GOP Challenger In 36th District Is Running To Hold Northam Administration Accountable

RESTON, VA — Matthew Lang He's also the Republican challenger seeking to unseat Democratic Del. Kenneth Plum in the 36th District race for the Virginia House of Delegates.

During the Nov. 2 general election, voters living in the 36th District, which covers Reston and parts of Fairfax County, will have a chance to decide whether Lang or Plum will represent them in the next session of the Virginia General Assembly.

Patch asked each of the candidates running in the Nov. 2 general election to fill out the following profile:

Name

Matt Lang

Position sought

Delegate for the 36th District

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Married to Patty Lang and I have three children.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No, I am the first to enter into politics

Education

I have a Masters of Science, in Security Management from Denver University.

Occupation

Security Consultant, 28 years of experience between the military, law enforcement and private security.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Why are you seeking elective office?

Historically, I had confidence in the checks and balances of Virginia government. However, what we've witnessed over the past 2.5 years in Virginia Should make anyone upset. One party governments are not sustainable, and without negotiation and debate, you have authoritarianism, and that's what's happened in the last few sessions of the General Assembly.

After seeing that there are many districts that went uncontested in past elections, that didn't sit well with me. It was not because the incumbents were doing a good job, but rather that they were in areas leaned towards their party affiliation. Rather than representing everyone, we find Delegates that only champion their own causes, neglecting and unanswering those who don't share their point of view.

Education and public safety are the most pressing issues facing our district and this is what I intend to do about them.

As a father of a child in public schools and a former law enforcement officer, I tend to focus on education and public safety. Without a solid education and investment in our children, we set them up for failure in the future. Students should be challenged, encouraged and engaged. The past years, we've seen a degradation in performance, most recently during the COVID shutdowns, which affects are still being echoed. Poor performance in SOL testing, failing grades, weak curriculums, our children deserve better. From a public safety perspective, and it's true throughout the world, without order, there's chaos. We've watched Virginia's crime rise exponentially over the past few years, while watching thousands of officers and deputies, statewide, leave the job. This is a direct effect of the legislation and lack of support from house majority legislators from the special session in August 2020 onwards.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am not an entrenched incumbent, stating that I'm a "known entity." I have served my country and community, in the military and Sheriff's offices of Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. My experience as a law enforcement officer gives me a unique understanding of how law enforcement and the community interact with one another. In addition, my current role as an International Security Consultant, working for foreign aid and development allows me to observe and be part of a variety of organizations, and bring that experience to Virginia.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Ken, along with the other Democrats in Richmond, has failed the community by not holding the Northam Administration accountable for its failures. He hasn't held the parole board accountable for letting out murderers and rapists. He hasn't held the Virginia Employment Commission accountable for failing thousands of Virginians during their most vulnerable time.

Ken doesn't hold his party accountable. We need someone that will hold agencies that are supposed to work for us accountable. All that I've ever asked of anyone that I've worked or served with is to be responsible and accountable for my and their actions. I have not seen that from the incumbent. With the failings of the current administration, and fallout of recent changes in policy and law, he, nor anyone in his party is accepting responsibility. I'm more than happy to discuss this further

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

As a person who loves the outdoors and open spaces, Northern Virginia poses challenges. However, living in Reston, and western Fairfax County as a whole, I will advocate to preserve our green spaces and protect woodlands, golf courses, and other areas of environmental concern. Growth and development are important, but we need to protect and preserve our open spaces for future generations, and be smart about development.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My entire professional career, since I was 17 year old Marine, to now as a Security Consultant as been about protecting and serving others, especially those who aren't able to protect themselves. I've spent a great deal of my career traveling overseas, on a variety of projects. I have learned multiple cultures and languages and continue to learn every day.

I'm as comfortable in a room full of ambassadors and ministers as I am at a Gendarme outpost in the desert. I've been fortunate to see and do many things and working in the General Assembly will be another new experience, though one that I am prepared for.

I have carried the sword and shield as a protector, now I will use my voice to speak for those who are not heard.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

In the beginning of my campaign, I met a current Virginia Senator at an event. I asked "What advice would you give a new candidate?" The answer was simple. "Keep it simple, don't complicate yourself. Every representatives job should focus on three things for their constituents. You must work to make their lives; Easier, Better and Safer. If you aren't doing that, or your challenger fails to that, that's where you focus"

It was definitely wisdom that was gained not only from politics, but in past experience, and has served me well on this campaign.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I've often been told that my honesty and directness is my greatest strength as well as weakness. I speak and work with everyone I meet, and though we may not agree on some positions or policies, I assure you, when you need me, I'll be there. My integrity is without question, and I will work, day in and day out, to improve the lives of others, whether in Virginia or overseas.

Related:

Candidate Profile: Kenneth Plum For VA House Of Delegates