Dr. Nila Devanath Welcomes a Baby and a Fight for Virginia's 2nd District
I was recently sent this press release from Nila Devanath, who is running for Congress in the Second Congressional District of Virginia. I first met Nila last year while volunteering at the Suffolk Democratic Committee’s table at Peanut Fest, where she joined us to help us register voters and campaign for our candidates in the 2025 Virginia Gubernatorial Election. Since then I have seen her at almost every event hosted by SDC, and at all of our general meetings. On top of the work she has done to support our efforts, she also works as a physician, and in all that time, has been an expecting mother. Her experience as both a physician and an attorney, and now a mother to a newborn child, makes her a uniquely qualified candidate to represent the interests of Virginians in CD02. The press release from Dr. Devanath follows:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dr. Nila Devanath Welcomes New Baby While Continuing Campaign for Congress in Virginia’s 2nd District
Virginia Beach, VA — Dr. Nila Devanath, Democratic candidate for Congress in Virginia’s 2nd District, announced today the birth of her child, marking a joyful and historic personal milestone during an already groundbreaking campaign.
Dr. Devanath, a physician, attorney, and Hampton Roads native, is believed to be the only candidate in the race to give birth while actively campaigning—bringing a deeply personal perspective to the issues facing working families across the district.
“Welcoming my child into the world is the greatest joy of my life,” said Dr. Devanath. “It is also a powerful reminder of what’s at stake in this election—our health care system, access to reproductive care, and whether families have the support they need to thrive.”
Just days before giving birth, Dr. Devanath was still working hospital shifts, continuing her service to patients on the front lines of care. Her experience reflects the realities many families face—balancing work, health, and caregiving without adequate systemic support.
Throughout her career, Dr. Devanath has worked at the national level on policies to expand access to paid family leave and strengthen protections for reproductive health. As a physician, she has cared for patients navigating complex pregnancies and postpartum challenges. As a lawyer and public servant, she has advocated for policies that ensure families are not forced to choose between their health and their livelihood.
“This moment is not just personal—it’s political,” Dr. Devanath added. “Too many families in Virginia and across the country still lack access to paid leave, affordable care, and the reproductive health services they deserve. I’m running for Congress to change that.”
Dr. Devanath’s campaign will continue with a brief period of adjusted scheduling as she and her family transition, while remaining actively engaged with voters across the district.
Her candidacy continues to make history, as she seeks to become the first woman of color to represent Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District.