Spanberger endorses Elaine Luria in her House comeback bid

Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger is endorsing her former House colleague Elaine Luria's comeback bid in the latest effort by Democrats to clear the primary in a highly targeted purple district.

"I am excited to support Elaine Luria’s campaign for Congress, because Virginians deserve a dedicated public servant who is focused on delivering for the people of Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore,” Spanberger said in a statement.

Both women flipped GOP-held seats in the 2018 midterms and became part of a bloc of incoming House Democrats with national security backgrounds.

"Since our first campaign together when we made history in 2018, Governor-elect Spanberger and I have worked closely together to lower prices, cut health care costs, and invest in Virginia. I look forward to continuing our work together to lower costs for working families and deliver for the people of Hampton Roads," Luria said.

The district, which is currently represented by GOP Rep. Jen Kiggans, is the most competitive in Virginia and has flipped between parties four times over the past two decades.

Virginia Democrats expect it to become bluer in a potential redraw. Navy reservist James Osyf suspended his Democratic campaign Tuesday, saying in a statement he would "await clarity on the outcome of the Commonwealth’s redistricting plan.”