Vindman running for House as a centrist, but using Sanders-linked strategy firm

Democratic House candidate Eugene Vindman has disbursed millions of dollars to a Bernie Sanders-linked strategy group that works with “progressive campaigns” while running on a moderate message, emphasizing local issues and the importance of rejecting extremism.

Vindman is the brother of Alexander Vindman, the star witness in the first impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. He is currently the Democratic nominee to represent Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, a key battleground for control of the House. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., currently holds the seat, but has declined to seek reelection in favor of a gubernatorial run in 2025.

Despite campaigning on a centrist narrative, campaign finance records show a close link between the Vindman campaign and Aisle 518, a political strategy firm owned by Tim Tagaris, a former senior advisor to the 2020 Sanders presidential campaign and his 2016 digital fundraising director.

Federal Election Commission records show the campaign has made 20 disbursements to Aisle 518 Strategies LLC since December of 2023, totaling more than $2.4 million. That figure accounts for nearly half of its total reported disbursements of just over $5.2 million. All 20 disbursements, moreover, are listed as being for “digital advertising” or “digital consulting services.”

The Illinois-based Aisle 518 boasts several high-profile far-left clients, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif.; the self-described Socialist Bernie Sanders, Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.; failed Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, and Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.

The group describes itself as “committed to working with progressive campaigns and organizations to leverage the power of people and technology to take on and defeat powerful corporate interests and the politicians who prioritize their needs.”

Vindman’s use of a strategy firm with such progressive bona fides appears to stand somewhat in contrast with his attempts to present him as a centrist figure.

In the closely divided district, Vindman has sought to portray himself as a force to “common sense” and normality, in contrast to “MAGA Republicans.” Many of his posted policies address local issues such as rural healthcare and broadband access. 

“In Congress, Eugene will be an advocate for every community in the 7th district, bringing folks together around our shared values, and leading with integrity to make sure every voter can trust that he is fighting for them,” his website states.

His campaign biography, moreover, depicts him as a dedicated public servant proudly working across administrations of both parties before Trump allegedly retaliated against him and his brother over the impeachment issue.

“Trump was impeached for this attack on our democracy, but he was never held accountable. Two days after he was acquitted by the Senate he fired Alex and Eugene from the White House,” the website states. “Now, Eugene has a new mission. He is running for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District to continue his service to others and defend our American values.”

Virginia’s 7th Congressional District includes a large swath of the state’s northern territory, including Culpeper and Fredericksburg, and reaches northward to just below Alexandria. The Cook Political Report currently rates the district as “lean Democrat.” RealClearPolitics, meanwhile, classifies the race as a “toss up.” 

The 2022 election saw Spanberger secure reelection over the GOP’s Yesli Vega, 52.2% to 47.6%. The 2020 contest was tighter, though Spanberger beat Republican Nick Freitas, 50.8% to 49.0%. The 2024 contest is also expected to be close. On the other side of the campaign, Vindman faces Republican Derrick Anderson, an attorney and former Green Beret.

Anderson appeared Tuesday on ABC7 at what was slated to be a debate between the two, though Vindman declined to participate, "despite a month of working to find a date that worked for both campaigns," the network stated.

“Bernie Sanders is extreme, and Yevgeny [Eugene] Vindman is too - it says a lot that Vindman is working with Sanders’ team," the Anderson campaign told Just the News. "Bernie Sanders and Yevgeny Vindman would raise taxes on every person in Virginia’s 7th District right when that would hurt us the most. Bernie and Yevgeny would keep the open border policies that created the fentanyl crisis. Bernie and Yevgeny would spend more and cause more inflation. Virginians should know that Bernie = Yevgeny, and vote accordingly.”

Just the News has sought comment from Aisle 518 and the Vindman campaign, though neither responded as of press time.