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 County. Gov. 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. 

Rick Smithers and Philip Harding responded. Their answers are provided below. 

We made multiple attempts to contact Ollivant by phone, email, Facebook and in person starting in June. On the evening of Thursday, July 30, we received an email from Ollivant’s chief of staff indicating that he may submit responses. We’ll update this page and alert readers via our voter guide newsletter if we do receive Ollivant’s responses in time for publication. Here’s the link where you can subscribe!

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.

Philip Harding: Working families across the 7th District cannot underwrite massive grid buildouts for data center developers through spiked electric bills. Specialized power demands must be absorbed by commercial entities, not socialized onto residential ratepayers. Those closest to the issue often make the best decisions, which is why I trust local leaders to make the best decisions for their local communities regarding land use and energy impacts. We must enforce strict cost-causation* rules while unleashing clean, reliable domestic energy, including natural gas and nuclear, to lower costs and protect ratepayers.

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance…” – Proverbs 21:5

Editor’s note

*This refers to the cost-causation principle, which affects utilities. Cost-causation refers to the idea that the customers who create a utility cost should pay for it. For example, if a large new electricity user creates the need for a new power plant or transmission line, that customer — rather than other ratepayers — should bear those costs.

Doug Ollivant: 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.

Harding: Private property rights are a bedrock pillar of human dignity that utility corporations must never trample. Projects like Valley Link risk treating working farms and historic rural heritage as mere corporate externalities. I firmly believe those closest to the issue make the best decisions, and I trust local leaders to make the best decisions for their local communities over federal* or corporate dictates. Eminent domain must remain an absolute last resort, and transmission lines must utilize existing highway or rail corridors before encroaching on private farmland.

“They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.” – Isaiah 65:21

Editor’s note

*While large-scale utility projects like transmission lines are generally approved at the state level by regulatory agencies such as the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Congress impacts electricity transmission through its oversight of federal regulatory agencies like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), passing permitting laws, and providing infrastructure funding.

Ollivant: 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.

Editor’s note

*This refers to the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which provided a structure for Congress’ constitutional right to make military decisions alongside the president. Under the resolution, the president must consult with Congress about potential uses of the U.S. Armed Forces and Congress may authorize or limit that use. 

Harding: The young men and women wearing our nation’s uniform are not tactical assets on a geopolitical chessboard. They are our sons, daughters, husbands, and wives. Beyond immediate self-defense against direct threats, any sustained deployment abroad strictly requires explicit, time-limited Congressional authorization.* Before spending taxpayer dollars or risking American lives, Congress must demand an unyielding strategic audit from the Pentagon**, including quantifiable success metrics and a clear exit strategy. We must stop funding endless foreign entanglements while our national security, borders, and national debt remain neglected.

“Moreover, it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” – 1 Corinthians 4:2

Editor’s notes

*See Editor’s note under Smithers regarding the 1973 War Powers Resolution.

**The Pentagon houses the offices of the Department of Defense. The DOD has never passed its annual audit since the audit became a requirement in 2018. 

Ollivant: 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.

Harding: Central Virginia should never have to choose between economic stagnation and losing its rural character. Through our Build Together framework*, we will foster growth in AgTech, advanced manufacturing, and local small businesses while expanding apprenticeships so young adults enter skilled trades debt-free. We must slash burdensome regulations, expand micro-capital access, and deliver high-speed broadband to every farm. A lifetime of service has prepared me to represent REAL PEOPLE and solve REAL PROBLEMS IN THE REAL WORLD, and I am ready on day one to serve our district.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” – Colossians 3:23

Editor’s note

*This refers to Harding’s economic platform. 

Ollivant: 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.

Harding: Attacking the Debt: Bring fiscal discipline to Washington by auditing federal programs, capping spending and cutting debt to lower everyday living costs.

Strengthening Families: Expand child tax relief, lower childcare costs, and safeguard parental rights in education and upbringing.

Transportation Relief: Redirect federal transit funds toward bottleneck-clearing improvements along I-95 and key regional corridors, giving commuters less time in traffic and more time at home.

I will fight to deliver real, measurable results for every community across central Virginia.

“Blessed are those who work for peace, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9

Ollivant: 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 the special election on a 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, July 24, 2026Last day to register to vote in the primaries.

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 primary election. Requests must be received by your local registrar’s office by 5 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026Last day for early voting in the primaries. Local registrar’s offices will be open this Saturday until 5pm. 
Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026Primary Election Day!
Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 – Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026Early voting is available weekdays for the General Election. You can vote in your local registrar’s office or in satellite locations, depending on your locality. Contact your local registrar’s office to find out where to vote in your area.
Friday, Oct. 23, 2026Last day to register to vote in the General Election. Check your voter registration status using the Citizen Portal. 

If you don’t register by today, you can still vote! Virginia allows unregistered voters to cast provisional ballots during early voting and on Election Day. Those ballots will be counted after election officials verify the voter’s eligibility to vote.
Friday, Oct. 23, 2026Deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot. Applications should be submitted by 5 p.m. Apply online using the Citizen Portal or fill out the Absentee Application Form and submit it to your local registrar’s office by mail, fax, or email.
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 and Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026Early voting extends its normal hours to open on Saturdays the last two weeks before election day. Contact your local registrar’s office to find out where to vote in your area.
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

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

Read more here

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