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A naval aviation rescue swimmer on Thursday announced he would run for the Republican nomination in the 4th Congressional District.

David Leon, 40, lives in Chesapeake and said he’d advocate for conservative principles. He joins Shion Fenty of Chesterfield County in seeking the nomination to challenge Rep. A. Donald McEachin, D-4th, a former state senator who was elected in 2016.

“After serving in the Navy for nearly 20 years, I am ready to continue my service in protecting our constitutional liberties in the House of Representatives,” Leon said in a statement. “People in the Fourth Congressional District deserve a representative that fights for limited government so un-elected bureaucrats do not infringe upon their rights and liberties.”

Leon’s terminal leave will start the day of the November 2018 general election, and he will retire from the Navy while in the reserves on Jan. 31, 2019, according to spokesman Mark Barham Jr.

— Patrick Wilson