We did it! I’m still smiling.

Photo of Jannell C. Smith speaking to a gathering of supporters

Throughout the evening of April 24th, our space at Spence Crossing in Virginia Beach, Virginia filled with familiar faces and brand-new ones — people coming and going in waves, conversations overlapping, energy building from the moment the doors opened.

Dozens of you showed up — some for the full evening, some just long enough to say "I see you, I'm with you" — and every single one of you counted.

I don't take that lightly. I never will.

On April 24th, we officially launched my campaign for Virginia Beach City School Board, District 10, and my campaign staff and I have been riding the energy of that room ever since! I want to take a moment to come back here, in this space, and say thank you the way it deserves to be said.

Photo of crowd of Jannell C. Smith supporters at event

**You Showed Up. Really Showed Up.**

I opened that evening by telling you: I see you. And I meant every word of it.

Because I know what it costs to show up. Your time is not cheap. Your Friday night is not free. And the fact that so many of you chose to spend it in that room: friends, family, neighbors, fellow parents, teachers, veterans, Gold Star families, even community members who'd never met me before but came anyway — that is not something I will ever take for granted.

Some of you traveled. Some of you got a babysitter. Some of you came straight from work still in your work clothes and I love you for that.

Whatever it took to get you there — thank you! From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Photo of Jannell C. Smith engaging with supporters

That Room Reminded Me Exactly Why I'm Running.

When I stood up to speak that night, I wanted to be honest with you about who I am, not the version that fits neatly on a palm card, but the real one.

I am a mental health professional who has worked inside Virginia Beach City Public Schools. I've been in those hallways. I've put in time with those kids. I see what our students are carrying every single day — the stress, the gaps, the moments where a child needed something and it just... wasn't there. And I see our teachers and staff doing incredible, tireless work under incredible pressure, for pay that does not match the weight of what they do.

That is not an abstract story to me. That was my Tuesday morning.

I'm also a mother of three whose kids go to school right here in this district and in this city. I know what it feels like when the system works for your child, and I know exactly how it feels when it doesn't.

And I am a Navy veteran and a proud member of a Gold Star Family. When I say I will fight for our military families and their children, I am not reading from a platform. I am speaking from my life.

That's who I am. And that room on April 24th reminded me that the people of District 10 are ready for someone who will show up as their full self — and fight like it.

👉🏾 Want to relive the night? Browse and download the full photo gallery here.

What I’m Fighting For.

In case you missed it — or you just want to hear it again — here's what I'm bringing to the Virginia Beach City School Board:

Every child deserves a high-quality public education. I will be a loud, consistent advocate for every dollar that supports it — especially right now, as federal cuts continue to fall on the backs of our kids.

Our teachers and staff deserve real pay. Not just "we appreciate you" energy — actual, meaningful pay increases so the people educating our children can afford to live in the city they serve.

Our military families deserve a champion who gets it. As a veteran and Gold Star spouse, I will bring the full weight of my personal experience to every decision that affects military kids and families in this district.

Our school board should look like Virginia Beach. All of Virginia Beach — students, parents, teachers, working families, the military community. Not just some of us.

And I will not be afraid to stand against dysfunction. Our kids don't have time for division. They need someone willing to do the work, find real solutions, and keep the focus where it belongs — on them.

This isn't a career pivot. It's the next chapter of a mission I've been on my whole life. I need a seat at the table. And with your partnership, I'm going to get there.

What's Next — And What I Need From You.

Here's where I want to be really real with you, the way I was that night:

November feels far away — but before we get there, I have a critical milestone. On June 20th, the Virginia Beach Democratic Party holds its caucus meeting for District 10. To earn the party's endorsement, we need Democrats across the district to know my name, know my story, and know why I'm the right person for this seat.

That means the next two months are everything. We need to be knocking on doors, making calls, and having real conversations with neighbors across District 10 — starting now.

That's what your partnership looks like right now. And I am asking for it directly:

💜 Volunteer with Jannell. — Give us your time. Even a few hours makes a real difference.

🚪 Knock a door.— Show up for a neighbor the way you showed up for me on April 24th.

💛 Invest in Jannell. — Campaigns run on resources, and every contribution moves us forward!

📣 Follow my campaign on social media and repost: Facebook | Instagram

Let's get to work!

Find Yourself in the Photos!

Our photographer captured so many beautiful moments from that night — the conversations, the laughter, the energy in that room that I never want to forget.

Browse the full gallery, find your favorites, and please download and share! I'd love to see you reposting on your own socials! Tag me when you do. 😉