Hermie Sadler, a former NASCAR driver and wrestling promoter and entrepreneur from Emporia, has made his entrance into politics by seeking the Republican nomination in Virginia‘s newly created 17th state Senate District.
Sadler, 53, whose family has owned businesses in Emporia for decades, currently operates two convenience stores in the area, plus a racetrack-themed restaurant, and a truck stop. He officially kicked off his campaign in front of 250 guests at his Fo Sho Bar and Grille on Wednesday evening.
“We can‘t let this opportunity pass by to have more focus and attention put on areas in and around Southside Virginia, because in my view this area has been underrepresented in the Senate for way too long,” Sadler said in an interview with Cardinal News.
Sadler said that since Wednesday‘s announcement, his campaign has already raised more than $125,000. He will be facing a nomination contest against Del. Emily Brewer, R-Suffolk, who announced her bid in January.
If elected, Sadler said he wants to primarily focus on inflation and its impact on small businesses in the district. “Because I operate multiple businesses and I deal with a lot of farmers and construction companies, I know that they are dealing with rising costs and inflation,” he said.
Sadler is also an advocate for special needs children, because his 24-year-old daughter Halie is on the autism spectrum. “Because of our daughter we understand the challenges families have with special needs kids in our district, and we saw first hand the struggle to get the right services and the missing opportunities for special needs children as they become adults,” he said.
— Cardinal News —
