Saving lives and practicing politics seems to be Dr. Cameron Webb’s specialty.
After winning two-thirds of the vote for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. House in Virginia this week, Webb is slated to go down in history as the first Black doctor to have a vote in Congress, Huffington Post reports.
According to The New York Times, Webb won the primary election on Tuesday and is expected to face Republican Bob Good in the fall to represent the Republican-leaning district. If he wins, he will become a full-fledged voting member of Congress.
“This is one of those moments where Virginia is standing up and speaking out, and we’re ready to go in a different direction — one focused on unity, inclusion and making sure everyone has opportunities to succeed,” Dr. Webb told The New York Times in a telephone interview.
Webb defeated three other Democrats for the nomination, according to HuffPost, and stands to be a fresh face for the rural district.
The 36-year-old doctor from Charlottesville has been in the midst of the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak. As someone who holds weight for the Black community, Webb could become an advocate for those underrepresented in the U.S. House.
“Now more than ever we need leadership to fix our health care system, and I realized there’s a role for me to play here,” Webb told HuffPost. “I say this all the time: This is the health care election, unlike any that I’ve seen before.”
This opportunity for Webb arrives at a time where America is experiencing two pandemics — COVID-19 and ongoing injustice at the hands of law enforcement — that he’s familiar with.
“You can’t pick your moments,” he said to The New York Times. “I’m glad to be in a spot where I can do some good.”
Webb’s resume is proof that he’s well-equipped to handle this upcoming position. Graduating with medical and law degrees from the University of Virginia, Webb previously worked on the White House Health Care Team.
He was also tapped by President Obama for the White House Fellowship program and his My Brother’s Keeper Initiative where he tackled issues in education, workforce development, and criminal justice reform, WSLS-TV reports.
Webb’s upcoming election could be a historical feat for many as the fight for overall equality in America continues.
“(My message is one) of inclusivity and a message of unity at a time when our nation sorely needs it and I’m excited to be in a position, and I’m humbled to have the opportunity to hopefully represent this district,” Webb told WSLS-TV.