Meet the Candidates: Virginia’s 7th Congressional District

By The Spotsylvania Gazette

Spotsylvania County voters will choose their representative in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Six candidates appear on the county’s ballot for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District. Voters may select one candidate or write in a name. (spotsylvania.va.us⁠)

The Spotsylvania Gazette does not endorse political candidates. These biographies are provided for voter information. Candidates appear below in ballot order.

Eugene S. Vindman — Democratic

Eugene S. Vindman is the district’s incumbent representative. He began serving in Congress in January 2025 and serves on the House Armed Services and Agriculture committees. (vindman.house.gov⁠, vindman.house.gov⁠)

Vindman earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Binghamton University in 1997, a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University in 2005 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2009. In his public-radio candidate questionnaire, he also lists a Master of Laws from the Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School. (binghamton.edu⁠, history.house.gov⁠, wvtf.org⁠)

He served in the U.S. Army for 25 years, retiring as a colonel in 2022. His assignments included infantry and airborne service, military prosecution and work as a deputy legal adviser at the National Security Council. After retiring, he worked on war-crimes investigations in Ukraine through a State Department-funded program. (vindman.house.gov⁠)

Doug A. Ollivant — Republican

Doug A. Ollivant is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and a Culpeper County resident. According to his campaign biography, his military and national security experience includes two combat tours in Iraq, advising coalition forces in Afghanistan, teaching at West Point and serving as director for Iraq at the National Security Council. (dougforvirginia.com⁠)

His campaign also identifies him as the leader of a global consulting firm and lists studies at Indiana University, James Madison University and Wheaton College. His professional background includes national security analysis and business consulting. (dougforvirginia.com⁠)

Taner E. Demirci Lopez — Libertarian

Taner E. Demirci Lopez lives in Locust Grove and works as a cultural adviser for U.S. government agencies, according to the University of Mary Washington. His campaign biography also describes previous university teaching and cultural advisory work supporting the Department of Defense. (eagleeye.umw.edu⁠, lopezforva.com⁠)

UMW reports that Lopez earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish language and literature, a master’s degree in religions and cultures, and a doctorate in theology from the University of Murcia in Spain. His academic background includes the study of religion and intercultural dialogue. (eagleeye.umw.edu⁠, vpm.org⁠)

Alaha Ahrar — Independent

Alaha Ahrar is a Dumfries resident whose background includes human rights work and nonprofit leadership. Originally from Afghanistan, she graduated from the University of Mary Washington with studies in human rights, political science and international affairs. She also holds a master’s degree in social justice and human rights from George Mason University. (eagleeye.umw.edu⁠)

According to her campaign biography, Ahrar serves as chief executive officer of International Kindness Sharing, a Virginia-based nonprofit. Her listed community service includes board roles with the Afghan Women’s Writing Project and World Poetry Canada International. (alahaforcongress.com⁠)

Joshua E. Ertle — Independent

Joshua E. Ertle is a musician and small business owner whose professional background includes banking, management and creative work, according to his campaign biography. He lists previous employment as a private client banker with JPMorgan Chase and an assistant branch manager at Sandy Spring Bank. (joshuaforcongress.com⁠)

Ertle says he grew up in Bearden, Arkansas, and attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello. His biography also describes work in commercial production, independent creative projects and Christian music and ministry. His campaign identifies opposition to abortion as a central focus of his candidacy. (joshuaforcongress.com⁠)

Randall A. Terry — Independent

Randall A. Terry is an anti-abortion activist and founder of Operation Rescue. He was the Constitution Party’s presidential nominee in 2024 and is running as an independent in this congressional election. His background includes political organizing, public advocacy and previous campaigns for office. (terry.vote⁠, politico.com⁠)

Terry’s campaign website highlights his work with Operation Rescue and his previous presidential candidacy. It also promotes television advertising opposing abortion and Virginia’s proposed constitutional amendment concerning reproductive rights. His current campaign continues his longstanding focus on abortion-related advocacy. (terry.vote⁠)

About the Office

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives serve two-year terms. Their responsibilities include considering federal legislation, approving federal spending and overseeing federal agencies. Congressional offices also assist constituents with matters involving federal government services.

These profiles draw from official election records, government and university biographies, campaign materials and published reporting. Spotsylvania voters will join other voters across the 7th District in deciding who represents them in the next Congress.

More News from Spotsylvania Courthouse

• Fall Back Tonight: Set Your Clocks Back One Hour Before heading to bed tonight, Spotsylvania residents should turn manually operated clocks back one hour.
• Meet the Candidates: U.S. Senate in Virginia Two candidates appear on the county’s ballot: Democratic incumbent Mark R. Warner and Republican challenger Bert Mizusawa.