Eugene Vindman

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Eugene Vindman
BornYevgeny Semyonovich Vindman
06 06, 1975
BirthplaceKiev, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPolitician, lawyer, retired U.S. Army officer
Known forRole in Trump–Ukraine scandal, U.S. Representative for Virginia's 7th congressional district
EducationBinghamton University (BA)
Villanova University School of Law (JD)
Spouse(s)Cindy Groff
Children2
Website[Official congressional website Official site]

Eugene Semyon Vindman (born Yevgeny Semyonovich Vindman; June 6, 1975) is an American politician, lawyer, and retired United States Army officer serving as the U.S. representative for Virginia's 7th congressional district since January 3, 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, Vindman first came to national prominence during the Trump–Ukraine scandal in 2019, when his twin brother, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, testified before Congress about a telephone call between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At the time, Eugene Vindman served as a deputy legal advisor on the National Security Council (NSC) and had received his brother's report about the call, which he subsequently escalated to senior White House lawyers.[1] Both brothers were reassigned from the NSC in February 2020, an action that drew accusations of retaliation. Born in the Soviet Union to a Jewish family, Vindman immigrated to the United States as a young child and went on to serve more than two decades in the U.S. Army before entering electoral politics. In 2024, he won the Democratic primary for Virginia's 7th congressional district and defeated Republican Derrick Anderson in the general election, succeeding Abigail Spanberger.[2]

Early Life

Eugene Vindman was born Yevgeny Semyonovich Vindman on June 6, 1975, in Kiev, in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic of the Soviet Union.[3] He has a twin brother, Alexander Vindman, who would also go on to serve as an Army officer and become a central figure in the first impeachment of Donald Trump. The Vindman family is Jewish.[4]

The family immigrated to the United States when Eugene and Alexander were young children, part of a wave of Soviet Jewish emigration.[5] A Jewish photographer documented the Vindman twins over the course of nearly four decades, capturing their journey from young immigrants to prominent public figures in American life.[6]

The brothers grew up in the United States and both pursued careers in public service through the military. Alexander Vindman's opening statement during the impeachment proceedings referenced the family's immigrant experience, noting their father's decision to leave the Soviet Union so his children could have a better life in the United States, a sentiment that resonated with Eugene's own trajectory from immigrant child to Army officer and eventually to elected office.[7]

Education

Vindman attended Binghamton University, a public university in New York that is part of the State University of New York system, where he studied history and participated in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). He graduated in 1997.[8] The university later highlighted Vindman's path from ROTC cadet to U.S. congressman as an example of the institution's contribution to public service.

Vindman later earned a Juris Doctor degree from Villanova University School of Law, which prepared him for his subsequent career as a military lawyer in the Judge Advocate General's Corps.

Career

Military Service

Vindman was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army in 1998 and served for more than two decades, retiring in 2022 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.[9] He served in the Judge Advocate General's Corps, the legal branch of the Army, and his service included deployment during the Iraq War.

Over the course of his military career, Vindman held various legal positions of increasing responsibility. His service culminated in an assignment as a deputy legal advisor to the United States National Security Council, one of the most sensitive legal positions in the executive branch. In this role, Vindman was responsible for providing legal counsel on matters of national security policy at the White House.

National Security Council and the Trump–Ukraine Scandal

Vindman's role on the National Security Council placed him at the center of events that led to the first impeachment of Donald Trump in 2019. His twin brother, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, who served as the NSC's director for European affairs, listened to a July 25, 2019, telephone call between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Alexander Vindman found the call concerning, as Trump appeared to pressure Zelenskyy to investigate political rival Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden.[3]

Because of his position as a deputy legal advisor on the NSC, Eugene Vindman received Alexander's report about the call. Recognizing the unusual nature of the conversation, Eugene Vindman reported the matter to senior White House lawyers.[3] This decision to escalate the matter through proper legal channels was a significant step in the chain of events that led to the formal impeachment inquiry.

In October 2019, Alexander Vindman testified before the United States Congress about the call, providing firsthand evidence that contributed to the charge of abuse of power against President Trump.[10] During this period, the Army took steps to ensure the safety of Alexander Vindman and his family after President Trump publicly attacked the officer on social media.[11]

Reassignment and Retaliation Allegations

On February 7, 2020, both Eugene and Alexander Vindman were reassigned from the National Security Council. The reassignments occurred just two days after the Senate acquitted Trump in his impeachment trial. The timing led to widespread assertions that the removals constituted retaliation against Alexander Vindman for his testimony and against Eugene Vindman for his role in reporting the call to White House lawyers.[12]

Senator Chuck Schumer called on inspectors general to investigate the reassignments as potential whistleblower retaliation.[13] Eugene Vindman maintained that he had followed proper legal and ethical procedures in reporting the call to senior lawyers and that his removal was punitive.

Post-NSC Military Career and Retirement

Following his reassignment from the NSC, Vindman continued to serve in the Army. However, his path to retirement became a source of public discussion. In 2022, there were calls for the Biden administration to allow Vindman to retire at the rank of colonel, a promotion that some argued he had been denied as a result of retaliation stemming from the impeachment episode.[14][15] Vindman retired from the Army in 2022 at the rank of lieutenant colonel after 24 years of service.[9]

Ukraine Advocacy

After leaving the military, Vindman became involved in efforts related to Ukraine, particularly following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. His brother Alexander Vindman joined with José Andrés, Garry Kasparov, and Daniel Lubetzky to launch a Ukrainian scholarship program and student ambassadorship for global democracy.[16] The State Department also established an Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group for Ukraine during this period.[17]

Eugene Vindman was involved in advocacy related to supporting Ukraine's defense. In early 2023, he was reported to be part of a push to send military contractors to Ukraine to help maintain and repair Western weapons systems being used by Ukrainian forces.[18]

2024 Congressional Campaign

In November 2023, Vindman announced his candidacy for Virginia's 7th congressional district, the seat being vacated by incumbent Democratic Representative Abigail Spanberger, who chose not to seek re-election in order to run for governor.[19][20]

The district, which includes parts of suburban and exurban Virginia, had been considered a competitive swing district. Vindman campaigned on his military service, his experience on the National Security Council, and his commitment to democratic institutions and the rule of law.

During the Democratic primary, Vindman received the endorsement of The Washington Post editorial board.[21] He was identified as one of the key candidates to watch in the June 2024 primary elections.[22]

Vindman won the Democratic primary for the 7th district seat.[23] In the November 5, 2024, general election, he defeated Republican nominee Derrick Anderson, a combat veteran and attorney, to win the seat.

U.S. House of Representatives

Vindman assumed office on January 3, 2025, succeeding Abigail Spanberger as the representative for Virginia's 7th congressional district.

In his first year in Congress, Vindman has focused on several legislative areas. In February 2026, he co-founded the bicameral Federal Workforce Caucus, joining 24 other lawmakers in an effort to protect federal workers. The caucus was formed amid concerns about potential threats to the federal workforce.[24]

Vindman also voted in favor of the Law Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act, legislation focused on enhancing law enforcement's access to non-lethal options.[25]

In February 2026, Vindman announced the opening of the FY2027 appropriations request process for his district, soliciting community project funding requests from constituents.[26]

Vindman announced in February 2026 that he would host his brother, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, as his guest at the State of the Union address.[27]

2026 Re-election Campaign

In February 2026, Vindman announced that he intends to seek re-election, but in Virginia's 1st Congressional District rather than the 7th, following proposed changes to Virginia's congressional map through redistricting.[28][29] The decision reflected the potential impact of new congressional district boundaries on his constituency.

Personal Life

Vindman is married to Cindy Groff, and the couple has two children. His twin brother is Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Alexander Vindman, who gained national prominence as the key witness in the first impeachment of Donald Trump. The Vindman family immigrated to the United States from the Soviet Union when the twins were young. The family is Jewish.[30]

Vindman has participated in veterans' advocacy events during his time in Congress, including a roundtable in Stafford, Virginia, focused on supporting Virginia's veterans.[31]

The relationship between the Vindman twins has been a recurring element of public attention, from their shared military careers to their simultaneous involvement in the impeachment proceedings and Eugene's decision to invite Alexander as his guest to the 2026 State of the Union address.

Recognition

Vindman's alma mater, Binghamton University, has recognized him as a notable alumnus, featuring his story as part of a tribute to veterans who attended the university. The profile highlighted his journey from ROTC cadet and history student to U.S. Army officer and eventually to the United States Congress.[32]

During the impeachment proceedings, the actions of both Vindman brothers were noted by members of Congress and in the media as examples of public servants following proper channels to report concerns about potential misconduct. Eugene Vindman's decision to report the Trump–Ukraine call to senior White House lawyers was cited as an appropriate exercise of his responsibilities as a legal advisor on the NSC.

The Washington Post editorial board endorsed Vindman during his 2024 congressional primary, recognizing his qualifications for the seat.[33]

References

  1. ↑ "Who Is Alexander Vindman?".The New York Times.2019-10-29.https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/29/us/politics/who-is-alexander-vindman.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ "Virginia 7th District Democratic primary: Vindman, Spanberger's seat".The Washington Post.2024-06-02.https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/06/02/virginia-7th-district-democratic-primary-vindman-spanberger/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Who Is Alexander Vindman?".The New York Times.2019-10-29.https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/29/us/politics/who-is-alexander-vindman.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ "Why are so many players in the impeachment trial Jewish?".Religion News Service.2019-11-13.https://religionnews.com/2019/11/13/why-are-so-many-players-in-the-impeachment-trial-jewish-2/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ "Immigration".PBS.https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/unum/playlist/immigration.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "A Jewish photographer has been capturing Alexander Vindman and his twin for nearly 4 decades".Jewish Telegraphic Agency.2019-11-06.https://www.jta.org/2019/11/06/culture/a-jewish-photographer-has-been-capturing-alexander-vindman-and-his-twin-for-nearly-4-decades.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "Read Ukraine Expert Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman's Opening Statement".NPR.2019-10-28.https://www.npr.org/2019/10/28/774256868/read-ukraine-expert-lt-col-alexander-vindmans-opening-statement.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "A salute to veterans: Eugene Vindman".Binghamton University.2025-11-05.https://www.binghamton.edu/news/story/5889/a-salue-to-veterans-u.s-rep-eugene-vindman.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Fired from Trump White House, brother of impeachment witness Vindman now says he's running for Congress".NBC News.https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/fired-trump-white-house-brother-impeachment-witness-vindman-now-says-n1261166.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "Read Ukraine Expert Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman's Opening Statement".NPR.2019-10-28.https://www.npr.org/2019/10/28/774256868/read-ukraine-expert-lt-col-alexander-vindmans-opening-statement.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "Vindman Trump attack: Army evaluates safety".CNN.2019-11-19.https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/19/politics/vindman-trump-attack-army-safety/index.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "Vindman, impeachment witness: No investigation despite Trump firing".USA Today.2020-02-14.https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/02/14/vindman-impeachment-witness-no-investigation-despite-trump-firing/4763844002/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Whistleblowers retaliation: Inspectors general investigate, Sen. Schumer".CBS News.https://www.cbsnews.com/news/whistleblowers-retaliation-inspectors-general-investigate-sen-schumer/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "Biden faces calls to let Vindman twin retire as colonel".The Hill.https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/3616222-biden-faces-calls-to-let-vindman-twin-retire-as-colonel/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "Trump whistleblower Ukraine seeks retirement help only Biden can offer".Newsweek.https://www.newsweek.com/trump-whistleblower-ukraine-seeks-retirement-help-only-biden-can-offer-1738294.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "Jose Andres, Garry Kasparov, Daniel Lubetzky and Alexander Vindman Team Up to Launch Ukrainian Scholarship Program".PR Newswire.https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jose-andres-garry-kasparov-daniel-lubetzky-and-alexander-vindman-team-up-to-launch-ukrainian-scholarship-program-and-student-ambassadorship-for-global-democracy-301618757.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Creation of Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group for Ukraine".U.S. Department of State.https://www.state.gov/creation-of-atrocity-crimes-advisory-group-for-ukraine/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Vindman leads new push to send military contractors to Ukraine".Politico.2023-02-02.https://www.politico.com/news/2023/02/02/vindman-leads-new-push-to-send-military-contractors-to-ukraine-00081016.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "Virginia 7th congressional district: Yevgeny Vindman, Eugene".The Washington Post.2023-11-15.https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/11/15/virginia-7th-congressional-district-yevgeny-vindman-eugene/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "Vindman eyes Congress in Virginia, Spanberger's seat".Axios.2023-11-15.https://www.axios.com/2023/11/15/vindman-congress-virginia-spanberger-seat-democrat.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Virginia endorsements: Congress House primary".The Washington Post.2024-05-15.https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/05/15/virginia-endorsements-congress-house-primary/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "Five faces to watch Tuesday in Georgia, Oklahoma and Virginia".Roll Call.2024-06-14.https://rollcall.com/2024/06/14/five-faces-to-watch-tuesday-in-georgia-oklahoma-and-virginia/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "Virginia Congress Vindman Spanberger".Associated Press.https://apnews.com/article/virginia-congress-vindman-spanberger-e39694b4349fe6812c5204905a32be88.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "Rep. Eugene Vindman announces launch of Federal Workforce Caucus".Fredericksburg Free Press.2026-02-20.https://www.fredericksburgfreepress.com/2026/02/20/rep-eugene-vindman-announces-launch-of-federal-workforce-caucus/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  25. ↑ "Press Release: Eugene Vindman Votes for Law Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act Focused on Non-Lethal Options".Quiver Quantitative.https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Press+Release%3A+Eugene+Vindman+Votes+for+Law+Enforcement+Innovate+to+De-Escalate+Act+Focused+on+Non-Lethal+Options.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  26. ↑ "Press Release: Representative Eugene Vindman Announces FY2027 Appropriations Request Process".Quiver Quantitative.https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Press+Release%3A+Representative+Eugene+Vindman+Announces+FY2027+Appropriations+Request+Process.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  27. ↑ "Press Release: Rep. Eugene Vindman Announces Brother Alexander Vindman as State of the Union Guest".Quiver Quantitative.https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Press+Release%3A+Rep.+Eugene+Vindman+Announces+Brother+Alexander+Vindman+as+State+of+the+Union+Guest.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  28. ↑ "UPDATED: Rep. Eugene Vindman announces re-election campaign — but in 1st Congressional District".Fredericksburg Free Press.2026-02-12.https://www.fredericksburgfreepress.com/2026/02/12/rep-eugene-vindman-announces-re-election-campaign-but-in-1st-congressional-district/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  29. ↑ "Vindman to seek reelection in 1st Congressional District under new Virginia map".InsideNoVa.https://www.insidenova.com/news/prince_william/vindman-to-seek-reelection-in-1st-congressional-district-under-new-virginia-map/article_209ec061-b98b-41ff-9a13-6baa9536e7c7.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  30. ↑ "Why are so many players in the impeachment trial Jewish?".Religion News Service.2019-11-13.https://religionnews.com/2019/11/13/why-are-so-many-players-in-the-impeachment-trial-jewish-2/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  31. ↑ "ICYMI: Jay Jones Highlights How He'll Defend Virginia's Veterans at Roundtable with Congressman Eugene Vindman and Delegate Josh Cole in Stafford".Jay Jones campaign.2025-08-20.https://www.jayjones.com/2025/08/20/icymi-jay-jones-highlights-how-hell-defend-virginias-veterans-at-roundtable-with-congressman-eugene-vindman-and-delegate-josh-cole-in-stafford/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  32. ↑ "A salute to veterans: Eugene Vindman".Binghamton University.2025-11-05.https://www.binghamton.edu/news/story/5889/a-salue-to-veterans-u.s-rep-eugene-vindman.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  33. ↑ "Virginia endorsements: Congress House primary".The Washington Post.2024-05-15.https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/05/15/virginia-endorsements-congress-house-primary/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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