Crystal Chappell, Democratic candidate for State Senate District 6
Submitted by Crystal Chappell, Democratic candidate for State Senate District 6
I am running for State Senate for the same reasons that I chose to become a teacher, a union member, a community leader, and a mentor. I have always had a strong desire to serve and help to improve the lives of those around me.
As your senator, I will carry that same passion to enact positive change, enhance the lives of our citizens and enable a brighter tomorrow for future generations.
I was born into a family with three siblings. I was raised by a single mother. I understand the implications that come with that situation. More often than not, we felt the struggle of trying to make do with far too little. I have never forgotten where I came from and how blessed I’ve been to be where I am. My upbringing instilled in me the desire to help others just as I was helped during my youth.
My husband, Shad, and I married nearly 22 years ago. We both share a love for teaching. Shad teaches 8th grade science and I am a special education teacher. In these roles, we have been fortunate to mentor many students over the years, long after they leave our classrooms with many considering us their adopted parents.
As a dedicated educator, I believe that it is time for more teachers to be engaged in decision-making and legislation that directly impacts our public schools, our students, and our pensions. Frankfort could use more voices of reason.
I am an active member of the Kentucky Education Association, along with my husband. Both of our families share a strong union heritage. My Grandpa was a union cement finisher who helped to teach me the value of hard work through his example. My husband is a third generation union member and belongs to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local 1701. Protecting the rights and benefits of all workers will be among my top priorities as a legislator.
I have served as chair of the Muhlenberg County Democratic Executive Committee since 2012 and have been actively involved for much longer. Throughout my time on the committee, we have established a focus of giving back to the community through a variety of charities. We are also engaged in providing learning opportunities for our citizens to become more knowledgeable about issues and pending legislation that will impact our state and our nation.
In addition to the MCDEC, my husband and I have led the Muhlenberg County Young Democrats group for nearly two decades. Together, we have provided young people with unique chances to be immersed in community service and to be a part of many local, state, and national campaigns.
I am a member of the Kentucky Democratic Party’s State Central Executive Committee. I serve as one of the representatives from the 1st Congressional District. I also have the pleasure of serving on the Strategic Planning Committee and Grassroots Committee. During my time on the SCEC, I have been working across the 1st District and a portion of the 2nd District to assist county parties in restructuring, rebuilding, and/or reenergizing their members and volunteer base.
In late 2016, I decided to step up and further prepare myself to run for State Senate.
I applied for and was accepted into Emerge Kentucky. Emerge is a premier candidate training program that trains Democratic women to run for office and empowers them to pursue public office with a goal of changing the face of power, politics, and leadership in government that is responsive to all Kentuckians. I am a 2017 graduate of the Emerge KY program.
Last year, the National Education Association chose 28 candidates from across the nation to be trained in Dallas, Texas, at the “See Educators Run” Seminar. I was selected to train with an amazing group of teachers who shared a common desire of driving change in their communities by running for office.
Why am I running for State Senate? I want to leave a positive impact on our district and our state. I want our voices to be heard. I want a brighter future for the next generation. We need common sense in Frankfort. We need a government that works for all of us, not just those at the top. We need a place at the table.
Let’s go to Frankfort together and work to create a state that serves everyone and excludes no one. When we stand united, we can accomplish truly great things.
I would be very grateful for your vote and support.