,” he asserted. “I choose a path that takes us to a new age of the American Dream.”

With both national parties heavily invested in this November race, the upcoming campaign season is expected to be intense and costly.

Vindman and Anderson are set to adopt sharply contrasting policy positions. For Vindman, the election serves as a referendum on Trump, while Anderson views it as a referendum on President Joe Biden.