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Krystle Kaul

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This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Krystle Kaul
Image of Krystle Kaul

Democratic Party

Elections and appointments
Last election

June 18, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

American University, 2006

Graduate

Brown University, 2013

Personal
Birthplace
Manhasset, N.Y.
Religion
Hindu
Profession
Small business owner
Contact

Campaign website

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Personal Facebook

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Krystle Kaul (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Virginia's 10th Congressional District. She lost in the Democratic primary on June 18, 2024.

Kaul completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Krystle Kaul was born in Manhasset, New York. Kaul's professional experience includes working as a small business owner. She has worked with the U.S. government as a defense and intelligence expert. Kaul earned bachelor's degree from American University in 2006, a graduate degree from Johns Hopkins University, and a graduate degree from Brown University in 2013.[1]

Kaul has been affiliated with the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce.[1]

Elections

2024

See also: Virginia's 10th Congressional District election, 2024

Virginia's 10th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 18 Democratic primary)

Virginia's 10th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 18 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Virginia District 10

Suhas Subramanyam defeated Mike Clancy in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 10 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Suhas Subramanyam
Suhas Subramanyam (D)
 
52.1
 
215,131
Image of Mike Clancy
Mike Clancy (R)
 
47.5
 
196,343
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.4
 
1,538

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 413,012
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 10

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 10 on June 18, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Suhas Subramanyam
Suhas Subramanyam
 
30.4
 
13,504
Image of Dan Helmer
Dan Helmer
 
26.6
 
11,784
Image of Atif Qarni
Atif Qarni
 
10.7
 
4,768
Image of Eileen Filler-Corn
Eileen Filler-Corn
 
9.3
 
4,131
Image of Jennifer Boysko
Jennifer Boysko
 
9.0
 
4,016
Image of David Reid
David Reid Candidate Connection
 
3.2
 
1,419
Image of Michelle Maldonado
Michelle Maldonado Candidate Connection
 
3.2
 
1,412
Image of Adrian Pokharel
Adrian Pokharel Candidate Connection
 
2.3
 
1,028
Image of Krystle Kaul
Krystle Kaul Candidate Connection
 
2.2
 
982
Image of Travis Nembhard
Travis Nembhard Candidate Connection
 
1.6
 
722
Image of Marion Devoe
Marion Devoe Candidate Connection
 
0.9
 
386
Image of Mark Leighton
Mark Leighton Candidate Connection
 
0.5
 
224

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 44,376
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Virginia District 10

Mike Clancy defeated Aliscia Andrews, Alexander Isaac, and Manga Anantatmula in the Republican primary for U.S. House Virginia District 10 on June 18, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Mike Clancy
Mike Clancy
 
64.2
 
17,434
Image of Aliscia Andrews
Aliscia Andrews
 
21.5
 
5,832
Image of Alexander Isaac
Alexander Isaac
 
9.4
 
2,544
Image of Manga Anantatmula
Manga Anantatmula
 
4.9
 
1,327

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 27,137
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Kaul in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia
Released January 16, 2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Krystle Kaul completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kaul's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I'm Krystle Kaul. I'm not a politician, I'm a defense tech small business owner, a teacher, a defense contractor and a former senior defense official. I'm running for Congress because I believe our district deserves someone who has the energy, experience and courage to confront the challenges we face, head-on. I'm a minority woman entrepreneur, a second-generation, Indian American, a defense contractor and someone who has spent their career protecting our country. I have lived many of the challenges our country and Northern Virginia families face. As your next congresswoman, I will fight to ensure the same opportunities that enabled my immigrant grandparents to achieve their American dream remain accessible to all. I will fight for the small business owners fueling our local economy. I will fight for livable wages for our families. And, I will always fight against any legislation that attacks our freedoms or enemies that threaten our way of life.
  • As a Defense and Intelligence professional, I've seen the devastating impact of weapons on the frontlines of our fight against extremism. This expertise informs my conviction that firearms must not be easily obtainable in our communities. The scourge of gun violence claims innumerable lives nationwide, a clear signal that change is imperative. I champion common sense gun safety legislation, with a focus on universal background checks, red flag laws, and stringent control of ghost guns and high-capacity magazines. Such measures are crucial to stem the tide of violence ravaging our country daily. My stance is unwavering: We must enact these vital regulations to safeguard our neighborhoods, loved ones, and the very fabric of our society.
  • Championing Women's Reproductive Freedoms: Having worked with UN Women Middle East HQ, I am passionately dedicated to protecting reproductive rights. The revocation of Roe v. Wade represents a significant setback in women's autonomy and access to healthcare. I advocate for the codification of Roe to ensure that the right to choose and access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare remains protected. This mission is not just about safeguarding a woman's right to choose; it's about affirming the principles of equality and dignity that should guide our healthcare policies. My resolve is deeply personal, rooted in a global understanding of women's rights and the urgent need to defend those rights at home.
  • Standing against Republican extremism: As MAGA ideologies resurface, threatening the very core of our nation, it's imperative to have a leader ready to face this challenge. I am that leader. My resignation from the Department of Defense under the Trump administration was a stand for our soldiers' safety and a stand against domestic extremism. That decision was a continuation of my life's work: combating threats to our security from all around the globe. Now, as these radical forces gain momentum, my history of unwavering opposition to such ideologies is the assurance you need. I have stood firm against dangers to our democratic values before, and I am prepared to do so again with relentless dedication and principled action.
In addition to my key messages, I am deeply committed to creating climate policies that promote sustainable practices and clean energy initiatives, ensuring that healthcare becomes a fundamental right, and upholding our seniors' trust by safeguarding Social Security and Medicare. My campaign takes a comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing our district and our nation. It's about more than just individual policies; it's about weaving together all of these issues-- community safety, protection of women's rights, economic growth, and ensuring a sustainable future--into a cohesive vision that benefits everyone in VA-10 and beyond.
I look up to Mahatma Gandhi, a man who sacrificed everything for his country. He promoted civil disobedience and nonviolence to overthrow the most powerful empire in the world and helped to create the largest democracy on the planet, India.
I would recommend Michelle Obama's 'The Light We Carry,' because it intertwines her powerful personal narratives with broader societal themes, making it a poignant reflection on political philosophy.

It champions empathy, resilience, community engagement, diversity, personal responsibility, and ethical leadership. These principles advocate for an inclusive, forward-looking political ethos that emphasizes the importance of every individual's contribution to societal well-being.

The book transcends personal memoir to inspire a commitment to compassion, civic duty, and the pursuit of common good, encapsulating a vision for inspiring positive change through collective action and moral courage.
Integrity, empathy, and a strong commitment to public service are paramount. My diverse background—from working in the Department of Defense to founding a small business here in Virginia—has instilled in me the importance of these values. Elected officials must prioritize the well-being of their constituents above all else, leveraging their positions to create positive change within their communities and beyond.
I am extremely genuine, empathetic, determined and focused. I deeply care about people and I make sure I commit to fulfilling my promises.
The core responsibilities include listening to the concerns of all constituents, advocating for policies that promote the general welfare, and ensuring the effective and efficient use of public resources. Drawing from my experience, I understand the significance of accessibility and responsiveness in addressing the needs of our diverse community in VA-10.
I would like to break the gridlock in Congress and use my moderate voice to find real solutions and make a powerful difference in the lives of Virginians. I want to use empathy and compassion to help make a difference in the lives of my constituents.
I vividly remember the genocide of the Kashmiri pandits when I was 5 years old in 1989. This deeply impacted me as I watched my family in Kashmir lose their home, possessions and their dreams.
Little Switzerland Dolls when I was 15 and where I was a store keeper for a small minority woman owned business who sold antique dolls.
My favorite book is “In The Time of the Butterflies” which is a great book about the power of women in politics.
I would want to be Wonder Woman who inspired me as a child to never let any obstacle get in my way.
The last song stuck in my head is “In My Mind.”
I have struggled with getting my voice heard as a woman of color. I often have to work harder and be the very best in my field to get my ideas to be recognized.
The U.S. House of Representatives is truly distinct in its operational proximity to the American people, embodying the pulse of the nation's diverse citizenry.

Its members serve shorter terms than those in the Senate, which encourages a closer alignment with evolving public sentiment and ensures a quick response to emerging issues. This dynamic structure enables the House to reflect the nation's shifting demographics and values, thereby nurturing a vibrant and representative democracy.

Furthermore, the House has the exclusive authority to initiate revenue bills, positioning it as a direct instrument of the people's will in federal fiscal matters, and maintaining a critical role in shaping the nation's budgetary priorities.

This capacity for rapid adaptation, coupled with its foundational role in legislative creation, distinguishes the House as an essential body within the American political system, steering the country's legislative direction with a keen eye on present and future needs.
Certainly, there is some merit in having prior government or political experience. However, I bring a different kind of strength to the table—a robust career dedicated to defending our nation's security. My nearly 20 years in defense and intelligence have ingrained in me a strategic mindset and an unwavering commitment to public service. As a small business owner, I understand the practical challenges that people face and the importance of economic growth and innovation.

This blend of national service and entrepreneurship means I'm not a career politician — I'm someone who has actively contributed to the safety and prosperity of our country, and I'm ready to apply that expertise to legislative solutions that advance the interests of our citizens and our nation as a whole.
Cybersecurity and Strategic Competition The digitization of our critical infrastructure presents significant vulnerabilities to cyberattacks, which could disrupt essential services and compromise national security. Our defense against such threats must be proactive and involve bolstering cyber defenses and fostering international partnerships to deter state-sponsored cyber incidents. Additionally, navigating the strategic competition with China demands a nuanced strategy that addresses trade tensions, intellectual property concerns, and military posturing, while also seeking avenues for responsible competition and collaboration​​.

Economic Stability: Trade, Technology, and Energy Security Economic stability is tightly linked to our international relations, particularly with China, where trade and technology disputes have become central issues. Ensuring a fair and reciprocal trade relationship is essential for economic stability. Furthermore, securing our energy supply is increasingly important, as highlighted by Europe's energy crisis post-Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We need to protect our energy infrastructure from cyber threats and invest in renewable sources to reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets​​.

Climate Change: A Geopolitical and Environmental Imperative Climate change is a pressing geopolitical risk with the power to destabilize nations and exacerbate resource conflicts. The U.S. must lead global efforts to mitigate climate risks, which include more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and increasing poverty. Our actions should reflect a commitment to the Paris Agreement, and we must invest in renewable energy, as evidenced by the recent boost from the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act. Recognizing the intersection of climate policy with national security, energy dependence, and economic resilience is crucial​​.
The two-year term for House representatives, while brief, encourages a dynamic link between elected officials and the electorate, demanding constant communication and responsiveness to current public demands. It ensures that representatives cannot stray far from the will of their constituents without facing electoral consequences. However, this short cycle can also place representatives in a relentless pursuit of re-election, possibly at the expense of long-term legislative planning and stability. Balancing these perspectives, I believe that while two-year terms foster accountability, we must also explore how to alleviate the pressures of constant campaigning to allow representatives to focus on enacting meaningful, long-term policies.
I believe that while term limits have the potential to bring about positive change, they are not a cure-all for the challenges faced by our political system. True reform in politics may require a combination of measures, including campaign finance reform, efforts to end gerrymandering, and perhaps even changes to the primary election process to encourage greater moderation and cooperation among our elected officials.

As a candidate for Congress, I would approach the issue of term limits with careful consideration of both the benefits and the potential unintended consequences, seeking to find a balance that maximizes democratic accountability, preserves institutional knowledge, and ensures effective governance.
I find Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton to be an exemplary figure in the realm of political leadership, embodying the very essence of dedication and transformative impact I aspire to bring to Virginia's 10th district.

Wexton's remarkable achievements, such as her relentless pursuit to secure $1.8 million in federal funding to combat homelessness, her bipartisan efforts through the Divided Families National Registry Act, and her advocacy for middle-class families via tax relief legislation, deeply resonate with the core of my political and personal beliefs.

Her unwavering commitment to not just legislating but genuinely improving the lives of her constituents through practical, compassionate measures is a beacon of hope and a path I yearn to follow.

The thought of her departure from Congress is not just a loss for VA-10 but a call to action for leaders like me to step up and continue the vital work of making our community—and indeed, our nation—a better, more inclusive place for all. Wexton's legacy is a testament to the power of dedicated public service, and it's a legacy I aim to honor and build upon.
I recently participated in a women’s veteran event and I heard an anecdote from a woman who did not receive her VA benefits and had to give up custody of her child to her unsafe ex husband because she could not provide housing for the child. This story broke my heart and made me realize how much better we need to do in Congress.
My favorite joke is a woman talking about dating and how as she approaches 40 she is crossing things off the list of requirements of a man such as reading. It is a good reminder to never lower your standards under any circumstance.
Compromise is indeed the cornerstone of policymaking, reflecting the multifaceted nature of our democracy. My experiences have reinforced that the ability to negotiate and reconcile differing views is not merely desirable but a requirement for legislative progress.

In practice, this means creating policies that incorporate diverse viewpoints and address a wide array of needs, ultimately leading to solutions that are both effective and sustainable. Effective governance hinges on the capacity to engage in respectful dialogue, to understand opposing perspectives, and to craft policy that serves the broader public interest, not just the interests of a few.

This collaborative approach is critical for navigating the complexities of domestic and international issues alike, ensuring that legislation is not only passed but also embraced and effective once implemented.
If elected, the constitutional mandate that all revenue-raising bills must originate in the House would be central to my legislative priorities. This role gives the House a significant say in fiscal policy and tax laws, which are crucial levers for addressing issues like economic inequality and funding essential services.

I would use this power to advocate for a fair and balanced tax system that does not disproportionately burden the middle class but instead demands a fair contribution from all sectors, ensuring that our nation's financial resources are used to promote the general welfare, improve infrastructure, and invest in the future of our communities.

This responsibility would be a cornerstone of my efforts to create a more equitable and prosperous society.
The House's investigative powers are a critical tool for oversight and ensuring the integrity of government operations. They should be used responsibly to scrutinize allegations of misconduct, inefficiency, or waste within government agencies and the private sector where it intersects with public interests. Such inquiries are vital for maintaining transparency and trust in our institutions. They should transcend partisanship, aiming instead to reinforce the rule of law and democratic accountability.

My approach would be to ensure that investigations are thorough, evidence-based, and focused on substantive issues that matter to the American people, such as safeguarding civil liberties, ensuring the proper use of taxpayer dollars, and reinforcing the nation's security.
1. Kuldip Thusu--Dinuba City Councilman, Former Mayor of Dinuba
2. Shehjar Magazine
Given my background, I am particularly interested in serving on committees related to national security, small business, and science, space, and technology. These align with my expertise and passion for creating a secure, economically vibrant, and technologically advanced society.

Considering my background in defense and intelligence, I would aim to serve on the House Armed Services Committee, specifically on the Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems Subcommittee, which focuses on cybersecurity and emerging technologies—areas critical for national defense. My expertise would also be well-suited to the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, which oversees nuclear weapons and missile defense.

For foreign affairs and global economic stability, a position on the House Foreign Affairs Committee would be invaluable, particularly on subcommittees that tackle issues related to terrorism, nonproliferation, and trade.

Given my dedication to economic growth and support for small businesses, I would also seek a role on the Committee on Small Business.
Additionally, my commitment to championing women's health and reproductive rights would draw me toward committees and associated health subcommittees that address these vital issues, ensuring women's healthcare is supported and accessible.

These committee roles would leverage my expertise to effectively address the challenges and policy areas I am passionate about.
Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable. My commitment to these principles is mirrored in my business practices and would be a cornerstone of my tenure. Public officials should be held to the highest standards of integrity, ensuring that every decision and financial transaction is open to scrutiny.

Note: 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.

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Krystle Kaul campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* U.S. House Virginia District 10Lost primary$1,119,275 $1,119,275
Grand total$1,119,275 $1,119,275
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

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    Footnotes

    1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 5, 2024


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