Darden Copeland
DFounder and CEO of a political consulting firm
Won the August 6 Democratic primary with 32.7% of the vote in a five-candidate field
Darden Copeland is a founder and CEO who previously worked for U.S. Rep. Dick Gephardt. He ran unsuccessfully in the 2025 special-election Democratic primary for this seat and won the August 2026 Democratic primary in a five-candidate field.[5]
Basic profile — the most important sourced facts we found.
In their words — priorities
- Says he is not a career politician and wants to be a consensus builder who reaches across the aisle for working families and constituents.[5]
- Says he wants to stand up to Republicans who won't challenge President Trump: "We need a strong Democrat that isn't afraid to stand up to the party and people in power and force them to come to the table and negotiate."[5]
- Says he is passionate about standing up for the middle class and working families.[5]
Background
- Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; career experience as a founder and CEO.[5]
- Says he previously worked for then-U.S. Rep. Dick Gephardt (D-MO), whom he cites as a role model of "honest midwest values."[5]
- Ran in the special Democratic primary for this seat in October 2025 and placed second with 24.9% of the vote, behind Aftyn Behn.[1]
Campaign money
Raised $869K · spent $790K · $79K cash on hand (through 2026-07-17) FEC filing ↗