Fifth District News
Join the Forward Fifth Democratic Committee and Help Strengthen
Democratic Leadership In Buckingham and Louisa Counties
August 17, 2026
The Fifth Congressional District Democratic Committee is seeking committed Democrats to fill openings in Buckingham County and Louisa County. If you are a resident of either county and are looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in our political system and strengthen Democratic participation in your community, you may be a perfect fit for the Forward Fifth Democratic Committee.
As a member of the committee, you will help recruit Democratic candidates, strengthen local committees, support grassroots engagement, and advance Democratic values across the Fifth Congressional District.
Responsibilities of Committee Members include (but are not limited to):
• Attending quarterly Democratic Party of Virginia meetings, typically held in Richmond, Arlington, or Fredericksburg in March, June, September, and December;
• Attending scheduled Congressional District meetings, including monthly virtual meetings and occasional in-person meetings;
• Supporting and participating in events hosted by the Congressional District while encouraging participation from all localities;
• Serving on district subcommittees as needed;
• Participating in state caucus activities and engagement opportunities;
• Providing local committees with updates, event information, and candidate engagement opportunities;
• Assisting with candidate petition verification to help ensure ballot-access requirements are met;
• Supporting county and city committees in maintaining compliance with the Democratic Party of Virginia Party Plan;
• Assisting with leadership development and organizational growth in an advisory capacity;
• Participating in dispute-resolution efforts when local committees are unable to resolve matters internally;
• Providing local committees with information regarding district initiatives, goals, and strategic efforts; and
• Assisting with nominating committees and reorganization activities when required.
We are looking for individuals who are:
• Committed to Democratic values and grassroots engagement;
• Willing to work collaboratively with local committees and district leadership;
• Dependable and willing to participate in committee activities;
• Interested in developing Democratic leadership and organizational capacity; and
• Ready to help build a stronger Democratic presence throughout the Fifth Congressional District.
Members are expected to conduct themselves professionally, work collaboratively with local committees and district leadership, and uphold the principles and values of the Democratic Party of Virginia.
Ready to Get Involved?
If you are a Buckingham or Louisa County resident and would like to be considered for membership, we encourage you to apply. For more information or to request an application, contact:
Patricia Harper-Tunley
5thcdchair.vadems@gmail.com
434-321-1089
REQUEST THE FULL SEAT-FILLING PROCESS AND APPLICATION FORM
Your Community. Your Voice. Your Leadership.
Help Move the Fifth Forward.
It's Time for Change in the Fifth!
August 5, 2026
Patricia Harper Tunley, chair of the Fifth District Democratic Committee, congratulated Tom Perriello on his victory in the Democratic Primary Tuesday, and said he will provide the representation in Congress that the people of the Fifth District deserve.
"We look forward to a strong, energetic campaign as we work together to FLIP the 5th Congressional District," she said, adding that the people of the 5th District deserve representation that listens to their voices, puts their communities first, and works to address the issues that matter most to them.
"We also extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Suzanne Krzyzanowski and Robert Tracinski for their willingness to answer the call to serve," she added. "Running for public office requires tremendous dedication and courage, and we thank them for their commitment to the people of the 5th Congressional District. We wish them continued success in their future endeavors and look forward to standing together on the campaign trail as we unite behind our nominee and work toward victory in November."
"Together, we can build a stronger future for the 5th Congressional District," she added.
November 21: Save the date!
The annual extravaganza sponsored by the Fifth Congressional District Democratic Committee is right around the corner, and this year's event promises to be a special evening emphasizing the party's roots and its future. Information on how to buy tickets will be posted soon, but for now, mark your calendars for November 21!
Virginia Democratic Party Announces Primary Candidates
The Democratic Party of Virginia on May 27 released the list of candidates who qualified to run in the Aug. 4 Democratic primary for the U.S. House of Representatives. In the Fifth Congressional District, three candidates qualified:
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Suzanne Krzyzanowski
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Tom Perriello
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Robert Tracinski
The full press release, listing the primary candidates for all 11 Congressional districts follows below.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, May 27, 2026
CONTACT: Press@VADemocrats.org
DPVA Anounces Official List of Candidates for the 2026 August Democratic Primaries
Today, the Democratic Party of Virginia submitted forms to the Virginia Department of Elections certifying which candidates made the ballot for the upcoming Democratic Primary for United States House of Representatives on August 4th, 2026.
“We are grateful to every candidate who stepped forward to serve their community and represent Democratic values. Across the Commonwealth, we have an outstanding group of candidates ready to fight for working families, defend our freedoms, and move Virginia forward,” said DPVA Chairman Senator Lamont Bagby.
This August, Democrats will choose strong nominees who are prepared to take on Donald Trump’s agenda and the MAGA Republicans enabling it in Congress. Virginians deserve leaders who will protect their freedoms, lower costs, and expand opportunity. Virginia Democrats are dedicated to win as many seats as possible in the U.S. House to ensure Virginians have leaders who will provide a critical check on the harmful policies coming out of the Trump administration.”
The following candidates have qualified to run in the 2026 Democratic Primary:
1st Congressional District
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Salaam Bhatti
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Elizabeth Dempsey Biggs
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Tim S. Cywinski
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Jason S. Knapp
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Ericka W. Kopp
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Shannon L. Taylor
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Melvin “Mel” Tull
2nd Congressional District
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S. “Dr Nila” Devanath
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William W. “Bill” Fleming
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Elaine Goodman Luria
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Patrick B. Mosolf
3rd Congressional District
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Robert C “Bobby” Scott
4th Congressional District
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Jennifer L. McClellan
5th Congressional District
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Suzanne Krzyzanowski
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Tom Perriello
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Robert Tracinski
6th Congressional District
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Elizabeth Ann Macy
7th Congressional District
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Eugene S. Vindman
8th Congressional District
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Donald S. Beyer, Jr.
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Lorena Thorne Bruner
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Michael Christian Duffin
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Adam M. Dunnigan
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Mo Seifeldein
9th Congressional District
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Douglas E. Crockett
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Adam Grayson Murphy
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Joy Powers
10th Congressional District
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Suhas Subramanyam
11th Congressional District
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James R. Walkinshaw
Candidates who made the ballot are listed above in alphabetical order. Ballot order is determined by the time of filing. Ballot order for candidates who filed at the same time will be determined at random by the Department of Elections. Where only one candidate filed in a given district, they are the nominee.
For more information on our Democrats, visit our website vademocrats.org
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Paid for by the Democratic Party of Virginia, vademocrats.org
not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
Updated Petitions Required for Congressional Candidates
Because of the Virginia Supreme Court ruling on congressional redistricting, all candidates seeking the Democratic nomination to run for Congress in the Fifth Congressional District should update their Declarations of Candidacy. This should be done before the deadline of May 26, 2026. It is recommended that you contact Patricia Harper-Tunley, chair of the Fifth Congressional District Democratic Committee, at 434-321-1089 or by email, at: 5thcdchair.vadems@gmail.com, to arrange submission of the updated document to ensure you have a completed packet.
Fifth Congressional District
2026 Congressional Candidate Petition Submission
Candidates can submit petitions starting at noon on May 1, 2026 at the location below.
After May 1 and through May 26, 2026, you must make an appointment to submit your petition by calling 434-321-1089.
On May 1 only: Submit petitions to Patricia Harper-Tunley, 5th District chairwoman, at:
Moe’s Italian Restaurant
101 N. Broad Street
Kenbridge, Virginia 23944
The deadline for submitting petitions is 5 p.m. on May 26.
A complete package requires the following documents, per the Virginia Board of Elections Candidate Bulletin:
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Petitions of Qualified Voters (See ELECT-506/521- Va. Code §§ 24.2-506 24.2-507 24.2-521 24.2-522)
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Primary Filing Fee Receipt (Va. Code §§ 24.2-522 24.2-523 24.2-524)
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Declaration of Candidacy Form (SBE-505/520 - Va. Code §§ 24.2-505 24.2-507 24.2-520 24.2-522)
What Fighting Back Looks Like: The Voice of the People
The proposed Constitutional Amendment:
Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts to restore fairness in the upcoming elections, while ensuring Virginia's standard redistricting process resumes for all future redistricting after the 2030 census?
A Message from Patricia Harper-Tunley, Chairwoman
5th Congressional District Democratic Committee
It is my honor and privilege to congratulate the voters and volunteers of the great Commonwealth of Virginia for understanding the mission — to elect a statewide Democratic ticket and 13 additional seats in the House of Delegates that puts Virginians first as we navigate the challenges of the current administration.
Congratulations to our newly elected leaders:
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Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger
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Lt. Governor-elect Ghazala Hashmi
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Attorney General-elect Jay Jones
Each of them ran an incredible campaign grounded in service, integrity, and a commitment to improving the lives of all Virginians. Together, they have made history — with our first woman Governor, our first Muslim woman Lt. Governor, and our first black man as Attorney General.
This is a moment of pride, progress, and purpose for our Commonwealth.
Again, congratulations — and let’s get ready to do it again!
Success is the only option.
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Statement Regarding Jay Jones
October 8, 2025
Virginia's 5th Congressional District Democratic Committee issued the following statement today regarding Attorney General candidate Jay Jones:
We, like our colleagues, are deeply disturbed by Jay’s comments and adamantly condemn his remarks. To be absolutely clear: there is no place for political violence or violent rhetoric in our public discourse. Jay has taken ownership of the seriousness of his actions.
However, we will not allow this to overshadow the critical importance of the upcoming election for Attorney General—an election that will determine whether Virginians have an Attorney General who will fight for them and hold the current administration accountable, not serve as its minion.
The consequences of this election are profound and far-reaching. We are fighting for our families, our rights, and most importantly, our democracy.
The 5th Congressional District Democratic Committee remains united in its support for Jay Jones as the next Attorney General.
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Fifth District Chair Congratulates Democratic Nominees
June 18, 2025
Patricia Harper-Tunley, chair of the Fifth District Democratic Committee, issued the following statement today praising the party's nominees for statewide office:
Congratulations to our United Democratic Ticket for November 4, 2025, from the 5th Congressional District. Our dynamic team includes gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, Lieutenant Governor candidate Ghazala Hashmi, and Attorney General candidate Jay Jones. We thank all of the candidates who put in the work to step up to the plate for an opportunity to be our representatives in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Our course has been set, and we now set sail. Congratulations!
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Statement on the passing of Rep. Gerry Connolly
May 21, 2025
Patricia Harper-Tunley, chair of the 5th District Democratic Committee, issued the following statement today on the passing of Rep. Gerry Connelly:
Today, we mourn the passing of Rep. Gerry Connolly, who devoted nearly four decades of his life to public service—as a staffer on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a member and two-term chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and a nine-term member of Congress.
He was known for so many things, including his fierce advocacy on behalf of federal workers and his work on cybersecurity and Information Technology modernization. And he knew how to get things done. The Center for Effective Lawmaking, a joint venture of the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University, had named Mr. Connolly the “most effective lawmaker” of the 2021-2023 congressional session. And in November of 2024, he was chosen by his colleagues to be ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee.
His presence will be missed, but his spirit of strength, endurance, and persistence will continue to elevate, influence, and inspire those of us who follow in his footsteps. On behalf of Democrats throughout the Fifth Congressional District, I extend my deepest condolences to his family.
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Fifth District Chair Issues Statement after Passing of President Carter
President Carter devoted his life to serving others, not only as Governor of Georgia and President of the United States, but in his post-White House years as a Sunday School teacher, a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, and an advocate for global health, democracy and human rights. The 5th congressional district will remember him for all he did for the country, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Carter family.
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