Elaine
G. Luria
Democrat Elaine Luria, former U.S. Navy commander and ex-congresswoman, is challenging incumbent Jen Kiggans in Virginia's 2nd District in 2026.
- sources
- 21
- positions
- 9
- endorsements
- 33
Background
Elaine G. Luria is a Democratic candidate for U.S. House, Virginia's 2nd Congressional District, in the November 3, 2026 general election. She previously represented that district in the 116th and 117th Congresses (January 3, 2019–January 3, 2023), winning her initial election in 2018 and losing her 2022 reelection bid to Republican Jen Kiggans. 5/)121
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Luria graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1997 and earned a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University in 2004. She served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, retiring as a commander in 2017 after serving as a nuclear-trained Surface Warfare Officer who commanded a unit of approximately 400 sailors. 25/)12
After retiring from the Navy, Luria co-owned a small business; she and her husband opened Mermaid Factory locations in Norfolk (2013) and Virginia Beach (2015). Her campaign mailing address is in Virginia Beach, and her X profile describes her location as Hampton Roads, Virginia. 1114
The 2026 race is a rematch between Luria and incumbent Representative Jen Kiggans and has been described as one of the most watched congressional races in the nation. Luria formally relaunched her campaign in April 2026. 91722
At a glance
- Party
- Democratic
- Running for
- U.S. House · District 2, Virginia
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Website
- elaineforcongress.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 6endorsementLuria secures endorsements from Gov. Spanberger, EMILY's List; GIFFORDS PAC announces $850K investment
By October 6, Luria had endorsements from Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, EMILY's List, and other Democratic groups. GIFFORDS PAC also announced an $850,000 investment in the race. Kiggans held endorsements from President Trump and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Jen Kiggans, Elaine Luria face off again in Virginia's 2nd ... - Yahoo · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 5pollBloomberg Government reports Cook Political Report and Inside Elections rate VA-02 a toss-up
A Bloomberg Government report noted Cook Political Report and Inside Elections rated the Luria-Kiggans contest a toss-up, while Sabato's Crystal Ball had recently moved its rating toward Democrats. Republican advertising focused on Luria's wealth and stock trades, with two local outlets fact-checking the $21 million claim as false.
Virginia Rematch of Navy Veterans Mirrors Wider Battle for House · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 2pollCardinal News reports VA-02 moved from toss-up to 'leans Democratic' by at least one forecaster
An October 2 report noted that at least one forecaster had moved VA-02 from 'toss-up' to 'leans Democratic,' while early voting numbers showed a shift toward Democrats.
Early voting numbers show a shift toward Democrats. If those hold, two House seats in Virginia could flip, and a third could be close. · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 1filingFEC filings show Luria with $3.58M cash on hand through July 15, outraising Kiggans
FEC reporting through July 15 showed Luria's campaign with $4,659,795 in cycle receipts and $3,582,723 cash on hand, compared to Kiggans's $3,391,740 cash on hand. Figures do not include outside-group spending.
Virginia U.S. House District 2 | The Stated Record · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 28newsLuria tells WHRO she supports restoring ACA subsidies, Medicare drug negotiations, and dark-money curbs
In a WHRO interview, Luria said Congress should restore expired ACA premium subsidies, let Medicare negotiate prices for more prescription drugs, and invest in medical training. She also said she planned to champion curbing dark-money donations.
Luria and Kiggans rematch in Virginia's 2nd Congressional ... · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 24newsLuria participates in VPM candidate Q&A, citing tariffs and Medicaid cuts as key issues
In VPM's published candidate Q&A, Luria argued that tariffs, Medicaid cuts, the end of ACA premium subsidies, and the Iran war were increasing costs, and called for Congress to prioritize working people.
2nd District Q&A: Matt Baker, Jen Kiggans, Elaine Luria, ... · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 23newsLuria holds Virginia Beach roundtable on affordability and releases 'It's Not a Lot to Ask' agenda
After a Virginia Beach roundtable on cost of living, Luria released her 'It's Not a Lot to Ask' agenda calling for career and technical education investment, capped student-loan rates, a $15 federal minimum wage, 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave, and Medicare dental, vision, and hearing benefits.
Virginia Rematch of Navy Veterans Mirrors Wider Battle for House · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 18newsVirginia early in-person voting begins; Election Day set for November 3
Early in-person voting opened in Virginia on September 18. The deadline to register or update registration and to request a mail ballot is October 23; early in-person voting ends October 31; Election Day is November 3.
Virginia voter guide: What to know ahead of 2026 midterm elections · Sep 18, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Aug 4filingLuria wins Democratic primary in VA-02, advancing to general election rematch with Kiggans
Luria won the Democratic primary against Nila Devanath, Bill Fleming, and Patrick Mosolf, setting up the general-election rematch against incumbent Republican Jen Kiggans.
Virginia 2026 elections coverage - Ballotpedia News · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jul 1pollHouse Majority PAC poll shows Luria and Kiggans tied 47–47 in VA-02
A July 2026 House Majority PAC survey—the only identified public poll—showed Luria and Kiggans tied at 47%–47%. The poll was commissioned by a Democratic group and is a limited snapshot.
Luria Kiggans Veterans Record: Early Voting Opens in VA-02 · Sep 21, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Nov 1, 2022newsLuria lost 2022 general election to Kiggans in VA-02, setting up 2026 rematch
Jen Kiggans defeated Elaine Luria in Virginia's 2nd Congressional District in 2022. The 2026 race is a rematch between the two Navy veterans.
Virginia Rematch of Navy Veterans Mirrors Wider Battle for House · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- SEIU Virginia State Council unionListed as an endorser in the August 21, 2026 Blue Virginia roundup; no endorsement date stated. bluevirginia.us
- U.S. Sen. Mark Warner officialReported as an early endorser by The Virginian-Pilot on August 5, 2026; endorsement date not stated. The June 17 Blue Virginia post also indicates Warner had previously endorsed. pilotonline.com
- United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry unionListed as an endorser in the August 21, 2026 Blue Virginia roundup; no endorsement date stated. bluevirginia.us
- U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott officialReported as an early endorser by The Virginian-Pilot on August 5, 2026; endorsement date not stated. The June 17 Blue Virginia post also indicates Scott had previously endorsed. pilotonline.com
- Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger officialReported as an early endorser by The Virginian-Pilot on August 5, 2026; no endorsement date stated. pilotonline.com
- United Steelworkers unionListed as an endorser in the August 21, 2026 Blue Virginia roundup; no endorsement date stated. bluevirginia.us
- New Politics organizationIdentified as an endorser in its August 4, 2026 announcement after Luria won the Democratic nomination; original endorsement date not stated. newpolitics.org
- Virginia House Speaker Don Scott officialListed as an endorser in an August 21, 2026 Blue Virginia roundup; no endorsement date stated. bluevirginia.us
- U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine officialReported as an early endorser by The Virginian-Pilot on August 5, 2026; endorsement date not stated. The June 17 Blue Virginia post also indicates Kaine had previously endorsed. pilotonline.com
- Amalgamated Transit Union unionListed as an endorser in the August 21, 2026 Blue Virginia roundup; no endorsement date stated. bluevirginia.us
- MoveOn organizationEndorsement page dated September 21, 2026 (updated October 2). front.moveon.org · Sep 21, 2026
- American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) unionIncluded Luria in a Virginia congressional endorsement slate announced July 30, 2026. afge.org · Jul 30, 2026
- International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) unionAnnounced endorsement on July 24, 2026. ifpte.org · Jul 24, 2026
- Delegate Cliff Hayes officialDescribed as having formally endorsed 'this week' in a July 23, 2026 Blue Virginia post. bluevirginia.us · Jul 23, 2026
- Delegate Michael Feggans officialDescribed as having formally endorsed 'this week' in a July 23, 2026 Blue Virginia post. bluevirginia.us · Jul 23, 2026
- Delegate Nadarius Clark officialDescribed as having formally endorsed 'this week' in a July 23, 2026 Blue Virginia post. bluevirginia.us · Jul 23, 2026
- Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler officialDescribed as having formally endorsed 'this week' in a July 23, 2026 Blue Virginia post. bluevirginia.us · Jul 23, 2026
- Delegate Alex Askew officialDescribed as having formally endorsed 'this week' in a July 23, 2026 Blue Virginia post. bluevirginia.us · Jul 23, 2026
- Virginia Sen. Aaron Rouse officialDescribed as having formally endorsed 'this week' in a July 23, 2026 Blue Virginia post. bluevirginia.us · Jul 23, 2026
- New Democrat Coalition Action Fund organizationListed among endorsers in Blue Virginia's June 17 announcement; no individual endorsement date stated. bluevirginia.us · Jun 17, 2026
- U.S. Rep. Don Beyer officialAnnounced as endorser on June 17, 2026, per Blue Virginia announcement. bluevirginia.us · Jun 17, 2026
- League of Conservation Voters Action Fund organizationListed among endorsers in Blue Virginia's June 17 announcement; no individual endorsement date stated. bluevirginia.us · Jun 17, 2026
- Planned Parenthood Action Fund organizationListed among endorsers in Blue Virginia's June 17 announcement; no individual endorsement date stated. bluevirginia.us · Jun 17, 2026
- U.S. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam officialAnnounced as endorser on June 17, 2026, per Blue Virginia announcement. bluevirginia.us · Jun 17, 2026
- Elect Democratic Women organizationListed among endorsers in Blue Virginia's June 17 announcement; no individual endorsement date stated. bluevirginia.us · Jun 17, 2026
- VoteVets organizationListed among endorsers in Blue Virginia's June 17 announcement; no individual endorsement date stated. bluevirginia.us · Jun 17, 2026
- U.S. Rep. James Walkinshaw officialAnnounced as endorser on June 17, 2026, per Blue Virginia announcement. bluevirginia.us · Jun 17, 2026
- Brady PAC organizationListed among endorsers in Blue Virginia's June 17 announcement; no individual endorsement date stated. bluevirginia.us · Jun 17, 2026
- U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman officialAnnounced as endorser on June 17, 2026, per Blue Virginia announcement. bluevirginia.us · Jun 17, 2026
- U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan officialAnnounced as endorser on June 17, 2026, per Blue Virginia announcement. bluevirginia.us · Jun 17, 2026
- DMFI organizationListed among endorsers in Blue Virginia's June 17 announcement; no individual endorsement date stated. bluevirginia.us · Jun 17, 2026
- EMILYs List organizationEndorsed Luria on January 15, 2026. emilyslist.org · Jan 15, 2026
- 314 Action Fund organizationEndorsement date reported in the 2026 Virginia House election reference's cited endorsement listing. en.wikipedia.org · Dec 16, 2025
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $4.66M
- Spent
- $1.08M
- Cash on hand
- $3.58M
As of Jul 15, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H6VA02198(opens in a new tab)
Sources 21
- [1] NEW POLITICS ENDORSED CANDIDATE ELAINE LURIA ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [2] Virginia 2026 elections coverage - Ballotpedia News(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [3] Jen Kiggans, Elaine Luria face off again in Virginia's 2nd ... - Yahoo(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [4] Virginia Rematch of Navy Veterans Mirrors Wider Battle for House(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
- [5] Early voting numbers show a shift toward Democrats. If those hold, two House seats in Virginia could flip, and a third could be close.(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [6] Virginia U.S. House District 2 | The Stated Record(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
- [7] Luria and Kiggans rematch in Virginia's 2nd Congressional ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
- [8] 2nd District Q&A: Matt Baker, Jen Kiggans, Elaine Luria, ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
- [9] Elaine Luria : MoveOn: People-Powered Progress(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
- [10] Luria Kiggans Veterans Record: Early Voting Opens in VA-02(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
- [11] Virginia voter guide: What to know ahead of 2026 midterm elections(opens in a new tab) Sep 18, 2026
- [12] Priorities - Elaine for Congress(opens in a new tab) Aug 24, 2026
- [13] VA02 Democratic Nominee Elaine Luria Releases Plan to Make ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 21, 2026
- [14] Elaine Luria wins Democratic nomination for Virginia's 2nd Congressional District(opens in a new tab) Aug 5, 2026
- [15] Largest Federal Employee Union Announces Slate of ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 30, 2026
- [16] “An American Patriot, A Friend of Unions and Working ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 24, 2026
- [17] Video: New Ad by VA02 Democratic Candidate, Former ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 23, 2026
- [18] VA Dem Congressional Delegation Endorses Fmr. Rep. Elaine Luria to Unseat Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA02) and Take Back the House - Blue Virginia(opens in a new tab) Jun 17, 2026
- [19] Elaine Luria(opens in a new tab) May 1, 2026
- [20] EMILYs List Endorses Elaine Luria for Virginia's 2nd Congressional ...(opens in a new tab) Jan 15, 2026
- [21] 2026 United States House of Representatives elections in ...(opens in a new tab) Dec 4, 2024