Why I Voted for Ericka Kopp, VA-01 Democratic Primary Candidate for Congress

Virginia’s First Congressional District has high potential to flip from Republican to Democrat in the 2026 midterm elections. The determination to flip this seat was so strong that a Democratic primary emerged, which means VA-01 voters can choose from among seven candidates to unseat the incumbent. For me, the choice was the easiest one I ever made: Ericka Kopp.

A healthcare lawyer, Ericka has many qualifications that would make her a terrific Congressional representative. Plus, her campaign platform is a bonanza of my dream legislation, including Medicaid for All, universal public education, reproductive freedom, abolishing ICE, taxing the rich, supporting Palestinian statehood, and protecting LGBQT+ rights. An accessible candidate, she not only authentically listens to VA-01 residents about our concerns but also demonstrates knowledge of specific legislation to address our needs.

As a Courage Candidate, Ericka plans to file/cosign articles of impeachment against Donald Trump on day one as well as against federal officials who have violated the law and/or abused their authority. She understands that the abuse and corruption need to stop before normal government operations can resume and that those who broke the law must be held accountable.

When I first learned about Ericka’s candidacy, I was stunned that I had such a choice. I’ve been a voter for 39 years, but this was the first time I had the chance to vote for a candidate who mirrors me in multiple ways. Ericka is female, biracial, and bisexual, just like me. Representation matters, especially when we don’t have nearly enough women in Congress, let alone queer women of color. If identity didn’t matter, then straight white men wouldn’t have dominated politics since America was founded.

To me, the most important aspect about Ericka is her role as a caregiver to her disabled combat veteran husband. Like her, I’m a caregiver to a disabled family member, so I know how much hard work this job involves. It also requires discipline, compassion, serious multitasking skills, and a strong moral compass because a caregiver is responsible for meeting the daily (and often highly personal needs) of another human being. Day and night, caregivers ensure their disabled family member(s) and/or those with complex medical needs are fed, cared for, and protected with dignity and respect.

Collectively, family caregivers provide over 49 billion hours of unpaid care annually. The value of our work to American society is over $1 trillion dollars. Our invisible labor is one of the biggest engines that keeps our country running. So, when I learned Ericka was a caregiver, I knew she has what it takes to serve in Congress. I knew she’d bring immense value to the People’s House, and not just because her campaign motto is “People over partisan politics.” I knew she would truly care about her constituents.

Compassion, a strong moral compass, discipline, being a hard worker, and respect for the people one serves are exactly the qualities we crave in a representative. Ericka has demonstrated all of them during her career, her family life, and her campaign.

As America spirals toward disaster, Ericka Kopp isn’t running away from the danger—she’s meeting it head on (not all superheroes wear capes!). Raising her flag of action and accountability, she rose up to meet the moment, and that’s why she earned my vote.

Want to know more? Follow Ericka Kopp on her socials.

For more information about VA-01 Democratic candidate Ericka Kopp and why I find her such a relatable candidate, read my post, Three Things Progressive Democratic Candidates Have in Common with Progressive Romance Authors.