Author: Northumberland County Democratic Committee

The three veterans running for the First Congressional District — Elizabeth Dempsey Beggs, Jason Knapp, and Mel Tull — and incumbent candidate Rob Wittman are invited to this veteran-focused event being held Monday, June 29 at 6:00 pm at Mt Olive Baptist Church (6749 Jessie Dupont Memorial Hwy, Heathsville).

The three Democratic candidates have confirmed; there has been no response from Wittman’s office about his participation (as of June 17, 2026).

Attend the event and have a conversation about the candidates’ views on the range of issues around the military and veterans.

In advance of the event, here’s a bit of information about Beggs’, Knapp’s, and Tull’s positions on members of the armed forces and veterans:

Beggs: “My commitment is simple: If you wear the uniform, have worn the uniform, or support someone who does, you deserve a representative who fights just as hard for you as you fight for this country.“

• Supporting Military Families: Expanding military spouse career opportunities; improving childcare, schools, and community support; making Virginia a welcoming duty station

• Standing Up for Our Veterans: Strengthening VA community care & reducing wait times; meaningful tax incentives for companies hiring veterans; expanding mental health and suicide prevention resources; protecting GI Bill, home loan, and earned benefits

Knapp: “I will defend VA care, demand congressional authorization before another war, codify reproductive care for servicemembers, and treat the promise made to those who served as the debt it is.”

Tull: Meet our commitment to provide our veterans with quality healthcare.

First Congressional District candidates Salaam Bhatti and Jason Knapp are speaking at the June 18 regular meeting of the Northumberland County Democratic Committee. The meeting takes place at Northumberland Public Library (7204 Northumberland Hwy/Rte 360, Heathsville). The member meet and greet starts at 6:00 pm and the meeting starts at 6:30 pm.

The meeting is open to the public.

HistoryLand Democrats (Richmond County) are celebrating the season with their Saturday, June 13 social at Belle Isle State Park (1632 Belle Isle Rd, Lancaster) and have invited all Democrats and Democrat-curious to attend the first in the 2026 Music by the River concerts.

The concert takes place along the Rappahannock River from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Chris & Jane, the acoustic duo from Richmond, are performing. Expect old and new country, folk, current, and Americana.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free popcorn will be provided by Friends of Belle Isle State Park.

If you are worried about the weather, any changes due to weather will be posted as soon as possible. Or, call the park, (804) 462-5030.

Image: Used via Attribution 2.0 Generic. Photo — uploaded by SA for guest blogger Bob D and Kevin D. Image modified by using only part of it, making it square, and adding text over.

Watch the Virginia’s First Congressional District Democratic Candidate Forum June 4, 2026 (full) and learn more about the candidates.

Organized by the Middle Peninsula Democratic Committees, the six out of the seven candidates running in the VA-01 Democratic Primary had a strong showing, informing attendees about their experience, their goals, their policy ideas, and how they are preparing to run against and defeat Rob Wittman in the general election on November 3, 2026.

According to the YT vid description, “The Forum format included a moderator who presented five questions to the candidates. The event was held at the Rappahannock Community College, Glenns Campus, in Saluda, Virginia, on June 4, 2026.” Candidates attending the forum: Elizabeth Dempsey Beggs, Salaam Bhatti, Tim Cywinski, Jason Knapp, Ericka Kopp, and Mel Tull. Shannon Taylor was not able to attend as a result of a scheduling conflict.

Learn about the candidates.

On Thursday, June 4 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, connect with candidates for Congressional District 1, aka Virginia’s 1st Congressional District. The event is being held at RCC Glenns Campus (12745 College Dr, Glenns). If you are unable to attend in person, use the QR code in the flyer, below, to get the Zoom link.

Learn about each candidate’s take on the current state of our country, the issues they believe are most important, and how they plan to address them as they compete in the Democratic primary for the First Congressional District seat. Candidates attending are Elizabeth Dempsey-Beggs, Salaam Bhatti, Tim Cywinski, Jason Knapp, and Ericka Kopp. Shannon Taylor and Melvin Tull are unable to attend.

This forum is free and open to the public.

Sponsored by the Gloucester, Mathews, King and Queen, King William, Essex, and Middlesex County Democratic Committees.

Remember: Early voting for this primary election begins June 18. Primary Election Day is August 4, 2026.