by John Reid

As the primaries come to a close in Virginia’s congressional races, Democratic candidate and 25th District Delegate Briana Sewell talked about her campaign with the PW Perspective. Being one of the most experienced candidates in the race, she discussed a myriad of topics, from the issues facing the district, to reflecting on the legislation she’s passed since being elected to office.

Last week the candidates were in a forum hosted by the Virginia Minority Chambers, and she talked about the intersection of CD-7’s rural and urban environments. “Given how expansive and diverse the respective commercial and economic engines are,” she said, “it’s important we provide the safeguards that are necessary to ensure we give our rural farmers and small business owners the resources they need to thrive.”

Among the goals she looks to establish, one of them is helping small business owners.

“We have witnessed many programs going through re-authorizations,” she said, “but we have not done a total re-authorization process in the Small Business Administration, and it’s time to make that investment. We can streamline the process. Many people didn’t know we have an SBA office in the 7th District, and a separate office to help those seeking federal contracts.”

“As a working member of the General Assembly,” she continued, “I pride myself on working in a transparent fashion, but more importantly provide information to those who need it. Not just through legislation, but also showing up and providing the resources they need.”

Speaking of which, she reflects on how her expertise in government will be an advantage in Congress.

“I’m very comfortable with the fact I’ve worked 15-plus years in the local, state, and federal government. I understand each level of government when addressing a larger issue. I was named one of the top 25 legislators under the age of 40, and I did that under a Republican governor. It’s a testament to my track record when serving in the minority. My residents know I will always fight for them, and listening to them first is where policy truly begins. I’ve addressed paid family medical leave, and we’ve been able to pass dual legislation for the first time this year. I took on claim sharks to ensure our veterans have their hard-earned benefits. I worked on legislation to make sure we had more teachers in the classroom, especially more diverse ones.”

“When the power goes out, I work on legislation to make sure it gets restored in a timelier manner,” she continued. “I expanded sexual assault protections for child victims. I worked with many of my colleagues on a host of issues which are plaguing Virginians every day. We all want the same thing: food on the table, a roof over our heads, access to quality healthcare, and one job to pay for it all. It’s the essence of what I do. Just yesterday Freedom Virginia, a nonprofit, non-partisan organization recognized me as one of their affordability champions.”

Through all of her accomplishments, what does she attribute them to?

“Honestly,” she said, “my neighbors. I have the great fortune of representing the district that raised me. As the daughter of two Air Force veterans, and the granddaughter of a civil rights fighter who was in Selma, Alabama, service before self has been installed in me. It is truly something I’ve dedicated my life to.”

Part of that service is helping women maintain their reproductive freedoms in the light of the Dobbs decision, which has enabled states to place limitations on abortion rights. 

 “We are in a time when elected officials are playing with the bodies of women,” she said. “To better phrase it, they’re making it a political conversation. This is about our health and well-being that I take seriously. Too often, we have individuals who must discuss their reproductive freedoms in a public manner when it’s a private situation. There is data which shows the inequities in Black maternal healthcare, and many of the CD-7 residents are suffering because those who are most disproportionately affected are Black, Latino, and poor rural residents.”

“I will always stand up for a woman to make her own decisions about healthcare.”

On the campaign trail, she talked about the conversations she’s had with constituents and what they are saying to her.

 “The reason I’m in this race is that I spent my life in this district and worked with the community for several years,” she said. “In a time of deep division, we need someone who believes in community building and can get it done. People are looking for someone who can take their lived experiences, turn it into policies, and provide salient solutions from day one.”

As she prepares for what she believes will be a primary victory on June 18, what is one sentence which best defines her?

“If someone was defining me, they would say Briana Sewell is our neighbor, she’s our friend, she knows our story, has lived our story, and she will fight to make sure she delivers on our challenges every single day.”

Early voting is currently underway, and the primaries will be held on Tuesday, June 18th. Please visit her website for more information.