Former Deputy Announces Congressional Bid in Virginia

J.P. Cooney, who previously served as a deputy to former special counsel Jack Smith, has declared his intention to run for Congress in Virginia. Announcing his decision on LinkedIn, Cooney wrote, “I don’t want my children, friends, or community to have any doubt about where I stand in this moment.” He revealed his candidacy for Virginia’s proposed new Seventh District.

Cooney, running as a Democrat, referenced an article from The New York Times that first reported his congressional ambitions. During his tenure with Smith, Cooney was a lead prosecutor in the criminal cases against former President Trump, which involved charges of obstruction of justice and conspiracy. These charges were linked to Trump’s alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and mishandling of classified documents. Despite Cooney’s significant role, he was among the lawyers dismissed by the Justice Department during Trump’s second term.

The proposed district that Cooney seeks to represent extends from Arlington to the more rural parts of Virginia. According to the Virginia Public Access Project, this district leans Democratic, with over 58% support for Democrat Gov. Abigail Spanberger in the recent elections. The state’s Supreme Court is currently assessing whether this new district map can proceed, following a county circuit judge’s ruling preventing lawmakers from presenting it to voters.

Jack Smith, in a recent testimony before lawmakers, claimed his team had found “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” regarding Trump’s involvement in a “criminal scheme” surrounding the 2020 election. Smith also managed the investigation into Trump’s handling of sensitive documents, although this case was dismissed after a legal ruling on Smith’s appointment.

Despite denying any wrongdoing and pleading not guilty, Trump continues to assert false claims about the 2020 election’s integrity. The FBI’s recent actions, including seizing ballots and voter information in Fulton County, Georgia, have raised Democratic concerns about the possibility of new fraud claims emerging before the midterm elections. Trump has vocally criticized Smith, describing him in derogatory terms and questioning Attorney General Pam Bondi’s oversight.

In Cooney’s LinkedIn biography, he highlights his efforts against prominent groups and figures involved in spreading misinformation about the 2020 election results, including the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, Steve Bannon, Roger Stone, and Peter Navarro. Cooney emphasizes the importance of bipartisanship throughout his career, having served nearly 18 years in the Justice Department before his dismissal in January 2025.

This article includes contributions from Megan Lebowitz, a politics reporter for NBC News, and Ryan J. Reilly.