Republican Green Beret veteran raises $150,000 in campaign for Rep. Abigail Spanberger’s seat

Derrick Anderson has raised more than $150,000 in the two weeks since he launched his campaign for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District.

Virginia’s 7th District, one of many House seats targeted by Republicans in their bid to gain a larger majority in the lower chambers of Congress, is one such seat. Spanberger hasn’t announced whether she’ll run for reelection. However, Republicans are lining-up to turn the seat red.

The Washington Examiner was the first to share Anderson’s total fundraising. Anderson, a Green Beret who served six tours of duty in the Middle East and is a Green Beret Veteran, said that he was proud of his fundraising total despite the fact that the campaign is still in its first weeks. Anderson launched his campaign Sept. 18 after stating that he “could no longer remain silent.”

Anderson stated, “We launched this campaign less that two weeks ago and I am pleased to announce we’ve seen a wave of support across the district and nation.” “The fact that we raised more than $150k in less than 2 weeks shows people are willing to invest in a change. Joe Biden has failed them. “I’m grateful for the support I’ve received so far and am working hard to maintain the momentum.”

Anderson faces five other Republicans, including former Navy SEAL Cameron Hamilton and Republican Bill Moher. Jon Myers and Shaliek Tarrafley are also candidates.

According to the Federal Election Commission, Moher’s campaign has a total cash on hand of $296.167. Spanberger, however, remains the top fundraiser, with cash on-hand of $1,183.614 according to Federal Election Commission. Hamilton’s spokesperson told the Washington Examiner that his fundraising totals will be released closer to the quarter-end filing deadline next week.

Derrick Van Orden, a national Republican representative from Wisconsin, has endorsed Anderson. Anderson has also received the endorsement of Reps. Brian Mast, an Army veteran from Florida, and Mike Waltz, the only Green Beret in Congress.

Waltz said previously in his statement, “As the Green Beret who was elected to Congress I can personally testify that we need to have more veterans in DC in order to continue the fight against President Biden’s disastrous policies and leadership.” “That’s the reason I’m proud of my endorsement of Green Beret Derrick Anderson as a candidate for Congress. Derrick Anderson is a patriot and has put his life at risk many times to protect America and our families. He will fight for you at Washington as he did on the battlefield.

Spanberger may run for governor as soon as 2025, when Gov. Glenn Youngkin, R-VA, will be leaving office after his current term. Virginia’s 7th District, which is one of many swing seats in the state, could be a Republican advantage by 2024 if Spanberger does not run.

Republicans have long criticized Spanberger’s perceived softer approach to crime and her constant voting for Democratic policies despite describing herself as a centrist Democrat.