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A sixth Republican has entered the 10th District State Senate race. Cumberland Supervisor Bryan Hamlett announced Wednesday that he’ll be competing for his party’s nomination in the special election. 

“We need bold, conservative representation in Richmond to carry forth the voice of rural

Virginians in the 10th District, and I’m ready to stand up for everything we all hold dear,” Hamlett said in a statement. “From ensuring our schools reflect our values and adequately prepare our children for the future, to protecting individual rights and making Virginia an affordable, safe place to live, I am dedicated to bringing about real solutions for the people of our district.”

Hamlett is a first-term supervisor, having won the election to represent District 1 on the Cumberland board last year. The Cartersville resident said he decided to run for the open State Senate seat because of his concerns for the future. 

“I worry about my kids’ future. I want to make sure we are doing our part to leave future

generations a better Commonwealth,” Hamlett said. “We can do better. Our district deserves a strong, clear voice in Richmond that truly understands the concerns of our community and will be a tireless advocate for our conservative values. I am ready to work with our local leaders, first responders, and community members to move Virginia forward in a way that reflects our faith, protects our families, and defends our freedoms.”  

Cumberland Republican details platform

Hamlett also becomes the first candidate in the race to roll out a detailed platform. In his statement Wednesday, when covering key priorities, the Cumberland supervisor listed five. 

First, protect and promote rural living. He said he would fight to protect and grow both agriculture and forestry industries, as well as look out for people who believe hunting is a lifestyle, not a hobby. Second, he wants to tackle education reform. According to Hamlett, that means “championing policies that empower parents, promote transparency in schools and expand school choice to ensure every child has access to a quality education.” Third, he wants to work to lower taxes, reduce regulations on small businesses and create jobs to keep younger residents in the district. 

Fourth, Hamlett said he wants better funding and equipment for volunteer fire departments, as well as more funding and resources for law enforcement to address the opioid issues in this district. He also wants to see tougher penalties for violent criminals. Finally, Hamlett said he promises to defend Second Amendment rights, religious freedoms, and individual medical choices from government overreach.

One of six 

As mentioned before, the Cumberland Republican is one of six candidates competing for the Republican nomination. This seat opened up after current District 10 Senator John McGuire, who himself was only elected to the position a year ago, won the 5th District seat in the U.S. Congress. The list of Republican candidates includes current Louisa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Duane Adams, former State Senator Amanda Chase, Chase’s former staffer Shayne Snavely, Prince Edward County business owner Luther Cifers and Gannon Appraisals owner Jean Gannon. On the Democratic side, so far there’s just one candidate, Louisa resident Jack Trammell. 

The 10th District Republican Committee plans to meet next Tuesday, to determine how a nominee will be chosen. It might be through a Republican mass meeting, a primary, a ‘firehouse primary’ where every party member comes to one location to vote or another method. Regardless of how the nominee is chosen, residents will have a chance to hear from most of them late next week, as the Cumberland Republican Committee has set up a debate. That’s scheduled for Friday, Nov. 22, to be held at Spruceberry Farm Event Center in Cumberland. 

The debate, which starts at 7 p.m., is open to the public, with doors opening for general admission at 6:45pm. The Republican Committee says a $5 donation is requested but not required. A cocktail social and dinner with the candidates (for a fee) will be from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. 

One candidate won’t be taking part, however. In both an email earlier this week and during a radio interview with John Fredericks, Chase said she would not participate “in sham debates like the one coming up next Friday in Cumberland County, which I never ever agreed to. I will not be there. The chair is supporting another candidate and isn’t neutral. I’m not going to be strong armed into doing something I feel is rigged.”