A BRIGHTER FUTURE
The Forward
5th Congressional District Democratic Committee
Our Team
Chair
Patricia
Harper-Tunley
1st Vice-Chair
Jackson Miller
2nd Vice-Chair
Gary Schatz
Secretary
Helen Sch
Treasurer
Patti
Cooper-Jones
Halifax
Tina Wyatt Younger
Sergant At Arms
Paige Alvin
Amelia
Lauren Whittington
Amherst
Sam Soghor
Appomattox
Casey Longenecker
Charlotte
Roscoe Eubanks
Charolettesville City
Erin Monaghan
Goochland
Tina Winkler
Chair of Chairs
Mecklenburg
Melissa Hartman
Nelson
Robert Garsson
Nottoway
Thomas Crews
Powhatan
Mike Asip
News from the Fifth District Democrats
Celebrate the Unity, Empowerment and Impact
Of the the Fifth CD Democratic Party
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Friends of the Forward Fifth: It's time to get your tickets for our annual extravaganza, which this year celebrates our unity, empowerment and impact. The event will be held Nov. 21 at the Firemen's Sports Arena, 1328 Zion Hill Road, Farmville, VA. Scan the QR code or click the link below it to purchase tickets.
Join the Forward Fifth Democratic Committee and Help Strengthen
Democratic Leadership In Buckingham and Louisa Counties
August 17, 2026
The Fifth Congressional District Democratic Committee is seeking committed Democrats to fill openings in Buckingham County and Louisa County. If you are a resident of either county and are looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in our political system and strengthen Democratic participation in your community, you may be a perfect fit for the Forward Fifth Democratic Committee.
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As a member of the committee, you will help recruit Democratic candidates, strengthen local committees, support grassroots engagement, and advance Democratic values across the Fifth Congressional District.
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Interested? Click here to go to our News page for the full article explaining the responsibilities of committee members and how to apply for a position representing Buckingham or Louisa county.
It's Time for Change in the Fifth!
​​​August 5, 2026
Patricia Harper Tunley, chair of the Fifth District Democratic Committee, congratulated Tom Perriello on his victory in the Democratic Primary Tuesday, and said he will provide the representation in Congress that the people of the Fifth District deserve.
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"We look forward to a strong, energetic campaign as we work together to FLIP the 5th Congressional District," she said, adding that the people of the 5th District deserve representation that listens to their voices, puts their communities first, and works to address the issues that matter most to them.
"We also extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Suzanne Krzyzanowski and Robert Tracinski for their willingness to answer the call to serve," she added. "Running for public office requires tremendous dedication and courage, and we thank them for their commitment to the people of the 5th Congressional District. ​We wish them continued success in their future endeavors and look forward to standing together on the campaign trail as we unite behind our nominee and work toward victory in November."
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"Together, we can build a stronger future for the 5th Congressional District," she added.
November 21: Save the date!
The annual extravaganza sponsored by the Fifth Congressional District Democratic Committee is right around the corner, and this year's event promises to be a special evening emphasizing the party's roots and its future. Information on how to buy tickets will be posted soon, but for now, mark your calendars for November 21!
Virginia Democratic Party Announces Primary Candidates​
​The Democratic Party of Virginia on May 27 released the list of candidates who qualified to run in the Aug. 4 Democratic primary for the U.S. House of Representatives. In the Fifth Congressional District, three candidates qualified:​​
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Suzanne Krzyzanowski
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Tom Perriello
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Robert Tracinski
​The full press release, listing the primary candidates for all 11 Congressional districts can be found on the News page.​
Updated Petitions Required for Congressional Candidates
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​Because of the Virginia Supreme Court ruling on congressional redistricting, all candidates seeking the Democratic nomination to run for Congress in the Fifth Congressional District should update their Declarations of Candidacy. This should be done before the deadline of May 26, 2026. It is recommended that you contact Patricia Harper-Tunley, chair of the Fifth Congressional District Democratic Committee, at 434-321-1089 or by email, at: 5thcdchair.vadems@gmail.com, to arrange submission of the updated document to ensure you have a completed packet.
Fifth Congressional District
2026 Congressional Candidate Petition Submission
Candidates can submit petitions starting at noon on May 1, 2026 at the location below.
After May 1 and through May 26, 2026, you must make an appointment to submit your petition by calling 434-321-1089.
On May 1 only: Submit petitions to Patricia Harper-Tunley, 5th District chairwoman, at:
Moe’s Italian Restaurant
101 N. Broad Street
Kenbridge, Virginia 23944
The deadline for submitting petitions is 5 p.m. on May 26.
A complete package requires the following documents, per the Virginia Board of Elections Candidate Bulletin:​
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Petitions of Qualified Voters (See ELECT-506/521- Va. Code §§ 24.2-506 24.2-507 24.2-521 24.2-522)
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Primary Filing Fee Receipt (Va. Code §§ 24.2-522 24.2-523 24.2-524)
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Declaration of Candidacy Form (SBE-505/520 - Va. Code §§ 24.2-505 24.2-507 24.2-520 24.2-522)
What Fighting Back Looks Like: The Voice of the People
The proposed Constitutional Amendment:
Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts to restore fairness in the upcoming elections, while ensuring Virginia's standard redistricting process resumes for all future redistricting after the 2030 census?
A Message from Patricia Harper-Tunley, Chairwoman,
Fifth Congressional District Democratic Committee
​​It is my honor and privilege to congratulate the voters and volunteers of the great Commonwealth of Virginia for understanding the mission — to elect a statewide Democratic ticket and 13 additional seats in the House of Delegates that puts Virginians first as we navigate the challenges of the current administration.
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Congratulations to our newly elected leaders:
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Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger
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Lt. Governor-elect Ghazala Hashmi
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Attorney General-elect Jay Jones​
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​Each of them ran an incredible campaign grounded in service, integrity, and a commitment to improving the lives of all Virginians. Together, they have made history — with our first woman Governor, our first Muslim woman Lt. Governor, and our first black man as Attorney General.
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This is a moment of pride, progress, and purpose for our Commonwealth.
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Again, congratulations — and let’s get ready to do it again!
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Success is the only option.
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Events and Key Dates
Sept.
18
Early in-person voting for the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and local offices starts and continues through Oct. 31.
Nov.
3
Election Day: Voters decide elections for U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and local offices.