Democrat wins Virginia’s 1st District primary to face Rep. Wittman

Shannon Taylor won the Democratic primary Tuesday in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District.

The victory sets up a Nov. 3 showdown between the Democrat nominee vying to take out longtime Republican Rep. Rob Wittman, who has been in Congress since 2007.

Although Republicans have long held the seat, Democrats hope that shifting suburban voting patterns around blue enclave of Richmond will make the district more competitive for them.

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Democrats in Virginia sought to redraw the congressional map this year. If adopted, Virginia’s 1st congressional district, and many others, would be significantly more favorable to Democrats. The map was ultimately struck down and is not being used in this year’s election, relieving pressure of Wittman’s seat being at risk.

The district remains ‘lean Republican,’ according to Cook Political Report.

The Democratic primary to face Wittman in the fall featured a crowded seven-candidate field.

The candidates included Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor, former Justice Department official Salaam Bhatti, Army veteran Jason Knapp, attorney Mel Tull, environmental advocate Tim Cywinski, attorney Ericka Kopp and educator Elizabeth Beggs.

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Democrats are targeting the district as part of their broader effort to flip control of the House, though the district spans Richmond’s outer suburbs, Williamsburg and Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region and has traditionally favored Republicans.

Wittman has represented the district since 2007 and is seeking another term.

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Virginia’s congressional primaries were held in August rather than the state’s traditional June schedule after litigation over new congressional maps delayed the nomination process.