VA-01: Four Democrats ask state party to reaffirm neutrality after DCCC backs Shannon Taylor
Virginia Democrats seeking to unseat U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland, are publicly challenging what several campaigns say is an improper show of support from the party establishment for one of their rivals before primary voters have even chosen a nominee.
In a letter sent Wednesday, four of the seven Democrats running in Virginia’s 1st congressional District have asked Democratic Party of Virginia Chair Lamont Bagby to publicly reaffirm the party’s neutrality, after the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee promoted Shannon Taylor while early voting was underway.
They argue the move could undermine confidence in the primary process.
The letter was organized by candidate Jason Knapp and signed by Elizabeth Dempsey Beggs, Salaam Bhatti and Mel Tull. Candidates Tim Cywinski and Ericka Kopp received the letter but had not signed it by the time of publication. Taylor, whose campaign appeared in the DCCC promotion, was not asked to participate.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/07/15/four-va-01-democrats-ask-state-party-to-reaffirm-neutrality-after-dccc-backs-shannon-taylor/