
James Shea
VA-01 Democratic nominee?
Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleHigh school economics teacher
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
LocationVirginia
BackgroundHigh school economics teacher
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Notable personal detailsJames Michael Shea is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District (VA-01) in the 2026 election cycle. He filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission in July 2025 and is running as a challenger. He has been described by the Democratic Party of Virginia as a high school economics teacher.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
James Shea supports fiscal responsibility and balancing the federal budget while protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. He criticizes concentration of wealth and calls for an economy that creates opportunities for the working class. His campaign materials do not provide explicit tax-rate proposals or detailed plans for raising or cutting taxes.
Healthcare
Supports protecting Medicare and Medicaid and preserving the social safety net while pursuing fiscal responsibility. Has campaigned on defending Medicaid benefits for families with disabled children and protecting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
News
James Shea is one of seven Democrats running in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District primary, where the winner will challenge Republican Rep. Rob Wittman in November. The candidates recently held a forum to lay out their positions on issues like healthcare, affordability, taxes, student debt, broadband, and bipartisan cooperation. Early voting begins June 18, and the primary ends August 4.
Endorsements
Endorsers of James Shea for VA-01 Democratic nominee?
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls




