All three candidates running in the June 20 Democratic primary election for Virginia House of Delegates District 15 — Laura Jane Cohen (D), Eric Schmidt (D), and Henri’ Thompson (D) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Here are the candidates’ responses to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Cohen:
“…I’ve been honored to serve my community on the School Board and have succeeded in expanding protections and benefits for our teachers and staff and providing students with more opportunities to succeed. I have also seen, firsthand, the damage that having a Governor and House of Delegates who are intent on destroying public education has done to our schools and communities. The far-right’s talk of banning books and erasing history, and their attacks on trans children, healthcare, the environment, and gun violence prevention are far from pro-family and run counter to everything I believe. I am the pro-working families candidate in this race – it’s important not just to elect any Democrat, but the right Democrat. One who will fight for the hardworking families and folks of HD-15 and across the Commonwealth to access healthcare, benefits, and high-quality education.”
Schmidt:
“Eric knows that creating an economy that works for all Virginians is of the utmost importance. Too many families across our district, and across the Commonwealth are currently disadvantaged from competing in the marketplace. As a business owner himself, Eric knows it is key that Richmond support small businesses across Virginia, as they are the real economic drivers in our economy. More support for growing and small businesses means more good paying jobs for Virginia families. As a business owner and job creator, Eric knows firsthand how the government can best support developing businesses to grow and innovate. If Virginia wants to continue to be a leader in creating cutting edge leaders in all sectors, it is important that Richmond invest the resources needed to help Virginians succeed.”
Thompson:
“An advocate for progressive values that create pathways for everyone to succeed, Dr. Thompson is fighting politics that seek to undermine Virginians’ rights including reproductive rights, access to abortion, and affordable birth control. His work is expanding and protecting the progress made on climate change, civil rights, gun safety, health care, LGBTQ+ equality, public education, and other issues.
- Protecting Public Education
- Defending Reproductive Freedom
- Preventing Gun Violence
- Racial Justice and Democracy for All
- Access to Affordable, High Quality Health Care
- Voting Rights
- Climate Change”
Click on the candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
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