Democratic challenger Leslie Mehta and Republican incumbent Rob Wittman are competing to represent Virginia’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Among other localities, the district includes Williamsburg, Poquoson, York County and James City County.
___
Leslie Mehta
Age: 47
Job title and company: Chief counsel, Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Highest level of education: Doctoral degree from Howard University School of Law
Party affiliation: Democrat
Website: www.lesliemehta.com
What do you believe is the greatest problem facing our nation today and what would you propose to address that if elected?
Our economy is leaving many Americans struggling to get by. High food prices, soaring rents, and a lack of affordable housing are forcing families out of the market and risking eviction. With prices rising, families face tough choices between food and housing. We need to lower these costs so everyone can thrive. To fix the economy, we must ensure good-paying jobs and job training are available. A stronger, more inclusive economy will help bridge the deep divisions in our country and support the foundations of our democracy.
The United States is currently providing significant military aid to Israel and Ukraine. Do you believe the U.S. should continue to provide funding to both or either of these nations? Explain why or why not.
Russia’s vicious actions extend beyond Ukraine, a country working towards a democratic government, and threaten European security, including American shores. To counter Russia, we must not give in to their expansionist and self-aggrandizing ambitions. On October 7th, Hamas … attacked Israel, and targeted civilians, including men, women, and children. This led to a devastating response from Israel. After 300 days, with significant civilian casualties in Gaza, a ceasefire is crucial. Continued bombardment is not achieving its goal of ensuring Israeli safety, a goal we share, but rather endangers more civilians and undermines efforts for a two-state solution where both Palestine and Israel can coexist peacefully with secure, democratically elected governments.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has said the court should reconsider several of its past rulings, including one that protected the right to contraception. Would you support legislation in Congress to codify the right to birth control into law?
Absolutely.
___
Rob Wittman
Age: 65
Job title and company: Congressman, Virginia’s First District, U.S. House of Representatives
Highest level of education: Doctoral degree in Public Policy and Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University
Party affiliation: Republican
Previous elected office: Montross Town Council, Montross Mayor, Westmoreland Board of Supervisors, Virginia House of Delegates, U.S. House of Representatives since 2007.
Website: robwittman.com
What do you believe is the greatest problem facing our nation today and what would you propose to address that if elected?
There’s no question that the exorbitant cost of living is the most pressing issue for folks in the First District and American families right now. The Biden-Harris administration’s economic policies have made it increasingly difficult to provide for our families, put food on the table, and fill our gas tanks. I have consistently warned against the dangers of out-of-control spending and the real harm it causes not only to our economy, but to the everyday lives of Americans. We need to rein in Washington’s excessive spending problem and advance an economic agenda that will allow families and businesses to thrive. I’ll continue to support legislation like the Lower Energy Costs Act and REIN IN Inflation Act to set future generations up for success and make life more affordable for everyone.
The United States is currently providing significant military aid to Israel and Ukraine. Do you believe the U.S. should continue to provide funding to both or either of these nations? Explain why or why not.
Putting America first means supporting American interests at home and abroad. It is in our national interest to support our only democratic ally in the Middle East – Israel – in the face of Iran’s attacks. In addition, Vladimir Putin poses an immediate threat, not just to Ukraine, but to Europe and our own national security. We can stand up to Putin while implementing oversight and accountability measures for any additional aid to Ukraine, as outlined in my Independent and Objective Oversight of Ukrainian Assistance Act. Every U.S. dollar sent to Ukraine should be accounted for – this is in the best interest of Ukraine and American taxpayers. Our adversaries would prefer we retreat from the world stage, but it is in America’s interest to protect freedom across the globe.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has said the court should reconsider several of its past rulings, including one that protected the right to contraception. Would you support legislation in Congress to codify the right to birth control into law?
I believe every woman should have access to contraception. In Virginia, women can obtain birth control through a prescription from a doctor or over-the-counter at many pharmacies.
Answers were compiled by The Virginian-Pilot staff.
