Venezuela turmoil puts spotlight on Democratic veterans in competitive primaries

In a political landscape marked by fierce competition, Democratic military veterans are seeking to carve out a unique niche for themselves in this year’s House races, with recent global events providing them a potential platform. The recent actions surrounding Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s capture have prompted a swift response from Democratic candidates, who are rallying against President Donald Trump’s controversial decision. Many argue that this course of action could exacerbate Venezuela’s ongoing economic crisis, a sentiment echoed by veterans who believe their military backgrounds lend credibility to their critiques—especially in light of Trump’s musings about targeting Colombia and Greenland next.

As the November elections loom, the ramifications of the situation in Venezuela remain uncertain. Nevertheless, aspiring veteran candidates see this as an opportunity to highlight their qualifications from military service just as primary elections approach. “We’re the ones who actually risk our lives to answer the call, and we are the ones whose families suffer because we’re gone or die, or any number of things,” stated Jason Knapp, a former Naval officer and F/A-18 pilot, who is vying for a chance to unseat Republican Rep. Rob Wittman in Virginia’s 1st District.

In recent election cycles, veterans and candidates with ties to national security have emerged as formidable assets for Democrats. Last year, former CIA officer Abigail Spanberger and Navy veteran Mikie Sherrill secured significant victories, in part due to their military backgrounds. They were part of a cohort of Democratic candidates with national security credentials who entered the House in 2018, including Senators Elissa Slotkin and Andy Kim, both of whom brought their unique experiences to the table.

This year, a number of veterans—including a coalition of women veterans who have dubbed themselves The Hell Cats, a nod to the first female Marines from World War I—are leveraging this momentum as they campaign for competitive congressional seats.

The significance of the upcoming primary races cannot be overstated. In New Jersey’s 11th District, a crowded field of Democrats, including two veterans, is jockeying to fill the seat left open by Sherrill. Democrats are eyeing the February primary as a crucial indicator of the messages resonating with voters before the midterms truly take off.

Zach Beecher, a former Army paratrooper in the race for Sherrill’s seat, criticized the administration’s approach to Venezuela, drawing from his experiences in Iraq. He expressed concern that Trump’s actions could lead to a quagmire similar to past conflicts. “The American people are fundamentally tired of rhetoric,” he remarked. “They’re focused on results. Veterans can bring forward the understanding of the mission and how to move forward.”

VoteVets, a Democratic organization backing veterans, has endorsed candidates nationwide, including Beecher. Senior adviser Paul Eaton compared the Venezuelan situation to “Iraq 2.0,” insisting that Congress needs leaders who have firsthand military experience and understand that “shock and awe” is not a viable strategy.

Justin Strickland, a member of the Chatham Borough Council and an Army veteran, emphasized the importance of addressing the complexities of war. While he acknowledged the serious implications of the Trump administration’s actions, he cautioned against oversimplifying the situation by equating it to Iraq. “It matters because we have an administration taking an unconstitutional action,” he asserted. “It matters because we are focusing on the oil and resources of another country.”

In Colorado’s 8th District, Marine combat veteran Evan Munsing conveyed that veterans have a unique perspective on military intervention. “Veterans think about these decisions differently than someone who’s only ever been on the sidelines,” he said, underscoring the need for moderate Democratic voices in the lead-up to the midterms.

In a social media spat with Rep. Mike Lawler over Venezuela, combat veteran Cait Conley expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “I was hunting terrorists and you’re still hunting for Trump’s approval.” This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among veterans regarding the current administration’s foreign policy.

Max Rose, a former congressman and VoteVets senior adviser, highlighted the powerful voice veterans hold on national security issues. “They don’t have to prove anything to anyone about their love for this country,” he said. “This is unlawful. This is unnecessary. This is a waste of resources. This is reckless. Done, end of story, end of conversation.”

However, the risks of speaking out against the Trump administration are evident. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has attempted to undermine the retirement rank and pay of critics like Senator Mark Kelly, reminding veterans that dissent can carry consequences. “What they want is to make people afraid of speaking up,” Munsing acknowledged, emphasizing the need for courage in the face of intimidation.

Knapp, the Virginia Democrat, remains resolute in his opposition to the administration’s policies. When asked if Hegseth’s actions made him reconsider his stance, he responded firmly, “No. Hell no.”

A version of this article first appeared in POLITICO Pro’s Morning Score. For daily policy news and insights, consider subscribing to POLITICO Pro.