Suffolk, VA – April 15th, 2025 — Today, Nicolaus Sleister, a military spouse, and dedicated community advocate, officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District.

Sleister’s campaign, centered on the belief that "we are Stronger As One," will focus on the issues that matter most to working families in Virginia’s Second Congressional District: affordable healthcare, economic opportunity, support for military communities, and protecting civil rights. A Democrat with deep roots in service and advocacy, Sleister is determined to bring integrity, transparency, and real leadership back to Washington.

“I’m running for Congress right here in Virginia’s Second Congressional District because I believe we have more in common than what divides us,” said Sleister. “As a military spouse, I’ve traveled across the country, but my family and I chose to make this district our home because of its incredible diversity, from our rural communities and hardworking farmers to our vibrant urban and suburban neighborhoods and families, all the way up our beautiful coastline and our fearless fishermen.”

With an education in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Sleister brings over a decade of leadership experience and has dedicated his life to helping others and knows how to build resilient systems that keep people safe and communities strong. He is also the proud spouse of a combat veteran and the father of a public-school student, grounding his campaign in the everyday realities faced by families across the district.

Sleister’s campaign also directly calls out the incumbent, Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans, for failing to deliver on the needs of the 2nd District. “Rep. Kiggans has consistently sided with party insiders and extremists over every day Virginians,” Sleister said. “In February 2025, Kiggans voted in favor of a budget resolution that proposed significant cuts to Medicaid funding—a key component of the Affordable Care Act.”

He continued, “She also voted in favor of the Limit, Save, Grow Act, which aimed to reduce government spending. The Department of Veterans Affairs warned that these cuts could slash their budget by 22%, potentially eliminating 30 million outpatient visits and costing 81,000 jobs in the Veterans Health Administration. That’s not supporting veterans—that’s abandoning them.”

“I believe in a government that serves everyone, not just the wealthy or party insiders,” Sleister added. “And I’ll always fight for the people who make this district strong, every single person who calls the 2nd District home.”

Sleister’s campaign is powered by grassroots support, with a strong digital presence, a robust canvassing strategy, and a growing coalition of military families, working-class voters, and advocates for equality.

The campaign invites supporters to join the movement and learn more about Nicolaus Sleister’s vision for Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District at www.NickVA2.com.