By Gregory Connolly
A U.S. Air Force reservist is hoping to be on the ballot in November as the Libertarian candidate for the first district of the U.S. House of Representatives, a seat currently held by Republican Rob Wittman.
Xavian Draper has already launched a campaign website and is now seeking signatures from valid voters in the first district, which includes all of York County and Williamsburg and much of James City County. He must collect at least 1,000 valid signatures, though he seeks 1,500, which is the number recommended by the Virginia State Board of Elections to ensure at least 1,000 valid signatures are present.
According to his website, Draper, who is known as “Xave” by friends and family, is a Newport News resident. He served 14 years of active duty with the U.S. Air Force, including stints in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He is now a lieutenant colonel in the reserves. He is running for Congress as a result of his “deep concern for the future of our state and our country,” according to his website.
“Xave is dissatisfied by the current practice of political leaders to stray from representing their fellow citizens in favor of personal aggrandizement, power, and wealth — flowing from their corporate cronies and the uber-rich and powerful with personal agendas. He detests the ultimate exploitation of those same citizens,” according to his website.
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I met Mr. Draper around this same time two years ago, and he was up against the deadline for petition signatures. He didn’t make it but it’s great to know he’s going to give it another try this time. I’m confident he will make the ballot.
He will make an excellent candidate to help grow the party and spread the message!