Advanced Placement Environmental Science teacher Cheryl Turpin (D) recently ran for the 85th District House of Representatives against Rocky Holcomb (R), losing the election only by 6 percent.

Q: What was your platform for this election?

A: “I represented education, the environment, and women’s rights. Those were definitely major keys in my election.”

Q: What organizations endorsed your campaign?

A: “I was endorsed by EMILY’s List, NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia, Sierra Club, League of Conservation voters, Virginia Educators Association, Virginia AFL-CIO, UFCW Local 400, Women Leaders of Virginia, and Progressive House of VA. There are numerous ones that are coming but did not come in time for this year’s campaign due to two major holidays.”

Q: What was your favorite aspect of campaigning?

A: “I think it’s knocking doors. When you knock a door and someone goes, ‘Oh my gosh, you taught my son! You made a difference in his life when he was in Earth Science at Tallwood High School.’ I found parts of the district that I did not know existed. There are so many trailer parks and there are so many places where people have needs that are not being met.”

Q: What was your biggest takeaway?

A: “The world outreach and lightening was shot in my direction from the nation. I tried to grab it and put it in a bottle. We were not as successful as we thought. We have thousands and thousands of people who donated $1.33 throughout the campaign.”

Q: What is your plan for the future?

A: “Well, we start all over again. My campaign staff leaves soon and I am going to start hiring my financial officer. I have 45 days to out fund my opponent because while he is sitting in session he can not fund raise.”