Editor’s note: The Smithfield Times, on Aug. 14, sent the following questions to each candidate running for Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District seat. Below are the responses by Missy Cotter Smasal, the Democratic candidate. Responses from her opponent, U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., can be found here.

Age: 46

Occupation: Non-profit work

Current or prior elected offices held: Former state Senate candidate in 2019, Virginia Citizen Representative to Chesapeake Bay Commission

 

1. Can you briefly summarize why you decided to run for the 2nd Congressional District seat?

I’m running for Congress because I love my home in coastal Virginia. I came here as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy. I served aboard the USS Trenton. We deployed to the Gulf during Operation Enduring Freedom. And after I finished up active duty, I knew I wanted to stay here in Virginia Beach, and raise my family here. I started a small business that employed over 100 kids, teachers, and retirees. And now I teach at Old Dominion University, run a nonprofit that honors service women, and serve as the Virginia Citizen Representative to the Chesapeake Bay Commission.

 

2. Who is your political role model, and why?

My mom has long stood as my role model and has significantly influenced my pursuit of public service from the time I served in the Navy to now as a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. Seeing her service to her community on City Council and her support of unions and public schools has taught me the significance of leadership, listening to others, and doing the right thing to meet our communities’ needs.

 

3. Are Virginians in the 2nd District better off now than two years ago? If not, what can be done about it at the congressional level?

Coastal Virginia faces rising prices on everything from groceries to rent. We need to curb rising inflation while preventing giant corporations from exploiting the situation to rake in record profits. We need to stop the price gouging on groceries, and stop massive corporations from buying up houses and raising rent. Instead of constant Washington infighting and favors for donors, Coastal Virginians deserve lower prescription drug prices, affordable housing, and child care. We deserve a Coastal Virginia where we can afford to live, drive, and educate our children. I will always advocate for policies that make life more affordable for our community.

 

4. What’s a pressing issue that’s not getting enough attention in Washington?

I joined the Navy to serve our country. Veterans and military families deserve someone who will stand up for them. I understand firsthand that those who have risked their lives for our country have earned, not only our respect, but the benefits they were promised. While national politicians clamor to say they care about our veterans, all too often veterans and military families are exploited for political gain. Veterans deserve elected officials who will honor our promises to them. Their earned benefits should never be used as political leverage. I understand the challenges military families face and will be a champion for veterans and military families in Congress. That means always protecting the VA and improving veterans’ health care, making life more affordable for military families, and ending veterans homelessness.

 

5. What if any federal abortion legislation is needed?

Women have an innate right to control their own bodies. No one should lose that right depending on where you live, who controls your state legislature, or where your military orders station you and your family. Extreme politicians are determined to take away our personal freedoms, like the right to make decisions about our bodies and reproductive health care. I will steadfastly advocate for personal freedom, and one of my top priorities will be restoring Roe v. Wade into law to protect the rights of Virginia women from politicians like Jen Kiggans.

 

6. What can Congress do to help southeast Virginia’s economy?

Coastal Virginia faces rising prices on everything from groceries to rent. We need to curb rising inflation while preventing giant corporations from exploiting the situation to rake in record profits. We need to stop the price gouging on groceries, and stop massive corporations from buying up houses and raising rent. Instead of constant Washington infighting and favors for donors, Coastal Virginians deserve lower prescription drug prices, affordable housing, and child care. We deserve a Coastal Virginia where we can afford to live, drive, and educate our children. I will always advocate for policies that make life more affordable for our community.

 

7. Will you commit to certifying the results of the 2024 presidential election regardless of who wins?

Yes