Virginia Democrat Breaks Rank

Mark Moran, a former Wall Street banker and onetime contestant on the HBO Max show FBoy Island, is challenging longtime Sen. Mark Warner. Moran has framed Warner as out of touch, calling him an “oligarch” who no longer represents Virginians.

Warner, one of the wealthiest members of the Senate with an estimated net worth above $200 million, is seeking a fourth term. Moran has also pointed to past comments in which Warner suggested he would serve only two terms.

Moran drew further attention after posting on X that he disagrees with Virginia Democrats’ stance on the Second Amendment, particularly after clashing with party leaders over a proposed redistricting plan.

“Since the establishment is already mad at me, here’s another truth: Virginia Democrats are completely wrong on the Second Amendment,” Moran wrote.

He said his views shifted after a personal safety concern led him to buy a gun, adding that he now sees parts of his party’s approach as too extreme. He criticized a proposal from Democratic state Del. Dan Helmer, arguing it could classify common handguns as “assault firearms.”

Helmer did not respond to a request for comment. He is currently running for Congress in a newly proposed district, where voters will weigh in on April 21.

Moran has argued that the Second Amendment is meant to guard against government overreach, regardless of which party is in power.

“Whether that tyranny comes from Donald Trump or a state legislature trying to disarm you, our right to protect ourselves shall not be infringed,” he said.

His comments quickly drew backlash from some Democrats, including strategist Adam Parkhomenko, who responded sharply on social media.

Virginia Senate President L. Louise Lucas also criticized Moran, particularly over his opposition to the party’s redistricting push. She argued that Democrats backing the plan are working to counter Trump and said Moran had chosen the wrong primary if he disagreed.