Virginia Senate candidate Russet Perry’s closing pitch

Former CIA officer and Democratic prosecutor Russet Perry faces Republican Juan Pablo Segura in Senate District 31, a seat in northern Virginia’s exurbs.

Perry is running on a public safety platform that includes protecting vulnerable Virginians from domestic and gun violence. She’s also a vocal supporter of reproductive rights and improving the state’s public education system. Her Republican opponent is the son of billionaire Enrique Segura, who has funneled massive sums of money into his son’s campaign. Segura supports Youngkin’s abortion ban and has vowed to fight against the “woke agenda.”

SD-31, regarded as a must-win by both parties, went 57-42 Biden and 50-49 Youngkin.

Dogwood recently connected with Perry about what motivates her on and off the campaign trail and what’s on her mind in the final weeks of the 2023 election.

What’s your closing pitch to voters as to why they should vote for you in November?

As a former CIA officer and Loudoun County prosecutor, keeping us safe and serving our community was my job for more than a decade. As a state Senator, I will keep fighting for the issues that matter most to you – protecting access to abortion, investing in our public schools, bringing down the cost of living, and keeping our communities safe.

What’s been your favorite part of running for office this year? Least favorite?

I love to knock doors and talk directly with voters about the issues that matter to them. As a career public servant, I know that the most important part of serving my community is listening to what they are struggling with and working to find solutions so that our community can thrive.

What’s something most people wouldn’t know about you?

I love to travel with my family. Growing up, we didn’t have the money to travel, and I love to give my kids the opportunities I didn’t have to get to see the world.

If you could change one thing about Virginia, what would it be?

I would change the way we think about and invest in our public schools. Virginia is a great place to live and we have some of the best schools in the country, but we need to sit down at the table and listen to our parents, teachers and kids, raise teacher salaries, and ensure our kids are safe in our schools so this continues to be the best place to live, work, and raise our kids to be successful.

What’s your favorite thing to do/place to go in Virginia when you need a break from the campaign trail?

I love to get to spend time with my kids. That can include getting to my son’s baseball game, or – we live out in Western Loudoun – exploring the many trails and paths to get out and see nature together.