Levine to challenge McEachin in Fourth District primary

U.S. Representative Donald McEachin (D-4th District) will face a party challenger during the June 23 primary election.

Fellow Democrat R. Cazel Levine, a Chesterfield resident and Virginia State University graduate, has more than 30 years of government experience serving in the Departments of Defense and Interior under five different presidents.

On her campaign website, she writes that government leadership has failed the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I have four family members who either have or are recovering from COVID-19. I have over a half dozen friends and loss [sic] three to the Coronavirus. So I know firsthand the impact of failed leadership of elected officials.”

Cazel says she is running for senior citizens, families and small businesses.

“I am an advocate for American families and a cheerleader for people who managed to create wealth for themselves. I believe the future of America is up to everyday people who are willing to make a difference.”

Highlights from her platform include eliminating copayments and providing free prescription drugs for Medicare recipients; subsidizing small businesses to ensure workers can make a living wage; broadening healthcare coverage for mental health-related issues; and promoting improvements in the education system to prepare children for the new economy.

The Fourth District, which in addition to Eastern Henrico also includes Petersburg, Hopewell, Dinwiddie, Prince George, Colonial Heights and part of Chesterfield County, is historically a reliable Democratic seat, with McEachin winning by 26 points in 2018 and 16 points in 2016.

For details about voting in the June 23 primary or about how to receive an absentee ballot, visit the Virginia Department of Elections website.