I, Justin Dyches Midkiff, would like to officially announce my candidacy for the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Buckingham County in the upcoming Nov. 6, special election.

I am a 25-year-old lifelong resident of Buckingham County who graduated as salutatorian from Buckingham County High School’s Class of 2011. While in high school, I attended the American Legion Boys State of Virginia in 2010 where I gained instrumental knowledge on the formation of Virginia’s government, ideals, politics and leadership.

In 2015, I graduated with distinction from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor’s of Arts in American politics and government on the pre-law tract and a minor in anthropology. As an undergraduate, I made dean’s list several semesters and was inducted into Sigma Alpha Lambda, a National Leadership and Honors Organization.

Additionally, I took on a project dedicated to community service and civic engagement within my hometown called “The New Frontier in Buckingham County.” Colleagues and I lectured to DE Government students at Buckingham County High School (BCHS), registered the BCHS Class of 2015 to vote, and helped Ellis Acres Memorial Park uncover the one-remnant school building built in the 1920s through deforestation. This project allowed me to make a difference for my community and for myself.

I am the son of Dale and Kathy Midkiff of Dillwyn and the grandson of Shelton and Roberta Foster of Farmville and Jessalyn B. Foster of Dillwyn. I am a member of Cedar Baptist Church in Dillwyn. Currently, I am employed at Midkiff Timber LLC. Helping my family’s timber and logging businesses flourish and provide local jobs has shown me the importance of a strong work ethic. Working with people and employees and assisting in the daily functions of operating a business have given me the opportunity to persevere in becoming a more virtuous individual.

I am confident my work experiences, educational achievements, and public service have given me the capabilities of performing the duties as Clerk of the Circuit Court for Buckingham County. Personal success comes from breaking outside one’s comfort zone and engaging in an activity that challenges one’s self. I take pride in my academic success and work accomplishments, not because they were easy, but because they were hard. My faith and ambition to learn and challenge myself have prompted me to take on this new venture in life. My passion for leadership, community service, and commitment will add to the richness of the court system in Buckingham County. If I am bestowed the honor, I look forward to faithfully serving the people of Buckingham County as their next Clerk of the Circuit Court.