As we are headed into a busy field of Democratic Primary Statewide Candidates, we caught up with Dr. Babur Lateef during his busy schedule for an exclusive interview on his campaign to share with our readers.
What makes you uniquely qualified for this position?
As the only candidate currently with a job and a small business owner, I am deeply committed to the economic development of our Commonwealth. In Prince William County, we’ve been able to increase education investment by the county government every year I’ve been on the school board while keeping taxes relatively low, even reducing taxes this year.
We are the only county in the Commonwealth who has increased education dollars this year while lowering the tax burden on our residents. Our graduating seniors, across all demographics, are heading off to college with scholarships that have increased from $20 million to $130 million over the last 4 years. I have worked to make University of Virginia nurses pay one of the highest in the nation. Alongside nurses’ pay, I have worked to increase teacher’s pay. We’ve done this by bringing in a strong economic development effort into Prince William County, and it’s paid off with great dividends.
As a small business owner myself, I understand first hand the pressures facing Virginia’s business community. I also know the unique challenges confronting our federal workers and contractors — a reality that is personal for me, as my wife is a proud federal contractor as a research scientist with the National Institute for Health alongside her medical work as a pediatric neurologist. I have lived the struggles of uncertain contracts, fluctuating budgets, and the critical need for stable, supportive policy.
What is your vision for Virginia?
My vision for Virginia is a better future for all Virginians to thrive. I will be working for access to affordable housing, access to high quality education, balancing the impact of data centers on energy grids and the environment alongside addressing other needs Virginians face daily. As your next Lieutenant Governor, I will be a fierce advocate for Virginia’s businesses and entrepreneurs. I will work tirelessly to support the backbone of our economy: our entrepreneurs, our workers, and our federal workforce. Defending and empowering our federal employees and contractors will be one of my top priorities, ensuring they receive the respect, resources, and stability they deserve.
What do you love about our City?
I love eating out in the City at one of the many restaurants that the City is known for. In addition, my work took me to the Fairfax Surgical Center – one of the best surgical centers in Northern Virginia.
About Dr. Babur Lateef
Dr. Babur Lateef is a dedicated public servant, entrepreneur, and physician. As Chair of the Prince William County School Board, he has led the second-largest school division in Virginia with a focus on academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. Under his leadership, the school division has seen consistent increases in educational investment without burdening taxpayers — a rare achievement statewide.
In addition to his public service, Dr. Lateef runs a successful small business in the medical field, giving him a unique perspective on the intersection of healthcare, business, and government. He understands the real-world implications of policy decisions and is committed to pragmatic, solutions-oriented leadership.
Dr. Babur Lateef and his wife live in Prince William County and have raised 4 children. A lifelong Virginian, Dr. Lateef is deeply invested in building a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous future for all who call the Commonwealth home. As Lieutenant Governor, he will bring experience, compassion, and a results-driven mindset to Richmond.
You can learn more about Dr. Babur Lateef’s campaign for Lt. Governor at his website, www.LateefForVA.com.
Author
Tania Hossain is the editor, publisher, and co-owner of The Independent News Press, a consortium of local print and online newspapers in Virginia. She focuses on writing about community issues and advocates for local newspapers, both print and online, especially in the age of Ai from selfie filters to betting on military strikes. A Merrifield resident, she is a keen backyard gardener, loves forest bathing and a curious biohacker, believing that proactive health keeps one out of the costly illness industry. Inspired by Oprah Winfrey's O Magazine launch, she feels fortunate to be running this newspaper.
