Ken Mitchell

Ken Mitchell served in the U.S. Army. His career experience includes working in telecommunications, farming, construction, and engineering.[1][2]

Ken Mitchell did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased September 16, 2024

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Ken Mitchell is a father, veteran, entrepreneur, and small farmer. His family has a legacy of serving our great nation. He served 24 years in the military, and between them, Ken, his father, and his brother have a total of 78 years of military service. His last six years of active duty, he served in the White House in an apolitical role, supporting two Presidents of different political parties.

His private sector career includes work for a large telecom corporation; small business owner as a licensed contractor, and he oversaw infrastructure renovations at Monticello. He also helped upgrade local water systems in the 6th District.

Ken currently lives on a small farm in Rockingham County with his fiancee Michele. He is ready to bring principled leadership and pragmatic problem-solving to Congress.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Jobs and the Economy

Ken Mitchell prioritizes revitalizing the economy and creating robust job opportunities for all Americans. Ken advocates for policies promoting job growth, fair wages, and worker protections. He understands the importance of investing in infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and small businesses to stimulate economic development and create jobs. Additionally, he champions measures to address income inequality and supports initiatives to provide training and educational resources to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to secure meaningful employment. Ken’s stance underscores the fundamental belief that a thriving economy should benefit everyone, not just the privileged few.Education

Ken is committed to ensuring every student can access a high-quality public education. With a deep understanding of the importance of education in shaping the future, Ken advocates for increased funding for public schools, support for teacher education programs in public universities, and paying educators the professional salaries they deserve. All students need adequate access to technology, including investment in rural broadband. Disparities between urban and rural schools in the Sixth District must be addressed. All children deserve equal opportunities regardless of ZIP code. Ken’s positive stance on education encompasses a vision of innovative learning environments that empower students to thrive and succeed.Women’s Reproductive Rights

Women’s rights are human rights, and in America, they’re under siege. The 2022 Supreme Court reversal of Roe v. Wade and efforts to restrict abortion and reproductive care are unacceptable. In Congress, I will champion federal legislation to protect women’s right to choose and defend bodily autonomy.

Women also face ongoing struggles for equal pay and respect in the workplace. We must ensure equal pay for equal work and protect women from violence and harassment everywhere. I’m committed to securing the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment to the Constitution to guarantee gender equality.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

No one person can see all facets of problems and opportunities in our district. We are in this together.

Trickle-down economics has failed. In the Sixth District, 44% of workers can’t save or earn a living wage despite multiple jobs. Economic insecurity harms democracy, driving people away from civic engagement and towards divisive rhetoric.

To protect democracy, we must:

-Rebuild economic security and community support.

-Address the mental health crisis by fostering mutual care.

-Ensure Congress secures reproductive rights and protects all individuals’ dignity, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

-The government should stay out of personal medical decisions.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An effective elected official must embody a commitment to serving the people, guided by integrity, hard work, and innovation. Ken Mitchell demonstrates these principles through his extensive experience as a veteran, entrepreneur, and small farmer. He prioritizes Main Street over Wall Street, focusing on enhancing infrastructure, expanding high-speed broadband, improving public transportation, and supporting rural schools to ensure all children receive quality education. With a legacy of military service and a career dedicated to community development, Ken is ready to bring principled leadership and pragmatic problem-solving to Congress, continuing the traditions of mutual aid and respect that define the Shenandoah Valley.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

As someone running for Congress in our rural community, I believe the core responsibilities of this office are rooted in serving the needs and values of our constituents. First and foremost, it's crucial to ensure that our voices are heard and our interests are represented in Washington. This means advocating for policies that support local farmers, small businesses, and rural infrastructure.

Another key responsibility is working to bring equitable resources and opportunities to our community, so that we have access to quality healthcare, education, and economic development. We must also focus on protecting our environment and natural resources, which are vital to both our way of life and our local economy.

Lastly, I believe in maintaining transparency and accountability, staying connected with the people I serve, and being a tireless advocate for the issues that matter most to our rural communities. By working together, we can ensure that our values and priorities are front and center in Congress.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

This Land is Your Land.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

As a candidate for Congress in rural Virginia, I believe the United States faces several significant challenges over the next decade that will require thoughtful leadership and innovative solutions.

Economic Disparity: Rural communities, including those in Virginia, have often been left behind in economic progress. We need to prioritize policies that invest in local infrastructure, support small businesses, and ensure access to high-speed internet. By fostering economic growth in our rural areas, we can create good-paying jobs and build resilient local economies.

Healthcare Access: Many rural areas struggle with limited access to healthcare services. It's essential to expand healthcare coverage and support rural health clinics. We must work towards making healthcare more affordable and accessible for everyone, regardless of where they live.

Climate Change and Environmental Protection: Climate change is impacting agriculture, water resources, and natural landscapes in rural areas. We need to address these environmental challenges with sustainable practices and investments in clean energy to protect our communities and natural heritage for future generations.

Educational Opportunities: Our rural schools often face challenges with funding and resources. Investing in education is crucial for providing our children with the tools they need to succeed. We must ensure that all students, regardless of their location, have access to quality education and opportunities.

Political Polarization: The increasing division in our political landscape can hinder progress and compromise. It’s vital to promote dialogue and find common ground, focusing on issues that unite us rather than divide us.

Addressing these challenges will require a commitment to collaboration, empathy, and innovative solutions. As your representative, I will work tirelessly to ensure that the needs of our rural communities are heard and addressed in Washington. Together, we can build a brighter future.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Absolutely, compromise is not just necessary—it's essential for effective policymaking. In rural Virginia, we know that progress isn't about imposing one-size-fits-all solutions but about finding common ground and working together. Our communities are diverse, and our solutions must reflect that. Compromise allows us to craft policies that address the needs of all Virginians, respecting our unique challenges while building on our shared values. By coming together, we can ensure that every voice is heard and every need is met, leading to stronger, more resilient communities across our state.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

IBEW, Newtown Action Alliance, Del. Sam Rasoul, SMART Union

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

As a candidate running for Congress in rural Virginia, I understand the deep-seated values of integrity and accountability that define our community. Financial transparency and government accountability aren't just buzzwords—they are fundamental to restoring trust between the people and their representatives.

I believe that every taxpayer has a right to know how their hard-earned money is being spent. This means pushing for clear, accessible financial reports from government agencies and ensuring that there are strict penalties for those who mismanage public funds. Transparency also involves open communication about how decisions are made and the impact they will have on our rural communities.

Moreover, I am committed to supporting legislation that strengthens oversight mechanisms and reduces bureaucratic red tape, making it easier for citizens to hold their government accountable. In Washington, I will advocate for policies that enhance transparency in government spending and increase accountability to ensure that every dollar is used efficiently and effectively to benefit our district.

Our rural communities deserve representatives who not only talk the talk but walk the walk when it comes to financial integrity. I promise to be a champion for these values and work tirelessly to ensure that our government operates with the highest level of transparency and accountability.

Campaign website

Mitchell’s campaign website stated the following:

Ken’s Assumptions and Commitments

Trickle-down economics has failed America. Decades of tax policies favoring the wealthy and large corporations have not resulted in the promised shared prosperity...

Ask our neighbors in the Sixth District who live at or below the Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE) level. On average, forty-four percent of our neighbors work – often multiple jobs – but do not have savings or make a consistent living wage. They live paycheck to paycheck and one unexpected medical bill or car repair away from financial catastrophe. See the complete Alice report for Virginia at unitedforalice.org/virginia.

Economic insecurity endangers democracy. When people live under constant stress, they have no time to engage in civic life...

Sustained stress pushes people into hypervigilance, including looking for “an enemy” to fight, even if that enemy is their neighbor. They are also vulnerable to following leaders who promise to fix everything. To save democracy, we must rebuild economic security and a sense of belonging for everyone in our communities.

We must reinvest in the common good. Functional communities are essential for individual well-being and democracy...

The mental health crisis in our country is caused by an excessive emphasis on going it alone. We must rekindle an ethos of mutual care, compassion, and common sense shared problem-solving for individual and collective benefit. Democratic governance is how we pool our resources and collaborate to lift everyone.

We are facing an unprecedented attack on a fundamental building block of our democracy. The courts and some elected leaders are treading on our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...

Congress must act to codify the right of every citizen to control their reproductive planning and make medically sound decisions with their healthcare providers. We must also act immediately to protect the rights and dignity of every member of our community, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation. The government does not belong in our bedrooms or our medical appointments.[3]

—Ken Mitchell’s campaign website (2024)[4]