Retired Navy commander to challenge former SEAL for House seat

NORFOLK, Va. — A retired Navy commander says she plans to challenge the former Navy SEAL who represents Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District.

Norfolk Democrat Elaine Luria announced her candidacy Monday. The 42-year-old business owner hopes to unseat freshman Republican Congressman Scott Taylor.

Luria said in a statement that her experience in the military and owning a business would help her “ensure security, equality, and prosperity for people in Hampton Roads.”

Luria spent 20 years in the Navy, deploying to the Middle East and commanding and assault craft unit. She owns Mermaid Factory, which sells mermaid statues that can be painted by hand.

The district on Virginia’s coast has large populations of veterans and service members. Taylor easily won in 2016. But Republicans face a challenging mid-term election over unhappiness with President Donald Trump.

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