Rick Smithers
Republican candidate for U.S. House in Virginia
VA-07 Republican nominee?
$64.6K
AUG 5, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — VA-07 Republican nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
0%chance to win
$64.6KAUG 5, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current rolePastor (Crossroads Community Church)
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
GenderMale
LocationVirginia
Show moreShow less
BackgroundPastor (Crossroads Community Church)
Notable personal detailsRick S. Smithers is a Republican candidate for the U.S. House in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District in the August 4, 2026 primary. He has been described as a pastor and a construction business owner, and has been active in Republican candidate forums in the district. Reporting in June 2026 stated he lived in Franklin County (outside VA-07) and said he would move into the district if he wins the primary.
SourcesShowHide
Political Positions
Economy & Taxes
Smithers supports lowering taxes and slashing federal spending. He also emphasizes putting more money in workers’ pockets, helping with grocery and electric bills, and being cautious about large corporate data-center growth when it could raise utility costs for ordinary Virginians.
Immigration & Border
At a June 2026 VA-07 candidate forum, Rick Smithers supported securing the border first while allowing legal channels to meet labor needs in agriculture and hospitality. The discussion also emphasized prioritizing U.S. citizens.
Show moreShow less
Climate & Energy
Smithers has criticized data centers for their large energy demands and said ordinary Virginians could end up paying higher utility bills. Publicly available material reviewed here does not show a more specific climate policy agenda or clear position on emissions, fossil fuels, or clean-energy mandates.
Public Safety & Guns
Smithers supports Second Amendment rights and national concealed carry reciprocity. He also emphasized self-defense and lawful carry while respecting background checks.
Latest News
Rick Smithers is in the news because Virginia’s primary is shaping the field for several competitive congressional races in the 2026 election cycle. The latest reporting says the results could affect key House contests, especially in the 1st, 2nd, and 7th Districts, as parties position themselves for November. The coverage also notes broader Senate races in Virginia and Michigan, but it does not give specific details about Smithers himself.
Virginia voter guide: Parties nominate candidates for Congress, local offices ahead of 2026 midterms
Virginia primary sets stage for competitive midterm elections
Virginians head to primary polls that could impact balance of power in Congress
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements
- Fundraising