Gay Navy Veteran Mike Pruitt Launches Bid to Flip Virginia’s 5th Congressional District

Mike Pruitt’s journey to the political stage began in a small, rural corner of the Blue Ridge, the son of a public school teacher and an auto mechanic. Growing up amid the economic decline of former textile towns, Pruitt witnessed firsthand the challenges of working-class families—a perspective he credits as foundational to his values and public service ethos .

After earning a degree from Duke University on a military scholarship, Pruitt commissioned as a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer. He completed three tours, deploying twice to the Middle East to support operations against ISIS and later serving as a senior analyst at the Office of Naval Intelligence. His military service, Pruitt says, taught him the importance of “teamwork, discipline, and leading with integrity”—principles he now brings to his campaign .

After leaving the Navy, Pruitt continued his commitment to public service. He graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law and began work as a civil rights attorney for a Virginia-based nonprofit, focusing on housing discrimination, corporate accountability, and access to justice for marginalized communities .

Elected to the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors in 2023, Pruitt championed efforts to expand broadband and cell phone access, make housing more affordable, and create good-paying jobs across educational levels. “Our district is hurting, and people know it, whether they feel it in their heart or in their aching back,” Pruitt stated in his campaign announcement. “From Danville to Charlottesville and everywhere in between, working people aren’t helpless—they’re mad” .

Virginia’s 5th Congressional District is widely regarded as a Republican stronghold. In 2024, Donald Trump carried the district by over 12 points, and GOP candidates have consistently outperformed Democrats in recent cycles . The incumbent, John McGuire, is known for conservative positions and has cultivated a loyal base among rural voters .

Pruitt, however, sees an opening. “We are at a real turning point in history. Today the wealth inequality in this country is higher than it has been in the life of anyone alive in this district,” Pruitt said in a recent radio interview . He argues that the Democratic Party must do a better job listening to rural and working-class voters, emphasizing that federal policy failures directly affect local communities through issues like hospital closures, stagnant wages, and lack of affordable housing.

Pruitt’s campaign is planning a summer speaking tour across the district, with the goal of engaging voters at the grassroots level. He has directed interested supporters to his campaign website for more information and volunteer opportunities .

As an openly gay man, Pruitt’s candidacy is significant for LGBTQ+ representation in a region with relatively few out elected officials at the federal level. His campaign highlights the importance of visibility and advocacy for LGBTQ+ Virginians, many of whom face distinct challenges in rural communities—including discrimination, limited access to affirming healthcare, and social isolation .

Pruitt has spoken about his personal journey, stating that his identity has shaped his commitment to civil rights and public service. “Every time we have a chance to show up, be visible, and lead with our values, we make it easier for the next generation,” he told supporters. While Pruitt’s platform focuses broadly on economic and social justice, he has pledged to defend LGBTQ+ rights and prioritize inclusive policy at the federal level .

In addition to his policy work, Pruitt has received early endorsements from local progressive and LGBTQ+ organizations, although national groups have yet to weigh in as the race is still in its early stages .

With more than a year until Election Day, Mike Pruitt faces a steep climb in a district long dominated by conservatives. Yet, his campaign’s blend of military service, legal advocacy, and rural roots—coupled with a commitment to LGBTQ+ representation—marks a new chapter in Virginia politics. For voters across the 5th District, the race will not only be a test of partisan loyalty, but also of how far the conversation on equality and justice has come in the heart of the Commonwealth.