VA-02 Democratic nominee?
$3.4K
AUG 5, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer Secretary of State
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyMainstream Democrat
LocationVirginia
BackgroundPublic official
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EducationWashington and Lee University (degrees in public policy and environmental studies)
Notable personal detailsMatthew Strickler is a Democratic candidate who ran for U.S. House in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District in the 2026 cycle. He served as Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources under Governor Ralph Northam (2018–2021) and later worked in the Biden administration at the U.S. Department of the Interior. In 2026, he announced he was ending his congressional campaign.
SourcesShowHide
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 mentioned in the context of a special election in Northern Virginia to fill two open seats in Virginia’s General Assembly. The election, triggered by appointments made by Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger, features candidates from both major parties competing in Districts 11 and 23 as part of a broader set of special elections in the state this month.
Polls open Tuesday for special election to fill open seats in Virginia General Assembly
11th District Voters To Choose New Delegate In Jan. 13 Special Election
Saundra Davis Runs As Independent In Braddock School Board Race
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
- Endorsements