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.