The U.S. House of Representatives is one of two chambers of Congress (the other is the Senate). The powers of the House of Representatives are outlined in the Constitution. Here is an explanation of what those powers are. Representatives are elected for two years. There are 435 districts in the House, of which Virginia has 11. 

Virginia’s Congressional District 7 covers counties in central and northern Virginia, including all of Orange, Madison, Greene, and part of Albemarle Country. Governor Abigail Spanberger held this seat for six years before running for Governor. 

This year, three candidates are running to represent District 7 in the Republican primary: Rick Smithers, Doug Ollivant and Philip Harding. Whoever wins will face incumbent Eugene Vindman (D) in November.

Charlottesville Tomorrow designed a questionnaire for the candidates based on responses we received from our voter survey. 

One candidate, Rick Smithers, responded. His answers are provided below. 

We made multiple attempts to contact Ollivant and Harding by phone, email and Facebook. While we were able to reach campaign staff for both candidates, we had not received responses as of Wednesday, June 17. We will update this voter guide if and when additional responses are submitted.

Data centers, utilities and energy: Many 7th District voters who responded to our survey are concerned that the growth of data centers could lead to higher electric bills. Do you think that’s a legitimate concern, and what would you do about it?

Rick Smithers: Yes, it’s a legitimate concern. Data centers use enormous amounts of electricity, and Virginia families should not face higher utility bills because of it. My position is simple: homeowners and small businesses should come first. Data center companies should pay for the infrastructure needed to support their operations, not local rate payers. I support transparency in utility rate setting and policies that protect families and seniors from unnecessary rate increases. We can welcome economic growth while ensuring the costs are not passed on to hardworking Virginians.

Doug Ollivant: Did not respond.

Philip Harding: Did not respond.

Valley Link, land use and property rights: 7th District voters raised concerns about Valley Link’s proposed Joshua Falls to Yeat transmission line and its impact on private property, farmland and local communities. Where do you stand on projects like Valley Link, and how should policymakers balance the need for reliable energy with property rights and land preservation?

Smithers: I support reliable and affordable energy, however, I also believe property rights matter. When projects like the Valley Link transmission line affect private land, farmland, and local communities, the people who live there deserve to be heard. Landowners shouldn’t be forced to carry the burden of projects they didn’t ask for. Before moving forward, companies should clearly show why a project is needed, look at alternative routes, and work closely with the people who will be impacted. I believe we can meet our energy needs without ignoring the rights of property owners. Farmers, families, and local communities should have a voice in the process from the beginning, not after decisions have already been made. My goal is to find a balance that protects both our energy future and Virginia’s rural way of life.

Ollivant: Did not respond.

Harding: Did not respond.

Military action abroad: The Constitution gives Congress and the president shared responsibilities when it comes to war and military action. What role do you believe Congress should play when a president is considering military action abroad?

Smithers: I believe Congress must play an active role when military action is being considered. While the President must be able to respond quickly to immediate threats, the Constitution gives Congress the responsibility to provide oversight and authorize prolonged military action. As a veteran, I understand that every decision to use force affects our service members and their families. Our military should be strong and ready, but military action should be a last resort, not a first option. Before committing American troops to a long-term conflict, Congress should carefully review the mission, risks, costs, and objectives. When American lives are on the line, the people deserve transparency and accountability from their government.

Ollivant: Did not respond.

Harding: Did not respond.

Rural jobs: Several voters asked how the region will replace manufacturing jobs and create opportunities for younger workers without losing the rural character of their communities. What industries do you believe offer the greatest opportunity for economic growth in the 7th District, and what federal policies would you support to attract those jobs to central Virginia?

Smithers: I don’t believe the future of the 7th District depends on becoming another Northern Virginia. We should focus on industries that fit our communities, including manufacturing, agriculture, small businesses, skilled trades, technology, and tourism. The federal government’s role is to create an environment where businesses can grow by reducing unnecessary regulations, expanding broadband access, and supporting workforce training. We should also strengthen trade and vocational education so young people can find good paying jobs close to home. My goal is to help grow our economy while protecting the farms, small towns, and rural character that make Central Virginia a great place to live and raise a family.

Ollivant: Did not respond.

Harding: Did not respond.

Are there any other pressing issues you would like 7th District voters to know about?

Smithers: Yes. The issue I hear about most often is the rising cost of living. Families are working hard, but the cost of groceries, housing, utilities, and other necessities continues to rise. We need to strengthen our economy, support small businesses, care for our veterans, secure our borders, and restore trust in government. Too many people feel Washington is out of touch with their daily struggles. As a pastor, veteran, and small business owner, I’m not running to build a political career. I’m running to fight for Virginia families and bring common sense back to government.

Ollivant: Did not respond.

Harding: Did not respond.

More about the candidates

Here are key dates and deadlines in the 2026 elections

Friday, March 6, 2026 – Saturday, April 18, 2026Early voting for special election on constitutional amendment to allow state lawmakers to redraw the congressional district map. Voting is available weekdays at local registrar’s offices. Registrar’s offices will also be open for voting Saturday, April 11 and Saturday, April 18.
Friday, April 10, 2026, 5 p.m.Deadline to apply to your local registrar’s office for your ballot to be mailed to you or to apply for an absentee ballot using the Citizen Portal for the special election. Requests must be received by your local registrar’s office by 5 p.m.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026Deadline to register to vote or update an existing registration for the special election. You can still vote in the special election if you miss this deadline by registering at the polling place and casting a provisional ballot.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026Special Election Day!
Friday, June 29 to Aug. 1, 2026Early voting period for Primary Elections. Contact your local registrar’s office for all early voting and satellite location information.
Friday, July 24, 2026Deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot. Apply for an absentee ballot online using the Citizen Portal by 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026Primary Election Day!
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026General Election Day!

We will update this list periodically as deadlines approach or we receive new information.

Register to vote, check your registration, find your polling place and apply to vote absentee at the Virginia Department of Elections here. Remember, even if you miss registration deadlines, you can register through Election Day and vote using a provisional ballot.

Need to know if you’re eligible to vote? Here are resources from the Virginia Department of Elections.

Text graphic reading 'Voter 2026 Guide'.

2026 Central Virginia Voter Guide

Early voting for Virginia’s Aug. 4 primary election begins June 18, giving voters across central Virginia a chance to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. Depending on where you live, you’ll help choose party nominees for Congress and the U.S. Senate. The winners of those contests will then face off against each other in the Nov. 3 general election.

Charlottesville Tomorrow’s Voter Guide covers every eligible race in central Virginia — from this spring’s special election through the November general.

Read more here

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