Candidate profile – Kyle Elliott, 68th District (Democrat)

Attorney Kyle Elliott is challenging incumbent Dawn Adams for the Democratic nomination in the Virginia House of Delegates' 68th District in the June 8 primary election.

“I decided to run for this position because, in conversations with friends across the district, I heard that they wanted a Delegate who would exemplify progressive and ethical leadership, better engage with the community, and ultimately properly represent our interests,” he said.

If elected, Elliott would be the first person of color to represent the 68th District, and he would take pride in holding this position, according to his campaign website. He was the first person of color to serve as the president of the Museum District Association, which is his neighborhood civic association, where he worked alongside a Board of Directors, according to his website.

“Working with my board, I published a statement [in the summer of 2020] saying that ‘human rights are not political, Black Lives Matter,’” he said. “I felt the energy of the moment and the desire for change and knew that I had an opportunity to lead. The process was transformative, and conversations with community members showed me that I had a unique opportunity to lead change on this important conversation.”

Elliott, who began his career in public service as an assistant city attorney for the City of Richmond before entering private practice, supports the Second Amendment and is a proponent of responsible gun ownership, according to his website. Elliott also believes that every woman should have access to high-quality reproductive health care services, including safe and legal abortion.

But, through talking to voters as he is out canvassing in the community, he has heard that the most pressing issues in the 68th District are gun violence prevention, education and criminal justice reform, he said.

“I support common sense gun violence prevention measures like expanding background checks and banning ghost guns and assault weapons,” Elliott said.

Elliott also believes that all full-time jobs must come with a living wage, good benefits, paid leave and the ability to join a union and collectively bargain, according to his website. He supports making significant, immediate grants and loans to help small businesses make payroll, pay rent and other expenses.

Elliott attended the University of Virginia and was a member of their Sorensen Political Leaders Program, through which he traveled the commonwealth learning about the issues of a particular region and then debated policy issues with the cohort, he said.

“A mix of Democrats and Republicans, this provided invaluable experience learning how to work with individuals who I may not always agree with,” Elliott said. “I’m a firm believer that real, meaningful change will only come by bringing all stakeholders to the table. One side, or just one perspective, rarely leads to the most optimal outcome.

“I plan to lead in the General Assembly by building coalitions, with Democrats and Republicans, to drive forward change that benefits all Virginians.”

Elliott, who received his juris doctorate from the College of William and Mary School of Law in 2011, believes that there are many important conversations that can and should be happening in a bipartisan manner, he said.

“The first is on broadband expansion,” Elliott said. “The turn to remote school and work during the pandemic showed that much of our broadband infrastructure needs improvement. Over 300,000 Virginians don’t have access to wired internet, and in today’s economy, that’s not setting folks up for success.”

Adams won the 68th seat in 2017. Elliott has received several endorsements, including from Levar Stoney, the mayor of Richmond, and had raised more than $89,000 as of March 31.

“I believe every Virginian student, regardless of skin color or zip code, should have access to a high-quality education,” he said. “And I believe that we must reimagine policing for the benefit and safety of all.

“And from my conversations,” Elliott said, “I know the voters of the 68th agree.”