Veteran Alex Scheel Launches Congressional Bid Inspired by Maine’s Graham Platner

Veteran Alex Scheel has officially launched his bid to unseat incumbent Representative Marilyn Strickland in Washington's 10th congressional district. The decision was partly inspired by the recent primary victory of Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner, a fellow veteran who recently secured his party's nomination with a strong showing against establishment Democrats. At 38 years old and a seasoned organizer within the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Scheel brings a fresh perspective to the political landscape.

Scheel’s campaign is rooted in his experience as an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran, mirroring Platner’s background and resonating with voters who are disillusioned with traditional party politics. "Platner's success has been incredibly inspiring," Scheel told The Intercept. "Americans are tired of the status quo and are looking for genuine change."

Scheel is leveraging his extensive experience within DSA to mobilize support among like-minded constituents. With recent primary upsets in Colorado and New York by insurgent candidates, Scheel sees an opportunity to capitalize on this momentum as he prepares for Washington's August 4 primary election. The state’s jungle primary system allows the top two vote-getters from any party to advance to the general election, regardless of their affiliation.

The surge in veteran candidates running for office reflects a broader trend in American politics, with 752 military veterans currently vying for congressional seats this year—a 47 percent increase from the previous cycle. Scheel’s candidacy embodies a growing movement among disillusioned voters seeking more representative and left-leaning voices within the Democratic Party.