Former Radford City Councilwoman and health care provider Laurie Buchwald announced her intentions to seek the Democratic nomination for the upcoming 38th District Senatorial special election.
“Southwest Virginia is struggling. It has borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic, suffered economically for far too long, and is longing for a voice in Richmond that puts partisan politics aside and gets results for our region and people. I believe that I am that person,” said Buchwald. “My thoughts and prayers are still with the family of late-Senator Ben Chafin, and hope that as his successor, I can live up to the exceptional level of service he provided to those in the 38th District.”
“I am proud to endorse Laurie in her bid to represent the 38th District,” said Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw. “Virginians are looking to Richmond for commonsense, practical solutions to the many challenges they are facing during this unprecedented time of crisis. I know Laurie is well suited to meet those challenges head on.”
“During a time of extraordinary uncertainty, people need, now more than ever, steady calm leadership that can tangibly make their lives better,” said Democratic Caucus Chair Senator Mamie Locke. “Our Democratic caucus has been hard at work helping to provide that necessary relief and are looking forward to the addition of Laurie so we can continue to get results for the people of Virginia.”
“Southwest Virginia needs leaders who understand their struggles,” said Senator John Edwards. “Laurie, during her time as City Councilwoman, and throughout her health care career has demonstrated her ability to do just that. Southwest Virginia and the citizens of the 38th District would benefit from Laurie’s leadership in the Senate.”
“In the middle of the worst health crisis in modern history, what better person to send to Richmond than a health care provider,” said Senator Creigh Deeds. “Southwest and rural Virginians have suffered disproportionately to the COVID-19 pandemic. And we need leaders like Laurie who understands what it takes to lead our Commonwealth and region out of crisis and into better days.”
Laurie Buchwald is a nurse practitioner serving patients throughout the New River Valley and Southwest Virginia. She was first elected to the Radford City Council in 2002 and served for two terms before deciding to not run for re-election in 2010. Her list of appointed and volunteer positions is exhaustive but most notably, Laurie serves on the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners and as the previous President of the Blue Ridge Region of the VCNP. She also serves as Chair of the Ride of Silence Planning Committee, Co-Chair of the City of Radford Memorial Day Planning Committee, Member of the New River Watershed Roundtable, and Member of Pathways for Radford. An avid outdoorsman, and amateur photographer, you can most likely find her, in her free time, traveling around Southwest Virginia admiring the region she calls home.
Buchwald to vie for Senate seat
