DCCC Names Perriello to “Red to Blue,” Putting VA-05 Among Nation’s Most Competitive Seats

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has named former Congressman and U.S. diplomat Tom Perriello to its highly competitive Red to Blue program, cementing Virginia’s Fifth District as one of the country’s top Democratic pickup opportunities in the fight for control of the House.

“We defied the odds before and we’re on track to do it again, because Virginians want someone who will fight the corruption in DC instead of trying to get rich off it,” said Perriello. “John McGuire voted to take over $3,000 out of the pockets of working families to reward the dark money donors who sent him to Congress. He’s about to face a reckoning from our Common Sense Coalition that is determined to get prices down, corruption out, and common sense back at the wheel.” 

This change of status follows the release of the first major poll of the campaign earlier this week, which showed Perriello already trending ahead of John McGuire in a district that the GOP won by 15 points just two years ago. The poll by Expedition Strategies showed the race within the margin of error, flipping to a Perriello lead after voters were provided with public biographies of the two candidates. After learning about John McGuire's record, Perriello opens an 11-point lead.

“Washington desperately needs more people like Tom Perriello who have the backbone to stand up to special interests and the courage to put their own community first, regardless of the politics. Tom has proven that he will fight for the Blue Ridge no matter the cost, while his opponent John McGuire has come to represent the Washington corruption that is costing Virginia families. That contrast is why Tom is poised to flip this seat in November," said DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene.

The DCCC's Red to Blue program identifies the most competitive Democratic challengers in the country, candidates who have demonstrated the fundraising strength, grassroots organization, and electoral viability to flip Republican-held seats. Inclusion in the program signals national Democratic investment and confidence that the race is winnable.

The Red to Blue designation reflects growing national recognition that McGuire's record has made him one of the most vulnerable Republican incumbents in the country. McGuire voted for the legislation that is closing rural hospitals and driving up healthcare costs across the district. He sold housing stocks days before new regulations took effect and bought SpaceX stock while sitting on committees that oversee the company's federal contracts. He has voted 100% of the time with the corporate donors who fund his campaign. And he has never once held a town hall to answer for any of it.

Perriello has always refused donations from lobbyists and corporate PACs. He has pledged to trade no individual stocks during his time in Congress and to fight to end the flood of dark money in politics. He has been endorsed by End Citizens United, one of the nation’s leading anti-corruption advocacy groups.

Perriello previously represented Virginia’s Fifth District, the only Democrat in a generation to have flipped a congressional district west of Richmond. He has spent 20 years leading non-profit organizations fighting to increase wages, expand affordable healthcare, and protect the rights guaranteed by our Constitution. Tom has also served two tours representing the United States as a Special Envoy. He has been endorsed by more than 70 local and statewide leaders.