Virginia’s Leaders Rally Behind Rob Wittman, Citing a Trusted Record of Delivering for the Commonwealth

From former governors to state and local leaders, law enforcement officials, and leading business organizations, a broad coalition is backing Wittman’s record of results and deep connection to Virginia’s First District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Virginia's First Congressional District - Virginia leaders from across the Commonwealth are rallying behind Congressman Rob Wittman’s re-election campaign, citing his record of delivering results in Congress, supporting Virginia communities, and staying closely connected to the people he represents.

The growing coalition includes former governors and statewide officials, state legislators, sheriffs, Commonwealth’s Attorneys, and leading national organizations representing seniors, small businesses, job creators, and the broader business community.

Former Statewide Officials

George Allen, former governor of Virginia and former U.S. senator
Jim Gilmore, former governor and attorney general of Virginia
Bob McDonnell, former governor of Virginia
Jason Miyares, former attorney general of Virginia
Glenn Youngkin, former governor of Virginia

State Senators

Luther Cifers, Henrico and Powhatan
J.D. “Danny” Diggs, York County, Poquoson, and Hampton
Ryan T. McDougle, Hanover, Caroline, Essex, King and Queen, King William, and Middlesex
Richard H. Stuart, the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula
Glen H. Sturtevant Jr., Chesterfield

Members of the House of Delegates

Mike Cherry, Colonial Heights and portions of Chesterfield County
Keith Hodges, Essex, King and Queen, King William, Mathews, Middlesex, and a portion of Gloucester County
Hillary Kent, King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties and a portion of Caroline County
Scott Wyatt, Hanover and New Kent counties

Sheriffs

Karl Leonard, Chesterfield County
Walter “Arnie” Holmes, Essex County
Darrell W. Warren Jr., Gloucester County
Gregory W. Six, Hanover County
David Hines, former sheriff of Hanover County
William R. “Rob” Balderson, King and Queen County
Don Lumpkin Jr., King William County
April Edwards, Mathews County
Michael E. “Mickey” Sampson II, Middlesex County
Lee Bailey, New Kent County
John A. “Johnny” Beauchamp, Northumberland County
Stephan B. “Steve” Smith, Richmond County
David Hardin, Williamsburg–James City County

Commonwealth’s Attorneys

Mackenzie Babichenko, Hanover County
Krystyn Reid, York County and the City of Poquoson

Organizations

60 Plus Association — American Association of Senior Citizens
International Franchise Association
National Federation of Independent Business
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The contrast with Wittman’s opponent could not be sharper. Shannon Taylor has drawn criticism for being soft on crime and being out of touch with voters across the First District. Virginia’s most respected leaders are rejecting her candidacy in favor of Congressman Wittman, who enters the fall campaign with growing support – while voters are left asking why Taylor hasn’t earned that same trust.

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