Ericka Kopp

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Ericka Kopp completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kopp's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading-bio-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m a healthcare lawyer and a caregiver for a disabled combat veteran. I’m a first-generation American, college student, and the first lawyer ever in my family. I played hockey for 19 years and know how to drop the gloves. In Congress, I will fight for the rights of my community here in Virginia’s first district. It’s not about left or right; it’s about right and wrong. And what’s happening now is simply wrong. I will not stand for the continued degradation of our rights, institutions, and our nation. I am about people over partisan politics and defending democracy over accepting a fascist oligarchy. I have already taken an oath to defend the Constitution. I do this in practice already and will continue to do so at the congressional level for We the People.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading-key-message-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Access to healthcare. The US is the only developed nation without universal healthcare. If we undo the tax breaks for billionaires and appropriately tax both them and the corporations they own, we can make that happen.</li><li>Veterans issues. Veterans put their lives on the line to serve this country. We need to reduce the senseless barriers to accessing veterans benefits. As a congressional established agency, Congress can, and must, act to address the critical staffing shortages at VA.</li><li>Federally codifying rights. Never before has it been more important the fact that federal law acts as a floor when it comes to minimum rights. We can work together to protect people by enacting into law a woman’s right to make decisions about her own healthcare and same-sex marriage.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading1-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHealthcare, veterans, civil rights\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading2-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAs a biracial, Hispanic, and bi woman, I look up to strong leaders, typically leaders of color, from all of these communities. This includes Charlotte Ray, the first Black female lawyer in the US. It also includes Marsha P. Johnson, one of the most prominent activists for LGBTQ+ rights. Finally, I’m inspired by the many strong female leaders currently representing their districts in the House, like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jasmine Crockett, and Melanie Stansbury, to name a few.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading3-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIntegrity, honesty, and simply being a good person.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading4-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tListening to the voices of the people, acting on the voices of the people, as opposed to special interests or the interests of donors.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading5-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI would like to leave a legacy of stepping up at a time my community wanted change and bringing about that change.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading6-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEasily, the first historical event I remember was 9/11. I was 9 years old at the time, in Miss Barbee’s fourth grade class at Longan Elementary School. My sister picked me up from school in the middle of the morning. I had no idea what was happening. We went home, and when we got there, I asked her what was going on. She said I needed to watch the television. I remember watching the news coverage of the planes hitting the towers and not comprehending exactly what I was seeing.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading7-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy very first job was as a grocery store bagger at Ukrop’s. I worked there for about two and a half years, from the middle of high school through to the start of college. That job taught me a lot about people, the importance of having empathy, and the value of hard work. I received internal promotions, first to cashier and later to floral associate, and stayed on through the company’s merger with Martin’s.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading8-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe US House has the ability to be a diverse representation of the people of the United States of America. With two-year terms, it’s the shortest of any federally-elected official and has the potential to change as the needs and will of the people change.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading9-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIt may be helpful to have prior experience in government, but I do not believe it’s a requirement. What is more important to me is the quality of the character of the people elected to represent their districts. Representatives can learn what they need to about the job on the job, but they can’t learn how to be a good person on the job if they aren’t already.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading10-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe destruction to the economy, international relations, the climate, and American government as a whole. It will take time and effort to recover from the widespread effects this president has caused.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading11-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo, I don’t believe two years is the right term length. With how competitive House races can be, the constant need to campaign, dark money influence into elections, and how long it can take to see through priorities, I think a four-year term would be appropriate. I’m not running to be re-elected; I’m running to get things done for as long as the people will have me.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading12-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI don’t know that a term limit is the right solution. Nevertheless, I believe that there should be an upper age limit. The 119th Congress is the third oldest in history, it’s time for the elder generations to pass the baton. If young people are the future, we need more of us in Congress to lead us into our collective futures.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading13-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tJasmine Crockett. She’s intelligent, also a lawyer, and quick witted. She fiercely advocates for the people without fear of retribution. It seems to me like she has a strong moral compass and the people of her district are her true north.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading14-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe people in my district aren’t just afraid and sad, they’re mad. They’re distraught at the widespread harm this administration has inflicted upon them. The most impactful story was a woman who, because of federal budget cuts, her entire department at her job was eliminated. She worked in public health and, since she was laid off, she hadn’t been able to find a job in her field. She went into this field to help people, but because of the politicization of science and health, she couldn’t. <br/><br/>\n<p>Another was from a longtime friend. He is married to an immigrant. His brother is disabled and receives Medicaid. He’s devastated because his brother could very well lose everything because of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” There’s nothing beautiful about a billionaire benefiting from a bill that destroys the only means of life some people in this country. There’s nothing beautiful about the greatest upward transfer of wealth in American history. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nThese are the voices not being heard by our current representative. These are the people who supposedly have representation but matter less to our representative than billionaires.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading15-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tCompromise is necessary, unless and until that compromise is at the expense of rights of the people. I will not compromise when it comes to the rights of any member of my community.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading16-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOne of my priorities is to work on legislation to ensure that the ultra wealthy and corporations pay their fair share. This would necessarily require the constitutional power of the House.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading17-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe strongly in accountability. Every federal official who has committed an impeachable offense must be held accountable. Because accountability begins with transparency, and due to the lack of transparency currently, the House would need to investigate federal officials for impeachable offenses.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading18-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIf I have learned anything, it’s that entities intended to self-regulate simply don’t because no one is there to ensure compliance with the rules. We need baseline, nationwide, common-sense regulations regarding AI as well as the use of data centers for AI purposes.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-357009-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading19-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-357009-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-357009-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-357009-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI support strengthening the independence of the FEC. I would enact regulations that prevent any president from attempting to assert control over the sanctity of our elections.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nEricka Kopp completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kopp's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I’m a healthcare lawyer and a caregiver for a disabled combat veteran. I’m a first-generation American, college student, and the first lawyer ever in my family. I played hockey for 19 years and know how to drop the gloves. In Congress, I will fight for the rights of my community here in Virginia’s first district. It’s not about left or right; it’s about right and wrong. And what’s happening now is simply wrong. I will not stand for the continued degradation of our rights, institutions, and our nation. I am about people over partisan politics and defending democracy over accepting a fascist oligarchy. I have already taken an oath to defend the Constitution. I do this in practice already and will continue to do so at the congressional level for We the People. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Access to healthcare. The US is the only developed nation without universal healthcare. If we undo the tax breaks for billionaires and appropriately tax both them and the corporations they own, we can make that happen. Veterans issues. Veterans put their lives on the line to serve this country. We need to reduce the senseless barriers to accessing veterans benefits. As a congressional established agency, Congress can, and must, act to address the critical staffing shortages at VA. Federally codifying rights. Never before has it been more important the fact that federal law acts as a floor when it comes to minimum rights. We can work together to protect people by enacting into law a woman’s right to make decisions about her own healthcare and same-sex marriage. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Healthcare, veterans, civil rights Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? As a biracial, Hispanic, and bi woman, I look up to strong leaders, typically leaders of color, from all of these communities. This includes Charlotte Ray, the first Black female lawyer in the US. It also includes Marsha P. Johnson, one of the most prominent activists for LGBTQ+ rights. Finally, I’m inspired by the many strong female leaders currently representing their districts in the House, like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jasmine Crockett, and Melanie Stansbury, to name a few. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Integrity, honesty, and simply being a good person. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Listening to the voices of the people, acting on the voices of the people, as opposed to special interests or the interests of donors. What legacy would you like to leave? I would like to leave a legacy of stepping up at a time my community wanted change and bringing about that change. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? Easily, the first historical event I remember was 9/11. I was 9 years old at the time, in Miss Barbee’s fourth grade class at Longan Elementary School. My sister picked me up from school in the middle of the morning. I had no idea what was happening. We went home, and when we got there, I asked her what was going on. She said I needed to watch the television. I remember watching the news coverage of the planes hitting the towers and not comprehending exactly what I was seeing. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? My very first job was as a grocery store bagger at Ukrop’s. I worked there for about two and a half years, from the middle of high school through to the start of college. That job taught me a lot about people, the importance of having empathy, and the value of hard work. I received internal promotions, first to cashier and later to floral associate, and stayed on through the company’s merger with Martin’s. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? The US House has the ability to be a diverse representation of the people of the United States of America. With two-year terms, it’s the shortest of any federally-elected official and has the potential to change as the needs and will of the people change. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? It may be helpful to have prior experience in government, but I do not believe it’s a requirement. What is more important to me is the quality of the character of the people elected to represent their districts. Representatives can learn what they need to about the job on the job, but they can’t learn how to be a good person on the job if they aren’t already. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? The destruction to the economy, international relations, the climate, and American government as a whole. It will take time and effort to recover from the widespread effects this president has caused. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? No, I don’t believe two years is the right term length. With how competitive House races can be, the constant need to campaign, dark money influence into elections, and how long it can take to see through priorities, I think a four-year term would be appropriate. I’m not running to be re-elected; I’m running to get things done for as long as the people will have me. What are your thoughts on term limits? I don’t know that a term limit is the right solution. Nevertheless, I believe that there should be an upper age limit. The 119th Congress is the third oldest in history, it’s time for the elder generations to pass the baton. If young people are the future, we need more of us in Congress to lead us into our collective futures. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Jasmine Crockett. She’s intelligent, also a lawyer, and quick witted. She fiercely advocates for the people without fear of retribution. It seems to me like she has a strong moral compass and the people of her district are her true north. Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? The people in my district aren’t just afraid and sad, they’re mad. They’re distraught at the widespread harm this administration has inflicted upon them. The most impactful story was a woman who, because of federal budget cuts, her entire department at her job was eliminated. She worked in public health and, since she was laid off, she hadn’t been able to find a job in her field. She went into this field to help people, but because of the politicization of science and health, she couldn’t. Another was from a longtime friend. He is married to an immigrant. His brother is disabled and receives Medicaid. He’s devastated because his brother could very well lose everything because of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” There’s nothing beautiful about a billionaire benefiting from a bill that destroys the only means of life some people in this country. There’s nothing beautiful about the greatest upward transfer of wealth in American history. These are the voices not being heard by our current representative. These are the people who supposedly have representation but matter less to our representative than billionaires. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Compromise is necessary, unless and until that compromise is at the expense of rights of the people. I will not compromise when it comes to the rights of any member of my community. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? One of my priorities is to work on legislation to ensure that the ultra wealthy and corporations pay their fair share. This would necessarily require the constitutional power of the House. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? I believe strongly in accountability. Every federal official who has committed an impeachable offense must be held accountable. Because accountability begins with transparency, and due to the lack of transparency currently, the House would need to investigate federal officials for impeachable offenses. What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence? If I have learned anything, it’s that entities intended to self-regulate simply don’t because no one is there to ensure compliance with the rules. We need baseline, nationwide, common-sense regulations regarding AI as well as the use of data centers for AI purposes. What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States? I support strengthening the independence of the FEC. I would enact regulations that prevent any president from attempting to assert control over the sanctity of our elections.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]