Virginia Teen Triumphs Over Mentor in Local Board Election

Cameran Drew, a determined 19-year-old from Surry County, Virginia, has made headlines after winning a local board election. Last week, he successfully ran against his mentor, Kenneth Bell, for a seat on the Surry County Board of Supervisors.

Young Candidate Takes on the Establishment

Drew aimed to serve his community and advocate for the youth. He expressed his motivations saying, “I wanted this job because I knew I could serve the people.” Drew attributes his confidence and political aspirations to his civics teacher, Kenneth Bell, who described him as a “wonderful young man.”

Challenging a Mentor

The uniqueness of this election lies in the fact that Drew challenged his own mentor. Bell had taken the position as an interim supervisor after the previous supervisor resigned. Although they found themselves in opposition, both maintained a respectful relationship throughout the campaign.

“He was very receptive,” Drew noted, emphasizing the absence of awkwardness during the election process. Bell also defended Drew against concerns regarding his age, stating, “Yes, he’s young, but he’s really invested in trying to make a difference.”

Narrow Victory

The election results were remarkably close. Drew secured victory with 345 votes compared to Bell’s 337, resulting in a margin of just 1.2%. This narrow win underscores the significance of local elections and the importance of community engagement.

Mentor’s Gracious Concession

Following the results, Bell graciously conceded. He congratulated Drew, expressing pride in his former student’s achievement. “Congratulations, and I’m so proud of you,” Bell stated. Drew expressed his gratitude for Bell’s support throughout the process, saying, “I’m just lost for words because of the fact he’s been so gracious.”

Drew’s victory marks a new chapter in Surry County’s politics, showcasing the potential of young candidates to inspire change and engage with their communities.