by John Reid

This is a Sikh saying of service towards others. It is a principle upon which VA-10 Congressional candidate Krystle Kaul has applied in her life through working in national security, small business, and in education. Recently, the Democratic nominee spoke with the PW Perspective’s John Reid on her vision for the district.

Kaul talked about how her beliefs are central to why she is running. “Definitely at my core my values, I grew up with Hinduism and Sikhism, and I hold true to those notions of giving back,” she said. “That is at the heart of public service. Growing up with family values set that foundation, and that mentality that I hold true today.”  

Krystle is very proud to live in Loudoun and be a resident of VA-10. Unlike several other candidates in the race, Krystle actually lives in VA-10.

She credits her family for her upbringing.

“My grandfather came to this country to pursue the American Dream, so he could provide a great life for me and my family. It’s what I want to give back to VA-10. I’ve committed my life to service in national security defense, to protecting the homeland, and I think that is fundamental at the core of this country,” she said.

“It’s the story of immigrants who came here to build a good life for themselves, and VA-10 is 44% diverse. We have a lot of first and second-generation immigrants and this is ripe for someone who shares the same story as they do. Someone who understands the challenges they face.”

In addition, the district is home to several government employees and contractors, which she has worked for several years and embodies what it represents.

“This is a district where many people work with the Department of Defense, whether as a civilian, contractor, or small business owner,” she said. “I have lived both the American Dream, but also the VA-10 story. I understand it from multiple perspectives, and it has resonated with so many groups here. Not only the minority communities, but with everyone here, because it’s what my constituents go through every day.”

Kaul addresses the unique challenges of a congressional district which faces both the amalgamation of its rural and urban environments, citing her expertise.

“I think it’s a combination of working in this area for two decades, so I understand what both areas need,” she said. “I have a lot of experience working in trade development in Afghanistan with USAID, building electronic villages with UN Women and helping with Haiti disaster relief with the Red Cross, which focused on rural communities, so I understand the plight of what farmers face.”

“Also, I’ve canvassed in Warrenton, in places where I hear people say, ‘You’re the first candidate who knocked on my door,’ she continued. “A lot of folks don’t go out to these parts, and they focus on Loudoun, and will not venture to these other areas. I’m familiar with Manassas, Fauquier County, and the issues they face with development.”

As a Loudoun resident and Former CIA emerging trends technology expert, the data centers have been a major controversy in VA-10, so what is her plan for an equitable solution?

“A lot of the complaints I’m getting from farmers is the impact of data centers on their land, and they’re going to their city council, yet nothing is being done about it,” she said. “It’s bridging the gap of resolving the issues in the environment, and it’s not just a Loudoun area, but everywhere. How can we set some standards of size and usage of these centers? So there are some unique aspects to the rural areas, but we need to develop real lasting solutions.”

Another area of expertise is her small business acumen, in which she has helped minority owned government contractors receive opportunities, and one she plans to continue in Congress.

“I want to create certain economic equality for small businesses,” she said. “I transitioned from working in government to help federally focused small businesses to get a fair shot in the government contracting space. I am fortunate to be a director in the highest civilian rank in government, working at the DoD with Secretary Mattis. I’ve also worked with Secretary Austin co-leading the ISIS Crisis Counterterrorism Cell Iraq Political-Military Affairs Night Shift Cell and now I look at the struggles VA-10 face. I’ve helped disadvantaged small businesses get an opportunity. I want to give them a fair shot. Even if you’re a hub zone, or a minority-owned small business, or disabled business owner, they are still struggling to get out of the red, and that’s their livelihood. There are challenges they face, and I focus on helping them.”

“Coming back to the principles of serving, that is VA-10,” she continued. “I’m part of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, what sits at over 9,000 small businesses, and it’s great to see those in the community working to the same goal. I think we need to do more reform with helping small businesses get those contracts, and allow them to get a fair share.”

Reflecting on the recent conflict in Gaza, she addressed how she has worked in both areas, so she understands the situation from a national security perspective.

“I am the only Congressional candidate in this race who has lived in Israel and Palestine. I’ve done doctoral fieldwork, interviewing key stakeholders across Israel and Palestine. I really understand the conflict at the ground level.”

“I absolutely condemn the attacks on October 7.”

Kaul emphasized the need for a more targeted approach to resolving the issue. “I call for a ceasefire with the release of hostages.”

One of Kaul’s biggest priorities is strengthening women’s rights.

“I have been a champion of women’s rights,” she said. “I helped with a book on breaking the glass ceiling for women to get into congress. I interviewed Congressional representative Loretta Sanchez and Joe Wilson at a young age to get an understanding of why we had only 14% representation in Congress, yet 52% of women as the population. It was really important to hear not only from female members, but from male members as why it is the case, so for me that was interesting to see.”

“I carried that throughout my career. I’ve always been firm about protecting women’s rights, especially with UN Women. I have built villages for disenfranchised women, those who are being abused by providing households, and teach them about sexual education. I’ve done that internationally.”

“Beginning day one,” she continued, “I would codify Roe v. Wade, and the time is now to make sure we are defending women’s right to choose what’s best for their bodies.”

Another challenge facing VA-10 is the increase in housing prices, so she shared a personal story of how attainable housing policies should be implemented.

“Back in the 2008 recession, and I lived under [President Barack] Obama’s housing programs. Without that program, I wouldn’t have been able to find a place to rent, so I understand it from a personal standpoint,” she said. “I think we need to reform the program, because if you look at VA-10, most of our teachers, first responders, they can’t afford to live here. They do the jobs which form the backbone of the community, so we need to lower the income threshold to qualify. Let’s make it more accessible. Helping some of these loan initiative programs is the best way to go.”

As a grassroots candidate, her campaign has been successful in raising funds. She credits having a message which resonates with people. She is very proud to have crossed $1M!

“I think authenticity trumps everything in a campaign,” she said. “People want to see someone who’s doing it for the right reasons. They know when they’re talking to someone who cares for them, and not a career politician. Coming in the experience of understanding different issues gives me an advantage.”

“My level of policy experience is unmatched,” she said. “You look at issues on a local, national, and international areas. I understand sustainability, healthcare, safety issues on a deeper level, and it is something where I will have effective policies.”

“Having no donor base is difficult, and being that I’ve raised more than career politicians speaks to the power of my message.”

Although running a campaign and being a small business owner can lead to a hectic schedule, Kaul talked about how she finds balance.

“It’s something I’ve had to manage running a campaign,” she said. “One thing I’ve been pretty firm on is taking time for my physical health, and making sure I’m doing yoga, and it’s important to keep your mind, body, and spirit connected. I have great friends and a community here to give me that downtime and take breaks, and the relationships I’ve fostered over the years helps. I take the time to meditate and care for myself as well. I also enjoy salsa dancing as well [laughs].”

Finding that balance has helped her listen to the needs of constituents.

“I get on the phone and people are angry, because career politicians have falsely promised you. It’s canned and disingenuous and they’ve lied before. I am a former senior defense official, an educator and a small business owner, I’ve worked to protect our people, and I’ve learned to cut through things quickly. I’m here to fight MAGA extremists. I resigned in protest to [President Donald] Trump when I was a GS-15.”

“People see that, and they see this is a real person trying to bring real change to a Congress that is dysfunctional, and we need moderate voices to push things forward. I will work across the aisle, and I am truly battle tested and will hit the ground running. I understand these core issues on the ground on an intricate level, and worked with leading policymakers across the country. This is the type of experience we need to bring into Congress today.”

Early vote is now, and the election is June 18! For more information on Krystle and her campaign, please visit her website.