Luke Priddy is a young Democratic candidate with the energy, experience, and passion to deliver policies that will improve people's lives, protect their rights and advance their interests. This region needs someone who will carry on John Edwards' legacy in the Senate of Virginia, and with five years of experience working under his wing, that person is Luke.
Luke W. Priddy, born January 4, 1992 in Roanoke, Virginia, is the son of Dr. John W. Priddy, MD and Crystal Lei Sahaydak Priddy. He and his husband Gem Czar Geolina Indino live in Historic Old Southwest in the City of Roanoke.
Priddy, 31, is Chief of Staff to State Senator John S. Edwards, D-Roanoke, a position he has served in for the past five years. He attended, Cave Spring Elementary School, Hidden Valley Middle School, Hidden Valley High School, and Virginia Western Community College before obtaining a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Government from the University of Virginia.
During his undergraduate studies, Priddy interned for U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner in Washington, D.C. and the Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Transportation where he was awarded Outstanding Intern at the National Press Club by the Federal Highway Administration's Director of the Office of Civil Rights.
On November 8, 2022, Luke Priddy was elected to serve an unexpired term on Roanoke City Council from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024. There, Luke serves as Chair of the Legislative Committee and works in coordination with the city attorney and the city's legislative liaison to advance and promote the interests of the city and its school system.
Throughout his personal life and professional career, Luke has continuously shown up for the people of the Roanoke and New River Valleys, remains dedicated to making informed decision through community engagement, and fighting to protect human rights .
A word of gratitude to Senator Edwards for all of the service that he's had in the General Assembly representing the Roanoke and New River Valleys and working to improve people's lives.
I have thoroughly enjoyed learning under him over the last five years. From capturing the moment in 2017 that he stepped off inaugural return of passenger rail, to reviewing applications for the expansion of the Court of Appeals, and combating attempts by the current administration to roll back the progress of policies implemented in 2020 and 2021. I’m grateful for the opportunities he has given me to grow under his guidance.
Senator Edwards has served as a mentor to me for so many years. While I understand that he had to make a difficult decision not to seek re-election this November, I very much expect him to continue to be a mentor in my life and I hope to be successful so that he'll continue to have input in this district for years to come.
Professional Background
Chief of Staff, State Senator John S. Edwards (2018 -Present)
Paralegal, Glenn Robinson Cathey Memmer & Skaff PLC (2017 - 2018)
Political Coordinator, NCC Media (2016)
Grants Policy Analyst, U.S. Department of Transportation (2014)
Intern, U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (2013)
Educational Background
Cave Spring Elementary School
Hidden Valley Middle School
Hidden Valley High School
B. A., American Government and Politics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
Emerging Leaders Program, Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
Council Assignments
Chair, Legislative Committee
Member, Personnel Committee
Member, Audit Committee
Alternate Elected Official representative, Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
Alternate Elected Official representative, Roanoke Valley Area Transportation Planning Organization
Elected Official representative, Virginia Municipal League, General Laws Policy Committee
Elected Official representative, Virginia Municipal League, Legislative Committee
Civic & Volunteer Activities
Member, Equality Virginia Advocates Board of Directors
Former Chair, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Former Chair, Roanoke City Democratic Committee
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