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Critics Call McAuliffe's Campaign 'Rank Nepotism' Ahead of Primaries

4/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

New York Times columnist Michelle Cottle labels Dorothy McAuliffe's congressional campaign as "rank nepotism."
Cottle acknowledges Dorothy's qualifications but warns the Democratic Party risks reinforcing an elite image by backing such candidates, citing former New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's wife and Jack Schlossberg as examples.
Virginia voters will decide on April 21 whether to approve a new congressional map, which could affect McAuliffe's candidacy in the August 4 primary.

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Story summary

New York Times columnist Michelle Cottle labels Dorothy McAuliffe's congressional campaign as "rank nepotism."
Cottle acknowledges Dorothy's qualifications but warns the Democratic Party risks reinforcing an elite image by backing such candidates, citing former New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's wife and Jack Schlossberg as examples.
Virginia voters will decide on April 21 whether to approve a new congressional map, which could affect McAuliffe's candidacy in the August 4 primary.