CHARLOTTESVILLE, September 29 — Tom Perriello, the Democratic challenger in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District, called for Congress to immediately establish a national strategy on artificial intelligence, warning that failure to set clear pace, guardrails, and a North Star risks losing control over AI and the future.
Speaking in a candidate Q&A published by Charlottesville Tomorrow on September 28 as part of its 2026 Voter Guide, Perriello tied AI governance to broader energy and infrastructure concerns, specifically opposing the Valley Link transmission line and related data center expansions he said are being imposed on communities for private profit. He emphasized his long-standing opposition to eminent domain abuse for private gain, noting he has never accepted donations from lobbyists or corporate PACs.
Perriello contrasted his record with that of incumbent Rep. John McGuire, citing McGuire’s $164,000 in corporate contributions and his vote to approve $362 billion in tax breaks for companies he described as “hyperscaling” data centers. He also criticized McGuire for remaining silent as the Trump administration rolled back clean energy programs, a move Perriello said puts 2,000 local jobs at risk and undermines historic investments like the solar battery factory in Danville.
Independent challenger Cooke Harvey, also featured in the Q&A, did not directly address AI but advocated for federal oversight of rapid energy growth, urging that localities receive data access from impact studies and opposing rules that favor private entities over individuals. Harvey stressed the need to maintain a safe, redundant, diversified, and efficient power grid, warning that private interests could derail public planning efforts.
The article notes that McGuire has not returned the Q&A despite multiple outreach attempts by Charlottesville Tomorrow, though his campaign has indicated he will respond, with a promise to update the document upon receipt. The piece includes explanatory notes on eminent domain and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s role in overseeing the U.S. electric grid through a network of federal agencies and nonprofit organizations. Virginia’s 5th District spans Charlottesville, parts of Albemarle, Louisa, Fluvanna, and Buckingham Counties, and reaches the North Carolina border.
As of 2026, Virginia holds 11 of the 435 U.S. House districts, with representatives serving two-year terms based on state population apportionment. The Q&A was structured from a voter survey conducted by Charlottesville Tomorrow, with responses published in the order they were received. With the general election approaching, Perriello’s push for proactive AI and energy policy marks a defining contrast in a race where infrastructure, corporate influence, and clean energy transitions are emerging as central issues.
Voters will watch for McGuire’s eventual response and how the candidates’ positions shape the debate over who controls the direction of technological and energy growth in the district.
