REPLACING:

Abigail Spanberger (D) [i]

WORK HISTORY:

U.S. Department of State Office, of the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights (Military Analysis and Prosecution Support & Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group for Ukraine Director); National Security Council (Deputy Legal Advisor); Thomson Hine LLP (Summer Associate) [ii]

EDUCATION:

ML, Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School; JD, University of Georgia School of Law; MS, Central Michigan University; BA, State University of New York at Binghamton; Diploma, Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School [iii] [iv]

CAMPAIGNED ON:

Protecting Abortion Rights and IVF; Defending our Democracy and Protecting Voting Rights; Stopping Project 2025 and Schedule F; Fighting for our Military Community; Strengthening our Schools; Combatting Book Bans; Growing our Economy from the Middle Out; Building a Holistic Transportation System; Growing our Agricultural Base; Expanding Access to Rural Broadband; Improving Access to Rural Healthcare; Maintaining America’s Leadership in the World; Innovation and Emerging Technology; Blockchain and Crypto Technologies [v]

ON THE ISSUES

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS:

Vindman argued it is “unconscionable” that his daughter has fewer civil rights than her mother or grandmother because of “extreme politicians,” regarding recent judicial actions concerning reproductive health. He has committed to restoring reproductive rights protections granted under Roe v. Wade by supporting the Women’s Health Protection Act. Vindman also vowed to fight against potential bans against reproductive healthcare, including abortion, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and contraceptives. [vi]

IMMIGRATION & BORDER SECURITY:

Drawing from his personal experience as an immigrant, Vindman has stressed that immigration must be addressed through a national security approach. He proposes securing borders through enhanced technology, surveillance, and increased border patrol. Vindman has called for a comprehensive immigration reform that fixes America’s “broken asylum system” and supported the bipartisan measure addressing border security, the Border Act of 2024. [vii] [viii] [ix]

ECONOMY & JOBS:

Vindman supports emerging technology for economic growth, specifically artificial intelligence and blockchain. While significant to the economy, Vindman argues that AI may present “a host of dangers” and implores Congress to “create an environment that allows for innovation to flourish” while establishing clear regulations for the sector. He suggests that blockchain increases trust in the digital and physical economy and reiterates the need for comprehensive regulations in the digital assets industry. Vindman believes that farmers “play a critical role” in the economy and pledges to provide resources to farmers. He plans to co-sponsor the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which allows employees to organize and collectively bargain. Vindman also supports eliminating business practices that “stifle innovation, hurt small businesses, and increase costs for consumers.” [x]

TAXES:

Vindman has criticized congressional Republicans for “fighting for tax cuts for their ultra wealthy donors.” He advocates for expanding the child tax credit to lower cost for American families. [xi] [xii]

CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY:

Vindman supports prosecuting those responsible for crimes and attacking “the root causes of crime.” He argues that local police agencies should be fully funded to ensure safe communities. [xiii]

CLIMATE CHANGE, ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT:

Vindman has voiced support for “alternative energy sources such as nuclear energy, natural gas, solar and wind.” [xiv]

FOREIGN POLICY:

Vindman believes the US must continue its support for Ukraine as they“repel Putin’s invasion” by strengthening NATO and cooperating with European allies to “make sure Russia’s aggression does not go unchecked.” Vindman supports strengthening partnerships with allies in the Middle East and Africa as “they face threats from autocratic regimes.” He advocates for relationships with regional powers in Asia to pursue economic interests and check assertive actions from competitors. [xv] While Vindman has expressed support for Israel in its attempt to combat Hamas, he asserts that the country must abide by international criminal law. Leaning into his career experience as a war crime prosecutor, Vindman emphasized that thorough scrutiny must be conducted on Israel’s actions in Gaza. [xvi]

HEALTHCARE & SOCIAL SAFETY NET:

Vindman propose providing federal funding to rural healthcare centers and implementing flexible healthcare options, including urgent care centers and mobile clinics. [xvii] He advocates for protections of the Affordable Care Act, arguing it safeguards those with preexisting conditions and makes healthcare affordable through government negotiations for lower prescription drug costs. Vindman celebrated the $35 insulin cap for those covered by Medicare and urged for expanding affordable care to all Virginians. [xviii]

DEMOCRACY:

On his campaign website, Vindman condemned the conservative presidential transition project “Project 2025” and executive order “Schedule F” that penalizes civil workers differential of the president’s views. Vindman has also committed to protecting voting rights by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and strengthening protections for election workers. [xix]

SOCIAL ISSUES:

Vindman is against recent book bans that have impacted schools across Virginia, arguing students should have access to an education without “extreme politicians imposing views that do not align with Virginia values.” [xx] During Pride Month in June 2024, Vindman celebrated the local LGBTQ+ community in the Piedmont region of Virginia at the Culpeper Pride Festival. [xxi]