All three of the candidates running in the November 8, 2022, general election for Virginia’s 8th Congressional District —incumbent Don Beyer (D), Karina Lipsman (R), and Teddy Fikre (I) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
The outcome of this race will affect the partisan balance of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 118th Congress. All 435 seats in the House are up for election. As of September 26, 2022, Democrats hold a 221-212 advantage in the U.S. House with two vacant seats. Virginia’s current congressional delegation consists of 9 Democrats and 4 Republicans.
Here are excerpts from candidates’ responses to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Beyer:
“Don’s passions and key legislation are focused on climate change and the environment. In Congress, he is the leading voice on fusion energy and carbon pricing, leading the charge in working to take carbon out of the atmosphere.”
Lipsman:
“As your congresswoman, I will engage with you directly and represent your interests and put solutions for our district before partisan politics. I will advocate for common-sense policies that fight crime, modernize immigration, reduce inflation and improve the educational standards and opportunities for our children.”
Fikre:
“My number one priority when it comes to policies is ensuring that the needs of workers and small businesses are placed ahead of the needs of Wall Street and the billionaire class. It is immoral and deeply offensive that someone like Jeff Bezos pays less in marginal taxes than teachers, janitors and veterans who came back from overseas broken by wars.”
Click here to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
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