Salaam Bhatti
Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Virginia
VA-05 Democratic nominee?
$9.8K
AUG 5, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
Salaam Bhatti is trading at 0% to win the VA-05 Democratic nominee? on prediction markets.
Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleAttorney
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
LocationVirginia
BackgroundAttorney
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Notable personal detailsAta-ul-Salaam “Salaam” Bhatti is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District in the 2026 election cycle. He has been described as a public interest lawyer with the Virginia Poverty Law Center and has worked on efforts related to expanding eligibility for federal food assistance and school meals in Virginia. His campaign website describes him as a husband and a father of two boys.
SourcesShowHide
Political Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports significantly higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy and corporations and proposes using those revenues to reduce national debt and expand social programs (including Medicare for All, living wages, and expanded safety-net benefits). Advocates taxing billionaires to “unrig the system” and increase investment in basic needs for working families.
Healthcare
Supports universal health care and has expressed support for Medicare for All while acknowledging implementation challenges and the need to expand medical workforce capacity. Campaign materials promise to "guarantee health care for all."
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Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate has publicly stated support for protecting reproductive rights and said they will fight for women’s reproductive rights. No detailed policy positions on limits or federal codification were found in the available sources.
Latest News
Salaam Bhatti is in the news as one of the Democrats competing in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District primary, where the winner will challenge Republican Rep. Rob Wittman in November. Recent coverage has focused on the crowded primary field, candidate forums, and early voting ahead of the August 4 primary. The broader Virginia election cycle is also drawing attention because turnout and fundraising could shape several competitive races.
1st District Democrats use forum to try to stand out from the crowd
7 Democratic candidates vying for chance to unseat Wittman
Virginians head to primary polls that could impact balance of power in Congress
Map Shows Where Democrats Massively Outraising Republican Incumbents
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.
- Polls
- Endorsements