Editor, The Smithfield Times:

Tuesday June 20, is the Republican Primary for the 17th Senate District. The important thing is which candidate can win the November general election, nothing else. Put aside personal likes and dislikes and look at the political facts.

The political facts are, the 17th Senate District is a 50/50 conservative/liberal district. Gov. Glenn Youngkin won it by only 2% of the vote. It was basically a 50/50 split between Democrat Luria and Republican U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans. 

It is a true swing district. No one who is too far left or right in their positions can win this district in November. It will be decided by swing voters who are mostly people of color, young people and especially younger women. Like it or not ,the facts say that it will not be won by the same middle age or older white male whom swing voters do not feel they can relate to.

The primary candidates to choose from are a middle-age white male or a young conservative woman and mother. No matter who you personally like, the political facts say that in the November general election, the young woman is the only one who gives the Republican Party a chance.

If the Republican Party in purple Virginia is to have a future and any chance of winning in close districts, it will be through fielding candidates who are conservative women, younger people and people of color. Emily Brewer being the candidate is the only chance of Republicans winning in November. That is a political fact, like it or not.

 

Volpe Boykin

Carrsville