The Road to Taking Back the House runs through VA-07
Lindsey Scharold, a Progressive Turnout Project Field Representative in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District (VA-07), is motivated each day by her conviction that a win for the district would mean, “Another honest, progressive seat in the House, and authentic representation for underrepresented populations.”
Since 2014, VA-07 has been represented by Freedom Caucus Republican David Brat. Challenging Brat is political newcomer Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA Operative who was born in the district. Spanberger was motivated to join the race “when she saw partisan politics threatening the country she has worked so hard to protect.”
“I think Abigail Spanberger is putting herself out there in a very necessary grassroots manner that could assure her success in this race,” says Lindsey. “I like that Spanberger is informed, has a resolute position on issues, and a plan of action for her time in the House.”
Spanberger supports healthcare for all and is committed to protecting Medicare and Social Security. Unlike so many other candidates, she frames the drug and addiction crises facing our nation as matters of public health, not issues of criminality.
The former CIA Operative is also dedicated to promoting our veterans’ successful return to civilian life, improving our public education system, and passing legislation to protect both net neutrality and the environment.
Spanberger stands for campaign finance reform and against gerrymandering, the latter being an issue of particular significance for VA-07, especially given The Washington Post’s declaration that the “7th District is drawn to elect a Republican.”
So it went in 2016, but 2018 is proving to be anything but predictable. In July, The Cook Political Report changed its rating of the race from Lean Republican to Toss-Up.
The Virginia Senate race is expected to give Spanberger’s Congressional campaign a significant boost on election day. Because a win is all but guaranteed for Democratic incumbent Senator Tim Kaine, it has been speculated that conservative voters may simply stay home in November. If they do, they’ll deny Brat votes that would have gone to him had the Senate race been more competitive.
In Lindsey’s experience knocking on doors and speaking with voters in VA-07, she has found that, “Honestly, a lot of folks are anti-Trump, perhaps more so than they are pro-issues.” But when voters have been willing to talk about issues, Lindsey says human rights and the environment have come up the most frequently.
“My best interactions with voters are when I get unsure or underrepresented voters to commit to vote,” she says. “I enjoy helping populations and people who might otherwise be disregarded in politics and campaigns.”
After the November election, Lindsey plans to try something new, possibly “work on the back end with survey data or perhaps work with a pro-choice org.”
With a positive outlook and no shortage of ambition – who knows? – one day we might find Lindsey’s name on the ballot!
