WASHINGTON — Virginia first lady Dorothy McAuliffe is considering a run for Congress and may join a growing field of Democrats hoping to unseat one of Northern Virginia’s two Republicans, Rep. Barbara Comstock.
McAuliffe’s husband, Gov. Terry McAuliffe, said that his wife hasn’t decided whether to enter the race but she is reviewing her options and talking with people in the district. She has not begun raising money, he said.
“She’s in no rush,” the governor said after an appearance on WTOP’s “Ask the Governor” on Wednesday.
But McAuliffe said he’d love her to run and has encouraged her to enter the race.
He then ticked off his wife’s accomplishments as first lady — expanding school breakfast programs and her work with military children — and her personal accomplishments — raising five children, supporting her husband’s political ambitions and her work as a lawyer.
“I think she would be a spectacular member of Congress,” the governor said.
“I said, Dorothy, you know I’m the biggest critic of Congress ’cause nothing is getting done. If you can go in and help… great,” he said.
The 10th House District, which stretches from McLean — where the McAuliffes have lived for 25 years and still own a home — to Winchester. Comstock, who also hails from McLean, won re-election last fall by 6 points after a competitive race with businesswoman LuAnn Bennett.
Republicans have held the seat for decades, but Hillary Clinton won the district by 10 points in November giving Democrats hope of flipping the seat.
As many as 10 people could throw their hat into the ring, McAuliffe said.
Four Democrats have filed to run in the 2018 primary including state Sen. Jennifer Wexton of Loudoun County, Army veteran Daniel Helmer and former Obama administration official Lindsey Davis Stover. Perennial candidate Julien Modica has also filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to join the race.
