Democrats Rally Against War in Virginia and Trump’s Renaming Proposal Faces Criticism

Democrats gathered in Henrico County, Virginia, on Monday, uniting former representatives Elaine Luria and Tom Perriello, former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg, Rep. Jennifer McClellan, and Henrico County prosecutor Shannon Taylor. They emphasized the war in Iran as a critical election issue beyond gas prices.

The unpopular war has disrupted oil markets, impacting Republicans in the midterms. Virginia, highly reliant on military presence, feels the war’s effects deeply. “This war is sending our sailors overseas under an administration that’s lying about the number of casualties,” said Elaine Luria at a rally outside Richmond.

Luria challenges Rep. Jen Kiggans in Virginia’s 2nd District, a region with key Navy installations. Similarly, Shannon Taylor, contesting Rep. Rob Wittman in the 1st District, criticized her opponent’s war support. Tom Perriello, aiming to reclaim the 5th District seat, partly “to end this war,” joined the rally.

Pete Buttigieg, a veteran and potential Democratic presidential candidate, encouraged Virginia Democrats to aim for control of the House. Democrats require a net gain of four seats for a majority.

“The road to that majority runs right through here, and it depends on you,” Buttigieg told a crowd of over 200 supporters.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump suggested renaming New Mexico as “New America.” He argued that it would add prestige but lacks authority for such a change. State and Congress action would be required. Trump previously attempted similar renaming initiatives, facing criticism from New Mexican lawmakers and a Republican congressional candidate, Greg Cunningham. Cunningham dismissed the proposal’s feasibility in a debate.

The renaming proposal is part of Trump’s campaign to rebrand U.S. regions sharing names with foreign countries. The idea has drawn skepticism and opposition from state representatives and other political figures, underscoring the unlikely prospect of legislative support.