Shane Boswell

As a veteran and father watching my boys grow up in Clarke County, I’ve seen firsthand how our community faces critical challenges that demand immediate attention from Richmond.

The reality facing our neighbors is stark. Federal SNAP benefits are in the crosshairs, just as grocery prices continue to climb. Our rural healthcare system is stretched thin and Medicaid is often the primary funding keeping our hospitals open. No expectant mother should face a 30-mile drive to Winchester Medical Center while in labor, but if our healthcare facilities keep closing, we’ll be driving to Loudoun or Fairfax. People will die that shouldn’t have. These gaps in basic services affect real families in our community.

Our public schools and libraries are the backbone of opportunity for the next generation. As federal education funding becomes increasingly uncertain, Virginia must step up to ensure every child has access to quality education, regardless of zip code.

The challenges we face aren’t party line issues; they’re kitchen table issues, they’re Virginia issues. When federal support retreats, our local legislators must step into the breach. We need practical solutions that work for our farmers, our families, and our future.

I’ve served our nation, and now I’m asking to continue serving our community in Richmond. Together, we can build a stronger Virginia that protects our rural character while creating opportunities for our children to thrive right here at home. Our community’s future depends on the choices we make today.