A progressive former councilman is launching a bid to unseat incumbent Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) in the Democratic primary in 2026, the latest in a string of younger leaders looking to shake up “status quo politics.”
Former Alexandria City councilman and U.S. Department of Labor attorney Mohamed Seifeldein announced on Wednesday that he is challenging Beyer for Virginia’s Eighth District. Seifeldein said he recently resigned as a labor attorney due to a “moral imperative to challenge Trump-era policies.”
His campaign pitched him as a “next-generation leader” ready to challenge “decades of entrenched politics and bring fresh energy to Congress.”
“This campaign is about rejecting passive performance and embracing bold action,” Seifeldein said in a statement. “If you believe in courage over comfort, progress over promises, and action over excuses—then it’s time to Go With Mo.”
Beyer announced in late June that he would seek a sixth term in 2026. At age 75, Beyer has served as Virginia’s Eighth District representative since January 2015. In a statement announcing his reelection, he said the district needs a “proven fighter” to stand up to President Donald Trump and the Republican trifecta.
“I applaud public service, a healthy democracy depends on civic engagement and anyone who wants to run for office should be welcome to do so,” Beyer said in a statement to the Washington Examiner. “This job does not belong to me, it belongs to voters in Northern Virginia, and I will never take their trust for granted.
“I will keep doing all I can to earn their support by lifting up people in our community, delivering results in Congress and with my world-class constituent services team, and fighting against the disastrous and corrupt presidency of Donald Trump,” he added. “So much is on the line in our region and across the country, and I will be working hard to deliver change for the better.”
Beyer is the latest in a line of Democratic incumbents at the national and local levels facing progressive primary challengers. After Democrats lost the White House in the 2024 election, many younger leaders and grassroots activists have been calling for fresh blood in the ranks in Washington, insisting it’s time for a generational change.
Among the incumbents facing challengers are former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Reps. Brad Sherman (D-CA), André Carson (D-IN), and David Scott (D-GA).
Beyer is also facing a challenge from his right flank. Republican and veteran Anthony Sabio announced his bid in June after Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) reached out to him about a campaign focused on the economy and illegal immigration. He told the Washington Examiner that Beyer is a “used car salesman.”
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“Don Beyer, he’s been a disgrace, a disgrace for northern Virginia and actually a disgrace for the whole country. He does partisan politics, and all he cares about is special interests,” Sabio said.
Beyer’s seat is rated a “solid Democrat” seat by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, with the district at a D+26 tilt.