As reported by Virginia Mercury, former service members are “challenge[ing] Republicans, driven by concerns about Trump’s erosion of democratic ideals and national security.” Many of them are dedicating themselves to a new public service with the intention of continuing to protect the American democracy.
Below is a sample of recently announced veteran candidates and those expected to be announced soon. There are more.
IOWA: Nathan Sage (D) — announced to run against incumbent (veteran) Senator Joni Ernst. Nathan is a veteran of both the Marines and the Army.
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Tom Barton, The Gazette: ‘Pissed off’ Nathan Sage taps into working Iowans’ anger during Cedar Rapids stop
NEBRASKA: Dan Osborn (I) — A U.S. Navy veteran, industrial mechanic, former labor union leader, and independent politician, Osborn served in the Nebraska Army National Guard before working at Kellogg’s Omaha plant. It is expected that he will announce in early summer that he is running for US Senate.
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Holly Otterbein, Politico: Dan Osborn launches a PAC to elect Working Class candidates.
OHIO: Alea Nadeen (R) — Air Force vet plans to challenge incumbent Democratic Senator Marcy Kaptur.
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Alice Nomany, The Blade: Air Force vet plans to challenge Kaptur in 2026
SOUTH CAROLINA: John Vincent (D) — “retired in 2003 as command master chief petty officer — one of the Navy’s highest ranks for enlisted sailors — on Thursday launched his 2026 campaign to represent the state’s Grand Strand and much of the Pee Dee.”
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Shawn Chornobrauff, South Carolina Daily Gazette: Navy Veteran hopes to be first Democrat this century to represent Grand Strand in Congress
VIRGINIA: Eric Klotz (D) — a combat-disabled U.S. Navy veteran with nearly two decades of service in special operations, had been ” longtime Republican who switched parties when Donald Trump first assumed office in 2017, Klotz, 53, had watched the political landscape shift dramatically during the first few months of Trump’s second presidency. The erosion of the country’s foundational principles, especially after his years of military service, troubled him deeply.”
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Markus Schmidt, Virginia Mercury: Military veterans launch Democratic runs for Va. House in GOP strongholds