Thomas Stuart Perriello was born on August 23, 1974, and raised in central Virginia, where he developed a deep connection to the communities and values of the 5th District. He earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University and later attended Yale Law School, where he focused on human rights and public-interest law. Early in his career, Perriello worked internationally as a human rights lawyer and peace negotiator, including efforts to stop genocide in Darfur and to strengthen democratic institutions in conflict zones. He later returned home to Virginia, teaching law and working with faith-based and community organizations focused on justice, reconciliation, and service.
In 2008, Perriello ran for Congress in VA-05 and defeated a long-time Republican incumbent in a major upset, becoming one of the youngest members of Congress at the time. During his term (2009–2011), he built a reputation as an independent, solutions-oriented Democrat, supporting healthcare reform, clean energy investment, and economic recovery during the Great Recession — even when those votes carried political risk. After leaving Congress, Perriello continued his public service, serving as U.S. Special Envoy for the Great Lakes and the Democratic Republic of the Congo under the Obama administration, and later as CEO of the Center for American Progress Action Fund. In 2025, he announced his campaign to return to Congress and represent Virginia’s 5th District once again — motivated by rising extremism, economic inequality, and the need for principled, people-first leadership.
Key Issue Stances & Priorities
- Lowering Costs & Economic Fairness — Perriello supports policies to lower healthcare and prescription-drug costs, raise wages, and ensure working families aren’t left behind while corporations reap record profits.
- Healthcare for All — A strong supporter of affordable, accessible healthcare, he has consistently backed strengthening and expanding coverage so no family goes bankrupt due to illness.
- Climate & Clean Energy Jobs — Perriello advocates for investing in clean energy and climate resilience as a way to create good-paying jobs and protect rural and agricultural communities.
- Protecting Democracy & Rule of Law — With experience in conflict prevention and democracy-building, he emphasizes defending democratic institutions, voting rights, and peaceful political participation.
- Rural Investment & Broadband — Focused on rural Virginia, he supports broadband expansion, infrastructure investment, and policies that revitalize small towns and farming communities.
- Faith, Service & Community Values — Perriello often speaks about moral responsibility, service to neighbors, and bridging divides — grounding his politics in shared values rather than partisan labels.
Accomplishments & Experience
- Former Member of Congress: Represented VA-05 during the Great Recession, casting tough votes to expand healthcare and stabilize the economy.
- Human Rights & Diplomacy Leadership: Served as U.S. Special Envoy in Africa, working on peacebuilding and conflict prevention at the highest levels.
- National Policy Leadership: Led one of the country’s most influential progressive policy organizations, shaping national debates on healthcare, climate, and democracy.
- Independent, Courageous Record: Known for putting principles over politics — even when it cost him politically.
- Deep Virginia Roots: Lifelong connection to central and southern Virginia communities.
I’m running for Congress in Virginia’s 5th District because families and workers deserve a fair shot.
Costs keep rising while salaries aren’t – and MAGA Republicans in Congress are cutting food & health care to fund corporate tax breaks instead of defending Virginia’s families.