Spanberger endorses Beyer as primary field takes shape in Virginia's 8th

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger endorsed Rep. Don Beyer Tuesday in his bid for re-election to Virginia’s 8th Congressional District, boosting the seven-term incumbent as a crowded Democratic primary field continues to grow ahead of the June 16 contest.

Spanberger, who served alongside Beyer in Congress before winning the governorship last year, cited his record on kitchen-table issues as the basis for her support.

“Serving with him in Congress, I saw firsthand Congressman Don Beyer’s unwavering commitment to Virginia families,” Spanberger said. “He understands that lowering costs and supporting working families are essential to keeping our communities strong, and has been a strong leader working to protect Virginians from the worst impacts of this administration. I’m proud to support his continued leadership on behalf of the Commonwealth.”

Beyer welcomed the endorsement, framing it as a continuation of an existing partnership.

“I’m grateful to Governor Abigail Spanberger for her partnership and am honored to have her support,” Beyer said. “I look forward to building on that partnership to move Virginia forward, ensure every family has the opportunity to succeed, and fight back against the harms of the Trump Administration.”

The endorsement comes as Beyer faces five Democratic challengers — a field that includes Adam Dunigan, Michael Duffin, Frank Ferreira, Daniel Gray and Mo Seifeldein.

Three Republicans — Heerak Christian Kim, Luke Nathan Phillips and Tony Sabio — are also competing in their party’s June 16 primary.

Virginia’s 8th District, which covers Arlington, Alexandria and parts of Fairfax County, is home to one of the largest concentrations of federal workers in the country — a constituency that has taken on added political weight amid the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the size of the federal workforce.

Beyer has held the seat since 2015.