Political newcomer who blew whistle on Trump faces experienced foes in Democratic primary

WOODBRIDGE, Va. (AP) — Eugene Vindman has never run for office, and he’s far from a household name, but his almost cultlike status among national Democratic activists as a figure from the first impeachment of Donald Trump has elevated him to a leading contender in a key Virginia congressional race.

Vindman’s ability to raise money from outside the district has given him an advantage in the seven-person primary in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, to the consternation of other contenders who paid their dues in state or local office before seeking a seat in Congress.

“He does not understand the community. He’s not very infused in the community. He’s not been participating in the community as an advocate,” said Andrea Bailey, one of two Prince William County supervisors in the race.

The outcome has national implications in the battle to control the U.S. House of Representatives. It’s a toss-up district where incumbent Democrat Abigail Spanberger is giving up her seat to run for governor in 2025.

Vindman and his twin brother, Alex, were career military officers who gained a measure of fame and respect from Democrats for raising their concerns about Trump’s 2019 call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which Trump sought an investigation of Biden and his son, Hunter.

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