Republican member of the Virginia House of Delegates Hillary Pugh Kent ‘03 returned to RMC last week to do what others had done for her years ago: inspire the next generation of political science students. Kent visited Professor Rich Meagher’s class as part of their State and Local Government Speaker Series.“Anytime I ever get the opportunity to talk to students, people who are in my shoes, I say yes because I’m hopefully paying it forward for the people who did that for me,” she said.

Elected to the House of Delegates in 2024, Kent now serves the 67th district, working on legislation impacting that region. The district covers part of Caroline County as well as King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties. 

Kent shared her journey from a seventh grader who wanted to be a political science major to a valued member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Once she came to Randolph-Macon to study her passion, she got hands-on experience working first with Congressman Eric Cantor (R) and then with her delegate in the General Assembly. After graduation, she made the pivotal decision to defer her master’s when given a shot as a campaign manager in the House of Delegates. Taking this position was a crucial step toward her current role because she gained exposure by running the campaign for the position she holds now. After completing her master’s and then working at Anheuser-Busch for five years, Kent returned to campaign management and eventually decided to put her own name on the ballot. 

Her decision to run did not come without its difficulties. Some doubted she could raise $50,000 in five days for her campaign or balance her job with raising her three young boys. To show her children that they can do hard things, Kent said she did not back away from a challenge, “I’m going in full force, and I will run as hard as I can run.”

Although the Republican party did not gain back control of either chamber, she won that race. As a delegate, Kent loves the direct connection she has with people and the impact of working with policies at the state level. She uses her interest in politics and public service drive to benefit the community. Through setting an example for her sons and jumping at every opportunity to speak to students, she motivates others to have that same drive and passion. 

What stood out to Nic Stammer ‘27 was how Kent analyzes unintended consequences of policies. “She painted a picture of one petal of a big flower, and you have to be careful when you’re handling that flower, otherwise it could just wilt away and fall apart,” Stammer said. Taking certain actions can affect her district and other districts, and it is important to be aware of consequences that impact the bigger picture.

Betsy Morgan ‘29 was also inspired by, and resonated with Kent’s desire to help people. She loved that the core of her message was not only about doing the hard things but “wanting to make her district better for the people that live there.” Applying Kent’s wisdom to her own life, Morgan said, “I have to keep trying, keep learning and growing, and understand that if an opportunity comes to not be afraid to just jump and take it.”

Professor Meagher sees Delegate Kent’s visit, and those of the other speakers in the series, as evidence of students’ access to state politics. “She’s risen to a position of prominence in the state, and I think it says a lot of good about what we do on our campus,” he said. “Also, [about] how easy it is to make connections with people in power in the state government.”

During her work with the Virginia House of Delegates, Kent has proven to herself, her family, and her community that great things are possible through finding what you love and pushing forward even when things are tough. “Do what you love, what you can get an A in, and what you want to study and the rest will come,” Kent said. “Then you’re doing something right just out of the gate.”