This week, we invited the candidates running for local office in the Nov. 5 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.
Below is the unedited response from Jerry Torres, who is running for House of Representatives – 8th District as a Republican.
I’ve been honored to have the opportunity in this election to run as Northern Virginia’s Republican candidate for congressional district 8. I am seeking to represent Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax in the United States House on behalf of all Virginians — Republican and Democrat alike.
I am committed to bringing positive change to our community and addressing the issues that matter the most to you and your family. A top issue I would like to address is the economic insecurity that many Americans are facing. Prices have surged over the last several years, but wages haven’t kept pace. That is especially true for public servants — such as police, firefighters and federal workers. If elected, I will fight to raise wages especially for those holding these jobs.
A second issue I’ve spoken much about during my campaign is safety in our region. Over the last several years, violent crime has risen in Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax by 200-300%. (That includes categories such as carjacking, assault, sexual assault, rape, and murder.) Police have had their hands tied even as transnational gangs — such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua — move in and make the situation worse. My opponent, Rep. Don Beyer, has turned a blind eye to these issues, and he supports some of the local prosecutors who played a big role in making all of this happen.
If we do not take action on the safety issue soon, crime will continue to spiral, and life in our region is never going to be the same. We are sleepwalking into a problem that will make us look permanently more like Venezuela than the Virginia we knew even five years ago.
Throughout my career, I have been deeply involved in community service. I served as a Green Beret in countries throughout South America and Africa before serving in combat in Afghanistan. That experience gave me the tools to form Torres AES, a defense contractor through which I have created more than 8,000 jobs around the world — including in Northern Virginia.
I am passionate about advocating on behalf of those who may not always have a seat at the table. I believe that every citizen deserves a voice, and that your concerns should be the driving force behind every decision made. My journey has been rooted in values that prioritize integrity, hard work, and accountability. In every endeavor, I have consistently worked to build trust, bring people together, and seek out solutions that benefit the greater good. These values will continue to guide my work if you choose me as your representative.
I ask for your vote not just because I want to be your representative, but because I believe that together we can accomplish great things. I am ready to bring fresh ideas, a commitment to service, and a strong work ethic to this role. With your support, I will work every day to make our community a better place for all. Thank you for considering me as your congressman, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve you.
If you’d like to learn more about my campaign, please visit TorresUSCongress.com.
