Joshua
E. Ertle
Independent candidate for U.S. House, Virginia's 7th District (2026); associate producer and self-employed creative professional
- sources
- 2
- positions
- 1
- endorsements
- 0
Background
Joshua E. Ertle is an Independent candidate running for U.S. Representative for Virginia's 7th Congressional District in the November 3, 2026 general election. He is not an incumbent, and the Virginia Department of Elections lists him as a non-incumbent on the federal candidate roster. 1 His campaign address is in Alexandria, Virginia, though VPM News noted that this residence falls outside the 7th District. 3
Ertle's LinkedIn profile lists his current occupation as associate producer at Advertel, Inc. (since October 2024), as well as self-employed work as a photographer, digital creator, and musician since 2019. 2 Earlier in his career he worked in banking and retail, including roles as assistant branch manager at Sandy Spring Bank, private client banker and associate banker at JPMorgan Chase, and positions at Lowe's and Walmart. 2
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from the University of Arkansas at Monticello (2004–2010) and a high school diploma from Bearden High School (2000–2004). 2 No prior elected offices are documented in the sources reviewed.
At a glance
- Party
- Independent
- Running for
- U.S. House · District 7, Virginia
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- Associate Producer at Advertel, Inc.
- Website
- joshua.vote(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 8newsErtle opposes Virginia Ballot Question 1 on abortion rights; supports reparations; not a Trump supporter
VPM reported that Ertle said he entered the race to speak out against the proposed Virginia constitutional amendment on reproductive and abortion rights. He also said he supports reparations for descendants of enslaved people and is not a supporter of Donald Trump.
Candidate in Virginia's 7th District recruited one of his opponents · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 8newsErtle confirmed on November 2026 general election ballot in Virginia's 7th District
VPM reported on October 8 that Ertle was on the November ballot alongside five other candidates in Virginia's 7th District. The Virginia Department of Elections' candidate-list page was noted as updated October 6, 2026.
Candidate in Virginia's 7th District recruited one of his opponents · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 8newsErtle and Terry share Babies.Vote joint fundraising committee with eight other anti-abortion candidates
VPM reported that Ertle and Terry share the Babies.Vote joint fundraising committee with eight other anti-abortion congressional candidates, with Alan Aversa identified as treasurer of both Ertle's campaign and the committee. No contribution or expenditure totals for Ertle were reported.
Candidate in Virginia's 7th District recruited one of his opponents · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 8newsVPM reports Terry recruited Ertle for the race while both run as independents in the same district
VPM reported that Randall Terry recruited and helped launch Ertle's campaign, even as both men were running in the same district. Terry described them as 'running to be a voice for the unborn' and said 'we are not running to win.' Ertle acknowledged Terry's help but insisted his campaign was 'completely separate.' A political science professor called the arrangement 'a little unusual.'
Candidate in Virginia's 7th District recruited one of his opponents · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 18newsVPM candidate survey reaches out to Ertle; his responses not provided
VPM published a candidate survey for Virginia's 7th District on September 18, 2026, noting that the outlet had reached out to Ertle, but the report did not include his responses.
VPM News Q&A: Doug Ollivant, Eugene Vindman, Taner Lopez · Sep 18, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jul 7filingErtle files FEC campaign paperwork to run in Virginia's 7th District
According to FEC records cited by VPM, Ertle submitted his campaign paperwork on July 7, 2026, after fellow independent Randall Terry had filed on June 29. VPM reported that Terry helped Ertle with campaign preparation, including the paperwork.
Candidate in Virginia's 7th District recruited one of his opponents · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jun 26newsErtle attends anti-abortion candidate workshop in Memphis organized by Randall Terry
According to VPM, Randall Terry told reporters that Joshua E. Ertle took part in an anti-abortion candidate workshop in Memphis. Terry also said he connected Ertle with people who could help gather ballot-access signatures.
Candidate in Virginia's 7th District recruited one of his opponents · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $0
- Spent
- $0
- Cash on hand
- $0
Reporting date not available. ↳ FEC record H6VA07346(opens in a new tab)
Sources 2
- [1] Candidate in Virginia's 7th District recruited one of his opponents(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [2] VPM News Q&A: Doug Ollivant, Eugene Vindman, Taner Lopez(opens in a new tab) Sep 18, 2026