Matt Strickler
Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Virginia
VA-02 Democratic nominee?
$4.3K
AUG 11, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — VA-02 Democratic nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
0%chance to win
$4.3KAUG 11, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current rolePublic policy / government official
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyMainstream Democrat
LocationVirginia
BackgroundPublic policy / government official
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EducationWashington and Lee University (BA)
Notable personal detailsMatthew J. Strickler is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. He served as Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources in the administration of Gov. Ralph Northam from January 2018 to September 2021. He has worked in public policy roles related to natural resources, including work connected to the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, and has been involved in Virginia’s oyster/aquaculture industry.
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Political Positions
Economy & Taxes
Matt Strickler emphasizes reducing costs for families (energy, health care, housing), resisting cuts to public services, and opposing destructive tariffs, but his campaign materials do not include a clear, specific tax policy (e.g., support for tax increases on high earners or for broad tax cuts).
Healthcare
Matt Strickler’s campaign emphasizes lowering health care costs and opposes cuts to health care and related public assistance, but does not set out detailed policy proposals (for example, support for Medicare for All or a public option) on the campaign site or initial news coverage.
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Climate & Energy
Supports efforts to fight climate change, promote clean energy and coastal resilience, and has led state initiatives to reduce air and water pollution and advance Chesapeake Bay restoration. Emphasizes clean energy investment and community resilience while also pursuing sustainable aquaculture and natural-resource conservation. Positions reflect service as Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources and related policy work on climate and coastal planning.
Latest News
Matt Strickler is in the news because he was one of three congressional candidates suspended and fined by Kalshi for trading on markets tied to their own campaigns. The company said the candidates violated its rules, which were tightened to stop political candidates from trading on their own elections. Separate election coverage also shows Virginia’s primary and new congressional map could shape a more competitive House race environment, but the reporting does not give much detail on Strickler’s own campaign.
Kalshi suspends congressional candidates for 'insider trading'
Republicans Risk Losing 34 Seats Where Gas Prices Are Rising
Republicans building an advantage in redistricting, but how much?
Virginia Democrats release proposed new congressional map
Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
2026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
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