Let’s get to work making the American Dream a reality.
Early in Ben’s childhood, his family was ripped apart by the opioid crisis. His father, like many blue-collar workers, got hurt on the job and became addicted to prescription pain killers. When those became too expensive, he started using heroin. Being raised by a single mother shaped Ben’s views on issues like paid family leave, childcare subsidies, and the challenges that working parents face balancing work and home.
These challenges drove Ben to build a better life for his family. He attended college at The George Washington University and then law school at the Howard University School of Law.
“During my sophomore year at GW, I had to take a leave of absence because, even working part time on campus, I could not afford to eat. I had to go back home to work while taking classes online so I could afford to try again next year.”
Benjamin grew up in Pittsfield, Massachusetts at a time when small towns still built things. His father was a mechanic and handyman and his mother worked various jobs including making plastic cassette tapes. His family had their fair share of tough times.
“One of my earliest memories is standing in line at the food pantry with my mother. But, like many working families, we picked ourselves up and kept going. Giving up was never an option.”
After graduation, Ben went to work for the federal government assisting in the aftermath of the Financial Crisis and the Great Recession. During his time with the federal government, he held various positions including as an attorney at the National Credit Union Administration and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Ben is currently an Associate at Buckley LLP. Along the way, Ben settled down in Stafford County, with his wife, Valerie. More family followed and currently live in Spotsylvania County.
“I am running for Virginia Senate because for too many, the American Dream feels like a broken promise. Despite a booming economy, it feels harder for workers to find a job that pays a living wage, for families to afford housing in the communities where they work, and for our kids to receive a first-rate education.”
