Another Democratic challenger is seeking to unseat longtime Rep. Don Beyer in this year’s election.
Daniel Gray, an Arlington resident and energy and sustainability program manager, announced yesterday (Sunday) that he is seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination for Virginia’s 8th Congressional district.
Taking aim at the party establishment, he said he wants to build “a country that works for everyone.”
“We are in deep trouble as a country, and the Democratic establishment is simply not delivering the results we need,” Gray said in a press release. “The status quo is not working, and we cannot wait another two years or more to start doing something different. We need new and bold thinking now.”
Gray, who serves as president of a condo association, emphasized improving affordability by cutting red tape around housing.
“Construction productivity has stagnated for almost a hundred years; we need to revolutionize home building with modular construction and streamlined building codes,” the candidate said.
Gray also called for addressing the national debt and requiring members of Congress to retire at age 75, which is Beyer’s current age.
“This is no way to run a country,” Gray said, “especially considering the stakes right now.”
The Democratic primary is scheduled to take place on June 16. Other declared candidates include former Alexandria City councilman Mo Seifeldein and Michael Duffin, a State Department worker who was terminated in July, and Adam Dunigan.
The winner of the Democratic primary — where Beyer, as an incumbent, has a significant advantage — will be heavily favored to win the general election. Beyer has regularly earned roughly 70% of the vote each year he has stood for reelection since he first took office.
