During my tenure as Student Council president, I grew to appreciate just how much our representatives affect the quality of higher education. While politicians regularly appeal to young people to earn our votes, when it comes time to govern, we often don’t make their list of priorities. I can recall only a handful of candidates that came to our school who I believed would fight for us. Hillary Clinton, Ralph Northam and Tim Kaine come to mind.
Now, I’m adding Ben Cullop to that list. Ben is a candidate for Congress in the 5th District of Virginia, who received two degrees from the University and still remains involved in the University community. It’s refreshing to see a young, forward-thinking candidate emerge on a political horizon clouded by self-serving candidates who may promise change, but lack the courage and the conviction it takes to challenge the status quo.
I’ve been a proud Democrat for all my life, and I know many of my fellow students also identify with the party of equality and progress. We’ve been waiting a long time for a candidate close to our age who relates to our experience as college students and is acutely aware of how stressful it is to plan for a successful future beyond these Grounds. I know that when he tells me he’ll fight to make higher education more affordable, I can trust him. He knows what it’s like to be in our shoes, and that’s why so many students I know are excited that he’s running.
I’m thrilled to caucus for Ben at the Albemarle Caucuses on April 16, and I look forward to the leadership and integrity he’ll bring to the United States Congress.
Sarah Kenny, former U.Va. Student Council president 2017-2018
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