Editor, The Smithfield Times:

Being a young, politically active female in politics is difficult. You are consistently challenged. I firmly believe said challenges can be welcomed as roadblocks or as speed bumps. 

When I was 20 years old, I was challenged by a former Virginia senator to pursue an opportunity with my newly elected representative. I took that challenge. Little did I know, what I saw as a challenge began a huge chapter of my life. This huge chapter would have never been written, however, if my newly elected representative had not taken a chance on me – more specifically, faced the challenge of welcoming a young college student into her new legislative office as an intern.

Emily Brewer believes in people. She places her faith in others and empowers them to chase their dreams and opportunities – especially young, conservative women. Without Emily Brewer in the Virginia Senate, I am afraid we will see the young, conservative, female voice completely withdrawn from the chamber. We as Virginians cannot allow this. 

On June 20, I hope fellow Republicans, not just females, will join me in voting for Emily Brewer. She never looks at a challenge as a roadblock. She finds a solution, makes it happen and proceeds over the speed bumps.

I witnessed her serve in the House of Delegates firsthand for several years. I was proud to work by her side and support her efforts to make Virginia a better place. She works so incredibly hard, as a small-business owner, a mother, a wife, a friend and an elected official. How she does it all is beyond me, but she does.

An individual who has made sacrifices, faced significant challenges, advocated for others and overcome numerous situations is someone the 17th Senate District deserves. Emily has proven herself as a conservative advocate during her time in the House of Delegate since being first elected in 2017. What she said 10 years ago doesn’t matter; it’s her recorded actions and efforts that do. 

Let’s send Emily to the general election ballot in November. She deserves it and so do the constituents of the 17th.

 

Cami Castleberry

Smithfield