Travis Nembhard Joins Crowded Congressional Race In VA-10

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Attorney and former judge Travis Nembhard is joining a crowded race for Virginia's 10th congressional district. The seat is being vacated by Jennifer Wexton, who will not be seeking reelection as she focuses on her health.

The 10th district encompasses the Manassas area, Loudoun County, and Fauquier County. In September, Wexton announced that she was not running to maintain her seat in 2024 after an updated Parkinson's diagnosis.

Read more: Rep. Wexton Announces New Diagnosis, Will Not Seek Reelection

“We need a representative who knows what it’s like to navigate financial challenges, especially those associated with increasing education costs," Nembhard said in a news release. "Who knows what it’s like to have had to work two jobs to pay the bills just like so many working and middle-class people. Who understands that we must defend and strengthen our public school system, because that’s how working people have kids who become successful and who can afford to raise a family in communities like ours."

In his campaign announcement, Nembhard cited an array of experience that has prepared him for Congress. Nembhard mentioned his work as assistant attorney general, financial regulator, legislative staffer, and administrative law judge.

"I have spent my career standing up for people who are too often forgotten," Nembhard said. "My lifetime of public service is focused on combating injustices and fighting for those who need someone to fight for them the most."

In 2023, Nembhard ran for Virginia's House of Delegates in the 22nd district. He was defeated by Republican Ian Lovejoy.

Nembhard is the latest Democrat to join the race. Other candidates include Delegate Michelle Maldonado, state Senator Jennifer Boysko, Delegate Suhas Subramanyam, and Delegate David Reid.

Republicans Mike Clancy and Brooke Taylor are also running in Virginia's 10th district.

"While working in the Obama White House, I witnessed the power of government to be a force for good. As an assistant attorney general in the Civil Rights Bureau, I went after slumlords, corrupt employers that violated wage laws, and companies that discriminated against individuals," Nembhard said. "And, as a financial regulator, I investigated instances of complex white-collar crime. I have a consistent record of working to protect the public against bad actors, and I intend to do the same in Congress, on behalf of the 10th Congressional District."