A recent local election in Virginia was surprising not only because of its outcome but because of its unusual civility.
In Surrey County, Virginia, a 19-year-old had the courage and audacity to run against the incumbent Conservative for a seat on the Surry County Board of Supervisors.
But there was a catch: He would need to campaign against his beloved high school civics teacher, Kenneth Bell, who currently held the seat.
But unlike the vitriol and bad vibes that seem to surround today’s politics, this race was destined to create positivity instead. (Watch the Steve Hartman interviews below…)
Cameran Drew called Mr. Bell his favorite teacher and Bell described Drew as a “wonderful young man.”
Cameran credits his 44-year-old teacher for helping to prepare him for his leap into politics.
And, in a refreshing political twist, Mr. Bell often defended his opponent’s age on the campaign trail, rather than resort to easy attacks.
“Yes, he’s young, but he’s really invested in trying to make a difference,” Bell said.
Although he just graduated from Surry County High School in 2024, Cameran started a motivational speaker business (Prez Productions), and a charitable mentorship program called the Produce Your Future Foundation, according to the Smithfield Times.
He wanted the Board of Supervisors job because he believed he could help people. He especially hoped to advocate for the youth in Surry County—and his campaign featured many direct-to-camera appeals touting his government goals on Instagram.
The race was neck-in-neck until the very end.
When the campaigning ceased and the polls closed in the southeastern county, Cameran won by just 10 votes.
By the slimmest of margins, youth had overcome experience and the protege had become the teacher.
Although it was incredibly close, it was a solid victory for goodwill: Mr. Bell conceded, offering messages of congratulations, pride, and love.
“He would have been formidable against any opponent against whom he would have run,” Bell told CBS News.
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“I’m just lost for words because of the fact he’s been so gracious,” the new Supervisor said.
If only that same spirit could become airborne and travel 150 miles north to Washington, D.C.
(Watch the CBS episode below…)
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