U.S. Rep. John McGuire, R-5th, took office less than eight months ago, but Democrats are already lining up for the opportunity to run against the Republican nominee in the 2026 general election.

Four candidates spoke at the Lynchburg Democratic Committee’s annual summer picnic at Miller Park on Saturday. Two of the candidates have officially announced their bids for the Democratic nomination, while the other two are nearing the formal launch of their campaigns.

Paul Riley, a retired U.S. Army officer and Crozet resident, is taking another shot at the Democratic nomination for the 5th Congressional District. Riley ran for the House seat in 2024 but lost in the Democratic primary to Gloria Witt, an Amherst County resident and local businesswoman and civic leader.

“Like you guys, I’m tired

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