HD-12

Chris Hurst

Chris has represented HD-12 since 2017.

"I've dedicated my life to public service and giving a voice to the people of southwest Virginia. When I came here almost a decade ago as a reporter, I quickly identified with our shared values of strong families, a strong faith and personal integrity. I fell in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains and the people living in small towns with big hearts.

As a journalist, I've been a fierce advocate for families struggling for access to mental health care and equality in education for students with special needs. I've investigated reasons why our workforce must adapt for the careers of the future. I've documented the dramatic rise of child abuse and opioid addiction. And I've held government leaders accountable while showing how our first responders are left without vital resources.

I decided to leave journalism and run for office after recovering from profound tragedy. In 2015, I was just beginning a new life with my late girlfriend, Alison Parker. Alison and Adam Ward's murder on television shocked the country and set me on a different path. My career in news was fulfilling but instead of asking questions, I became focused on finding solutions. Your continued prayers and support now give me the strength to move forward and be a courageous fighter for all Virginians."

Chris, on the issues:

➔ Healthcare +

Protect Medicaid Expansion

Women's healthcare

Change the stigma around substance-use disorders and address the crisis as an illness

Mental health services

➔ Education +

Restore pre K-12 funding to at least pre-recession levels

Attract the best teachers. (Teachers in Giles County make about $10,000 less than just the state average)

Fight to give freedom back to school divisions on standardized testing

➔ Gun Violence Prevention +

"As someone who has been personally touched by this issue, I will take the same objective, pragmatic approach to investigating solutions as I had when I worked as a journalist."

➔ VA Workers & Economy +

Attracting jobs to the NRV

Creating opportunities for small businesses and innovations while evaluating regulations that can deter growth.

➔ Energy +

"We must resist any threat to our rivers, streams, and forests. I stand proudly with landowners in their fight against the Mountain Valley Pipeline and will always be the first to sound the alarm when our water and soil is in danger of contamination."

Learn more on Chris's website issues page.

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