Boswell Talks Local Needs, School Funding, and Common-Sense Politics in Delegate Campaign

Shane Boswell, a Democratic candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates in District 31, recently reflected on his campaign, his experiences on the trail, and the key issues motivating his run for office.

District 31 includes parts of Frederick, Warren, and Clarke counties. Boswell, a combat veteran, infrastructure consultant, and father of three, says his campaign has been shaped by face-to-face conversations with thousands of voters and a deep desire to better understand the needs of rural Virginians.

“I’ve had about 5,000 to 6,000 conversations,” Boswell said. “I carry a foam-core board everywhere that says, ‘Hey Richmond, we care about…’ and people write down what matters to them on sticky notes.” From county fairs to school board meetings, he’s heard about struggles with access to healthcare, teacher pay, aging infrastructure, and local control over development.

One encounter that stuck with him involved a couple forced to separate so one spouse could keep their home while the other qualified for Medicaid. “That’s not a situation I’ve lived through,” Boswell said, “but I’ve met folks who are. And I believe we need a legislature that listens to these real stories and brings practical solutions.”

Focus on Public Schools and Infrastructure

Boswell is especially focused on public school funding, arguing that schools in all three counties are stretched thin, dealing with outdated buildings and aging equipment.

“Some of these schools are 50 years old and still using 50-year-old systems,” Boswell said. “Maintenance teams are keeping things running by manufacturing parts themselves. That’s incredible—but also a sign we need investment.”

Frederick County, one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, has experienced growing pains that Boswell says need to be addressed with better planning and more infrastructure funding. He emphasized that deferring maintenance on schools, roads, and parks is short-sighted and costly in the long run.

Boswell also highlighted a growing gap in teacher and law enforcement pay, noting that employees in the Shenandoah Valley often leave for better-paying jobs in Northern Virginia. “We’re training the workforce they hire away,” he said. “If we want to retain teachers and deputies, we need to offer competitive wages.”

A Return to Trade Skills and Practical Education

As the father of a son working in industrial manufacturing, Boswell is a strong advocate for vocational training in high schools. “We need to make sure kids graduate with options—not just the option of taking out $60,000 in student loans,” he said. Whether it’s a forklift certification or experience in an auto shop, Boswell believes trade education helps build a stable workforce and gives young people reasons to stay local.

He stressed that college isn’t the only path to success. “We’ve pushed college for so long that we’ve left behind kids who learn by doing,” Boswell said. “Trade programs like the new lineman school opening locally are steps in the right direction.”

Local Control on Data Centers and Development

Boswell also addressed one of the region’s more hot-button issues—data centers and their impact on communities. While not opposed to development, Boswell criticized Governor Glenn Youngkin’s veto of HB1601, which would have required large-scale energy users to disclose potential impacts on water use, traffic, pollution, and power demand.

“That bill wasn’t anti-data center—it was pro-transparency,” Boswell explained. “Our supervisors need all the information to make informed decisions. If we take away that data, we’re tying their hands.”

He added that the needs and values of Warren, Clarke, and Frederick counties differ from those of Loudoun and Fairfax counties. “Local control is key. We should be empowering local leaders with more data, not less.”

Common Ground and a Service-Oriented Campaign

Throughout the conversation, Boswell returned to a theme of collaboration over division. While acknowledging that District 31 leans Republican, Boswell said he sees potential to reach voters across party lines.

“I’m not running on slogans. I’m running on service,” he said. “I’ve pledged 10% of my campaign donations to food banks and shelters right here at home. I want people to see that I’m serious about giving back.”

He believes that many issues—school funding, infrastructure, healthcare access—aren’t partisan. “When we sit down with neighbors, we find common ground. That’s where real solutions start.”

Boswell also praised Delegate Delores Oates for her work in expanding trade programs, but noted policy differences, especially regarding transparency and local authority.

Election Day Approaches

With just days left before Election Day on November 5, Boswell is making his final rounds—knocking on doors, attending local events, and continuing conversations.

He encouraged everyone eligible to vote. “Even if you missed the registration deadline, you can still vote provisionally,” he reminded. “The system is designed to help you participate.”

Despite the long hours and “shoe leather” work, Boswell said it’s worth it. “When you’re out at the gazebo on a fall afternoon, talking with folks at Spooky Saturday, it reminds you—this is what community feels like. And that’s what I want to serve.”

To find out more about Shane Boswell, visit his website: https://www.shaneboswell.com/