Central Virginia congressmen split on Iran war, agree affordability is a priority

WASHINGTON D.C. (WVIR) - Two Virginia congressmen representing tens of thousands of service members are divided on the ongoing war in Iran, even as both say economic issues represent their proudest accomplishments in office.

Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-7th District) said most of his time in Congress has been spent working to end the war in Iran.

“When I think about what the last 14 months have been like, I think of chaos, cruelty and corruption,” Vindman said.

A 25-year Army veteran, Vindman said the current conflict echoes a previous one.

“I served 25 years in the army. I served in another Middle East war in Iraq. So it seems like history is rhyming, if not repeating itself,” he said.

Rep. John McGuire (R-5th District), a Navy Seal veteran, takes a different position.

McGuire said the objective in Iran is peace, describing the country as the number one state sponsor of terror with enough enriched uranium to create multiple nuclear weapons. He said now is the time to set aside politics and unite behind American troops.

“We need to wear one jersey right now, USA,” McGuire said.

Vindman said he shares that sentiment — framing his call to end the war as protecting American lives.

“We do need to be more vigilant because the military briefers that discussed this yesterday talked about homegrown attacks based on another war in the Middle East,” Vindman said.

On domestic issues, McGuire said his focus has been on home ownership and business investment in Central Virginia.

“In Virginia’s 5th Congressional District, I’ve had many CEOs sit on this couch and discuss ideas about bringing jobs to the 5th District. Now we’re up to almost 20 billion dollars investment in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District,” McGuire said.

Vindman said his legislative work has centered on agriculture, the armed forces, and housing affordability.

“We got a provision in the House Housing Bill that is smart regulatory reform, allowing for more housing. We know that housing is a major issue across Virginia, across the country. And so, this will help increase the inventory of housing,” Vindman said.

Both Vindman and McGuire are up for re-election as freshman congressmen. The boundaries of the districts they are running in remain subject to the outcome of a redistricting effort by state Democrats.

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