Matt Strickler
VA-02 Democratic nominee?
$3.1K
AUG 5, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer Secretary of State
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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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.
News
Matt Strickler is in the news because Kalshi suspended and fined him after saying he traded on markets tied to his own congressional campaign. The company said he violated its rules for candidates trading on their own elections. Other recent coverage around him is broader election reporting, including shifting redistricting and gas-price dynamics that could affect House races, but those stories are not specific to his campaign.
Endorsements
Endorsers of Matt Strickler for VA-02 Democratic nominee?
Elaine Luria
Political organization
Elaine Luria endorsed Matt Strickler after he ended his campaign.
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