Meet Heidi
Democrat Heidi Drauschak is a small business owner, non-profit leader, and new mom who has dedicated her career to putting power back into the hands of regular people by fighting corruption in government. In every capacity of her life, Heidi has always been someone who takes action – moving quickly and boldly to get the job done.
Heidi was born and raised in the Philadelphia suburbs. Her parents were (and are) small business owners and her mother is a German immigrant, who came to this country as a young adult. Heidi went to college at American University in Washington, D.C., where she worked in the Obama White House and experienced firsthand the power of government to change people’s lives for the better. After graduating, she worked in federal politics until she moved to Virginia to attend the University of Richmond, where she graduated with her law degree and MBA.
Heidi has worked with multiple nonprofits — including one she founded — to fight government corruption, reform Virginia’s campaign finance laws, and give everyday people access to the legislative process. Now she’s ready to take that fight to the halls of the Virginia State Senate!
Heidi and her husband, Sam, live in Springfield with their two dogs, cat, and son, Atlas (born April 2023). Heidi and Sam are equal partners both at home and in the consultancy they run together to help small businesses reach their full potential.
Why I’m Running
I spent the last five years advocating for campaign finance reforms here in Virginia and I kept hearing the phrases “too much,” “too soon,” and “too fast.” I quickly realized that it’s not just campaign finance reforms that were being watered down or killed in our state legislature. It was also bills on workers’ rights, gun safety, environmental issues, criminal justice reform and women’s reproductive rights. What is happening in our legislature has unfortunately become more and more divorced from the wants and needs of everyday people.
2023 is the first year that Virginia is running with new maps since completing the redistricting process. I am running for State Senate to be a new voice for the new 35th District, who will honor the will of the voters who elected me.
I believe you deserve representatives that represent and listen to YOU, not corporate interests, or lobbyists. I believe I can be that representative. I’ve seen firsthand how corporate and special interests have made it difficult for residents of this district to afford their electric bills, struggle to pay for prescription drugs, lack access to affordable child care (or the paid time off to care for loved ones), or find affordable housing. I’ll make it my job to find solutions to these problems and work with others in the legislature to enact real change.
Every other sector of society has evolved over the last several decades, but our government continues to work in the same outdated fashion it did one hundred years ago. I believe there is merit to the way our government has been designed, but it’s time to introduce 21st century technologies and innovation to make the government better. I plan to utilize technology and data on the local level (like CitizenLab, LiquidFeedback, OpenGov, etc.) that can help me understand and work for you throughout the entire legislative process - sharing real feedback on outcomes so that you can feel the positive impact of your government. Our state government shouldn’t remain a ‘black box’ for most Virginians. I will make sure that our community can understand and engage in a meaningful way with your government.
My Pledge to You
I believe in a transparent and fair democracy that seeks to represent and elevate ALL its citizens, regardless of race, gender, economic status, or zip code. I am a woman of action and if I say I’m going to do something, I’ll work tirelessly until it’s done. To that end, I promise to:
Reject corporate contributions and the influence of corporate lobbyists. Government is an open dialogue that all parties (including corporations) should be able to participate in, but not through campaign contributions or back-room dealings. Corporations should have to make their case, just like citizens - in public forums.
Work tirelessly to determine your wants and needs. I plan to do this via:
Regular Town Halls (both in person and virtually);
A robust website and digital tools that allow people to easily interact with me and my staff; and
The newest digital polling and engagement tools.
Once I’ve determined those wants and needs, I promise to:
Work with other legislators to find solutions to those problems, regardless of party or politics;
Address those needs first, rather than those of corporations or lobbyists.
And then I promise to translate my actions into practical information that can be delivered back to you:
So you understand what’s happening at the state Capitol;
How to get involved;
And how to take advantage of the changes we’re making in the Commonwealth.
