Former Green Beret Derrick Anderson wins Republican primary for Virginia district 7

Former Green Beret Derrick Anderson won a Republican primary in Virginia on Tuesday night, in a bid to replace Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who is running for governor instead. 

Anderson, who served six tours in the Army, will be facing fellow Army veteran Eugene Vindman in the November general election. The seventh district is considered a swing district with a heavy veteran and national security population. The contest is expected to be one of the most closely-watched in Virginia in November, because it is considered vulnerable for Republicans to flip in November. 

“Congratulations to Derrick Anderson on his primary election victory," National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Delanie Bomar said in a statement. "Derrick’s experience as an attorney, member of the Virginia National Guard and former Special Forces Green Beret is a stark contrast to Eugene Vindman’s self-serving political promotion tour.

While Eugene is only interested in himself and even committed stolen valor, Derrick’s life has been about laying his life on the line for others. It’s clear why voters nominated Derrick today to represent his hometown district and will send him to Congress in November.” 

Anderson defeated challenger and former Navy SEAL Cameron Hamilton with 45% of the vote, according to the Associated Press. He previously lost his initial bid in 2022, but honed his campaign this year, pitching himself as a "homegrown guy" who was not afraid of pushing back against China, the Washington Post reported. He also claimed he could handle more local issues, like busy traffic on Interstate 95.

Anderson's campaign was endorsed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, while members of the House Freedom Caucus supported Hamilton. 

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.