EXCLUSIVE — Republican Derrick Anderson, who is running to flip Virginia's 7th Congressional District in 2024, received two endorsements from fellow veterans already serving on Capitol Hill who hope Anderson will join their ranks.
Anderson, a Special Forces Green Beret veteran, received endorsements from veterans Reps. Brian Mast (R-FL) and Mike Waltz (R-FL) on Thursday. The endorsements were first shared with the Washington Examiner.
HOUSE GOP LEADERS SIGNAL POSSIBLE FUNDING BREAKTHROUGH WITH CONSERVATIVE HOLDOUTS
Mast, a veteran who served in the U.S. Army for over 12 years, said he looks forward to "fighting the good fight" with Anderson in Congress.
“The American people are looking for a fighter, so look no further than Derrick Anderson. From leading teams as a Green Beret in Iraq to defending the Constitution as an attorney, Derrick is ready to go to battle for his hometown," Mast said. "He’s ready to push for an economy that allows everyone in Central and Northern Virginia to thrive and he’s ready to stand firm against the far left’s agenda in D.C."
Waltz, who is the only Green Beret veteran serving in Congress, said in a statement that he is "proud" to endorse Anderson in his 2024 campaign.
“As the first Green Beret elected to Congress, I can personally attest that we need more veterans in DC to keep up the fight against the disastrous policies and leadership of President Biden. That’s why I’m proud to endorse Green Beret Derrick Anderson for Congress. Derrick is a true patriot who put his life on the line multiple times to defend America and keep our families safe. He’ll fight for you in Washington just like he fought for you on the battlefield," Waltz said.
Anderson launched his campaign on Monday, entering what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races in the 2024 election cycle. The seat is currently held by Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA).
After serving in the U.S. Army from 2006 to 2014, he later launched a bid for Congress in 2022. He lost in the Republican primary to former Republican congressional candidate Yesli Vega, who went on to lose to Spanberger in the 2022 midterm elections.
Anderson is facing five other Republicans in the primary, including other veterans like former Navy SEAL Cameron Hamilton. Receiving endorsements from national leaders who are also veterans could give Anderson an edge in the crowded primary.
“I am honored to have the support of Congressmen Mast and Waltz, both fine patriots, that gave so much in service to their country, in some of the most dangerous places of the world. It is humbling to have their endorsement in my race for Congress," Anderson said in a statement.
"As a former Special Forces Green Beret, I am running to grow the ranks of veterans in Congress and to give the people of Virginia’s 7th District, the place that raised me, the representation they deserve,” Anderson continued.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Virginia's 7th Congressional District is one of several House seats being targeted by the Republican Party as the GOP hopes to secure a wider majority in the lower chamber of Congress. Spanberger has not made an announcement on whether she will run for reelection.
However, she is reportedly considering running for governor in 2025, as Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) terms out after this year. Virginia's 7th Congressional District is considered one of several swing seats, so an absence of Spanberger on the ballot could give Republicans an edge in 2024.