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Two candidates are putting their faith in the hands of a portion of Portsmouth voters to win the state’s 80th House District.
Incumbent Don Scott, a Democrat who won the seat in 2019, pledges he will fight to “build a Virginia that works for everyone.” According to his campaign website, Scott will work to transform the commonwealth’s criminal justice system, guarantee affordable healthcare, improve the state’s economy and strengthen the public school system.
Registered nurse and small business owner Deanna Stanton is challenging Scott and wants to “build bridges” between Portsmouth constituents and the state. Her platform, according to her campaign website, focuses on education, crime and small businesses.
The 80th District has been strongly Democratic for more than three decades. Scott filled the seat two years ago after Gov. Ralph Northam appointed former Del. Matthew James to deputy director for the Department of General Services.
The district includes over 54,100 voters. According to the Virginia Public Access Project, Scott raised around $245,440 for his campaign as of Sept. 30, and Stanton about $35,800.
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The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press asked candidates in Virginia’s 80th House District the following question: If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done? Here are their answers, along with additional information about each candidate:
Don Scott, Democrat
Age: 56
Current occupation: Attorney
Previous office held: Member of Virginia House of Delegates, District 80 (2019-present)
Education: Juris Doctorate, 1994; Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, 1987
Website: donscott.us
If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done?
My top priority is to continue to expand and guarantee access to affordable health. The pandemic has taught us that there continues to be persistent inequities in who can access quality health care. I want to expand access to telehealth services and make sure we continue to keep a cap on life-saving drugs like insulin.
We also need to make sure we are taking care of our essential workers. We raised the minimum wage but there is more to do to make sure we have a skilled workforce and good jobs across our region. I am also focused on strengthening our public education system and raising teacher pay to be on par with the rest of the states in the region. We have to continue to invest in early childhood education and place a priority on making sure that no child’s destiny is determined by what ZIP code they live in.
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Deanna Stanton, Republican
Age: 58
Current occupation: Registered nurse, small business owner
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Previous office held: None
Education: Sentara School of Nursing, 1998
Website: deannastantonfordelegate.com
If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done?
Once elected, I will concentrate on the health of our future and our future generations. First-class education for our youth is a priority. Our children need quality education; therefore, I will advocate for school choice. I will fight to eliminate the teaching of hate in our school system and support grassroot groups and 501(c)(3) organizations that encourage our youth and guide them to a better future. I will also support our teachers and make sure their pay is at a competitive level.
I will support measures to build bridges between law enforcement and citizens to create trust and create a safer community for our children in Portsmouth. I will sponsor and support bills that provide programs for our youth to get them off the streets and validate all programs that will mentor our children, giving them a vision for their future.
Sierra Jenkins, 229-462-8896, sierra.jenkins@virginiamedia.com