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Cheryl Smith brings a refreshing perspective to politics after dedicating 38 years to educating Virginia's children. In this candid conversation, she shares what compelled her to run for Virginia's 98th District Delegate seat after decades in the classroom.
Growing up in a military family during the Vietnam War shaped Smith's worldview profoundly. While her father served overseas for nine months at a time, she was raised by what she calls "a community of women" who supported each other through difficult times. This early experience of solidarity forms the foundation of her political philosophy today—rebuilding community connections in an increasingly divided society.
Smith's decision to challenge incumbent Barry Knight came after learning about three critical constitutional amendments needing protection: reproductive rights, marriage equality, and restoration of voting rights. "No one was running," she explains, "so my family told me, 'Mom, you need to do it.'"
Throughout our discussion, Smith articulates her six-plank platform with passionate clarity. Her advocacy for veterans stems from her own family's military service, while her commitment to education addresses not just classroom issues but the family stability essential for learning. When discussing reproductive freedom, she moves beyond polarized abortion debates to highlight women's healthcare access as a fundamental right.
The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Smith reveals what she's learned from firefighters on the campaign trail—including inadequate cancer screenings despite constant exposure to carcinogens and limited mental health support despite high suicide rates. "They keep our cities alive," she says with visible emotion, "and we're not doing better by them."
Whether discussing affordable housing, environmental protection for flood-prone Virginia Beach, or her unequivocal support for marriage equality, Smith speaks with the practical wisdom of someone who's spent a lifetime helping others thrive. "A donation to my campaign," she concludes, "is not a gift to me—it's an investment in us."
Join us for this eye-opening conversation with a candidate who brings decades of community service to her first political campaign.

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