Notable personal detailsMichael Christian Duffin is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Virginia’s 8th Congressional District (2026 cycle). He worked at the U.S. Department of State as a senior policy advisor (2013–2025) and has described more than a decade of experience in State Department counterterrorism work. He has also worked as an educator and has stated he holds three master’s degrees in international public policy/international relations, public diplomacy, and journalism.