Key Facts
Background
Myra Payne was raised in Tennessee on a farm until she graduated from high school. She began a career in healthcare soon after by volunteering with the Red Cross and working with local hospitals. Payne has multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Nursing Science in Adult Health Nursing, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Divinity. [1,2,4]
After receiving her nursing degree, Payne joined the Army Nurse Corps in 1984. She served in Iraq in the early 2000s, where she supervised nursing care before retiring in 2007. She participates in her community through advocacy on the United Way Committee on Diversity and through support of Historically Black Colleges. [1,2,4]
Key Issues
Economy
Payne wants to make sure all Virginians have a fair and livable wage. She wants to create access to affordable housing programs. [1,4]
Gun Rights
Payne describes fighting for responsible gun ownership as a top priority. She wants to increase requirements for lost or stolen firearms, as well as enforce a mandatory law on locks and safes. [1,4]
Healthcare
Payne wants to fight for healthcare reform to make healthcare more affordable. She wants to ensure all Virginians have access to health insurance. [1,2,4]
Reproductive Rights
Payne is pro-choice. She wants individuals to make their own decisions about abortion. [1,4]
Endorsements
Virginia Beach Democratic Committee; Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Sources
1 Myra Payne for Senate
2 WAVY
3 Facebook
4 Virginian-Pilot
5 Ballotpedia
6 VPAP