Eugene Vindman, a Democrat and Ukraine-born former Army lieutenant colonel, has won a congressional seat in Virginia, the New York Times reports.
Vindman, who became known during former President Donald Trump’s first impeachment proceedings, defeated Republican candidate Derrick Anderson in Central and Northern Virginia.
“Democracy itself was at stake in the contest,” Vindman, 49, argued during his campaign, drawing on his experience as a former National Security Council legal adviser and whistleblower.
The victory maintains Democratic control of the district previously held by Abigail Spanberger, who left to pursue a gubernatorial bid.
The race featured two Army veterans with legal backgrounds competing for a district with significant veteran and federal employee populations.
Anderson, a former Green Beret endorsed by Trump, accused Vindman of conducting a “revenge tour” following his government dismissal.
Vindman’s twin brother Alexander testified in 2019 that he had been offered the Ukraine’s Minister of Defense position.
Alexander Vindman called Trump’s phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “inappropriate” and indicated that Ukraine’s military aid was contingent on fulfilling Trump’s requests.
The Pentagon later reported that Eugene Vindman “faced retaliation” from Trump officials, leading to both brothers’ dismissal.
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