MONTROSS – Rob Wittman, Congressman for Virginia’s First District, released this statement today announcing his run for re-election to the First Congressional District in 2022:
“I am running for re-election to the First Congressional District because after a year of a complete Democrat takeover of Washington, it is time we get to work and find real solutions for the American people, and I stand ready and able to do so. I am running because I know that a strong economy means supporting our small businesses and allowing them to grow and create jobs without a heavy-handed approach. I am running to support our service members and ensure we have a strong national defense. I am running to stand up for law enforcement and secure our communities against crime. I am running because I know that parents and families know what is best for their children, and I am running to prepare our students for success in the workplace. I am running because we must hold Congress accountable to the people we represent, and we must get our spending in Washington under control.
“Throughout my life, I’ve had the distinct honor of serving my community at several levels of government, from Montross Town Council to the Virginia General Assembly to the United States Congress. Throughout my time in public office, I have had the unique opportunity to lead and listen to the concerns and challenges faced by members of our community. These challenges require real solutions that are both pragmatic and inspired, and I am focused on tackling the real issues and getting results.
“My work in Congress has been focused on ensuring our nation’s economy continues to lead the world, and that small businesses are able to thrive by lowering taxes, reducing burdensome regulations, and reforming the education system to prepare students for the jobs of the 21st century.
“As the Vice Ranking Member on the Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, I have been leading the fight to rebuild our military to ensure we are adequately prepared to combat increasing global threats, replace aging ships in a timely manner, and meet any Pacific confrontations that could arise from China’s increase in military capabilities. With a father who served in the Army in World War II, I have consistently advocated for our veterans, fighting to ensure they can access the health care benefits and educational and job opportunities they have earned and deserve.
“With the addition of Henrico County and Chesterfield County, I look forward to representing my childhood home. With the addition of Williamsburg, York, and Poquoson, I look forward to once again representing the great people of the Historic Triangle and the City of Poquoson.
“I grew up working as a short order cook for Shoney’s restaurant in Henrico, for the Richmond Braves Minor League Baseball team selling tickets and then as the mascot, at Kings Dominion as a Parking Lot Attendant, on a fishing boat in Reedville, a tomato cannery in Westmoreland, at the old Squires Dining Hall at Virginia Tech, as a grocery clerk and dairy case stocker at Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company grocery store, at Lukhards Grocery store in Richmond as a bag boy, and as a Certified Flagger for Town of Montross utility projects, so I know the value of hard work and determination, and I value the contributions small businesses make to our nation.
“Throughout my time in Congress, I have remained focused on creating more jobs and opportunities for all Americans and passing pro-growth policies to support our small businesses. We must continue to incentivize rehiring, remove regulatory barriers to job creation, and return our supply chain from China; the Government’s role should be to eliminate barriers to success, not create them. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus, we have made great strides to improve coverage of the underserved, and I continue to lead in that effort.
“On Tuesday, November 2nd, Virginians chose a brighter future. Virginia elected Republicans to state-wide office for the first time since 2009. These results proved that Virginians are fed up with what they see coming out of Washington and Richmond. While campaigning for Terry McAuliffe in Virginia, Kamala Harris stated, “What happens in Virginia will in large part determine what happens in 2022, 2024, and on.” I couldn’t agree more. We have an opportunity in 2022 to flip the House of Representatives and push back against the left’s heavy-handed approach to government.
“Together, we can secure a better and more prosperous future for our children and grandchildren, for Virginia, and our nation. I look forward to continuing to serve the great folks of Virginia’s First Congressional District now, in 2022, and beyond.”