Randolph-Macon College’s Less Heralded Congressional Candidate Puts Education Atop Agenda

Dr. Jack Trammell of Randolph-Macon College, an associate professor of sociology, is an expert on disability issues in higher education.Virginia’s seventh district congressional race already is one for the history books. Few outside the district would have guessed that the incumbent, Eric Cantor, House majority leader, could be toppled from the post he had held since 2001. Yet Cantor lost the Republican primary to the previously little-known Dr. David Brat, professor of economics and business at Randolph-Macon College. In another twist, Brat will run against a colleague from the college, Dr. Jack Trammell. Diverse spoke with Trammell, an associate professor of sociology and the Democratic nominee, about his decision to run for Congress and his commitment to higher education.

Q: When and why did you decide to run?

A: I thought about it during the previous cycle but couldn’t commit. This January and February, I began to think about it again, and some began to encourage me. In May, things accelerated, and I wasn’t nominated until right before the primary.

Q: Was it a surprise to learn that you will be up against a colleague in the race?

A: Yes, and no. As the whole world now knows, my colleague, Dave, was perceived by some as an underdog before the primary upset. So, like the rest of the world, I was surprised. But I probably wasn’t as surprised as most, because I knew there was discontent in the district and that Dave was working very hard. I had mentally prepared myself to face whoever came out of the process.

Q: While at Randolph-Macon, was your relationship with Brat collegial and friendly?

A: Absolutely. We are blessed with a close-knit family at R-MC, and, although like all faculties we can seriously debate issues that come up, we generally know each other fairly well and respect each other.