Former Democratic Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn announced she is running to replace Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) in next year's election.
Wexton, a three-term congresswoman, is not running for another term after being diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy earlier this year. Filler-Corn, who served as speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates from 2020 until 2022 and as a delegate in the chamber since 2010, said she is running for Virginia's 10th Congressional District because "the stakes are so high."
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"The stakes are so high in Virginia, in our nation, and as we have seen in such shocking clarity — around the world. We need leaders who, just like Jennifer Wexton, will be fearless and effective in the fights that matter most. That is why I am running for the United States Congress," Filler-Corn said on Wednesday.
In announcing her bid, she also paid tribute to Wexton, who announced last month she would not run again, by calling her a "stalwart representative."
"First and foremost, I was truly devastated to learn of my friend Jennifer Wexton's recent diagnosis. Jennifer has served Virginia selflessly both in Richmond and Washington," Filler-Corn said. "She is an incredible person and a stalwart representative for her constituents. Her work is improving the lives of so many in our commonwealth and our country. Bob and I are continuing to pray for her and her family."
Filler-Corn had been speculated as a contender for the 2025 gubernatorial race but has instead opted to run for Congress. She is the first Democrat to announce her candidacy in the race to replace Wexton.
"The chaos in Washington and the extremism of MAGA Republicans is making America weaker, both at home and across the world, threatening our economy, our allies, our health, and our freedoms, including the right to vote and a woman's right to choose," Filler-Corn said. "VA-10 deserves someone in Washington who can get to work on day one to take on the chaos and extremism that threatens our very way of life. My experience and record show that I can get the job done and protect Virginians from the unprecedented threats posed by MAGA Republicans."
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The northern Virginia district, which includes Loudoun County, is rated as a "Democrat +6" by the Cook Political Report, with the outlet also rating the 2024 race as "likely Democrat."
Wexton won her seat in 2018 by defeating then-Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA), easily won reelection in 2020, and fought off a strong GOP opponent in last year's midterm elections.