Former Virginia first lady Dorothy McAuliffe announced Wednesday that she is running for Congress in the state's 7th Congressional District, joining what has become a crowded Democratic primary field.

McAuliffe, wife of former Governor Terry McAuliffe, will compete for the seat in a district that encompasses Washington, D.C. suburbs. She previously served as U.S. Special Representative for Global Partnerships during the Biden administration.

"Virginians are working harder than ever, but the middle class is still out of reach for too many," McAuliffe said in announcing her candidacy. The 7th District has been redrawn and is considered to favor Democratic candidates.

McAuliffe's entry into the race comes as Virginia voters began early voting Friday on a constitutional amendment related to redistricting. The voting occurs amid ongoing national discussions over congressional district boundaries ahead of the midterm elections.

The newly drawn district boundaries have created what political observers describe as a more favorable electoral map for Democratic candidates in Virginia, potentially affecting multiple House seats in the fall elections.