At 19, Cameran Drew won a seat on the Surry County Board of Supervisors, narrowly defeating his civics teacher and mentor, Kenneth Bell. Drew credited Bell's guidance for preparing him to run, while Bell praised the young candidate and defended him against age-based criticism. The unofficial tally showed a razor-thin margin — 345 to 337, an eight-vote difference (about 1.2%). Both men emphasized respect and civility throughout the race.
19-Year-Old Unseats His Mentor in Razor-Thin Surry County Board Race
At 19, Cameran Drew won a seat on the Surry County Board of Supervisors, narrowly defeating his civics teacher and mentor, Kenneth Bell. Drew credited Bell's guidance for preparing him to run, while Bell praised the young candidate and defended him against age-based criticism. The unofficial tally showed a razor-thin margin — 345 to 337, an eight-vote difference (about 1.2%). Both men emphasized respect and civility throughout the race.
06:35 AM, 11/15/2025Politics
Surry County, Virginia — A surprising upset
At just 19 years old, Cameran Drew of Surry County staged a remarkable bid for local office, defeating his civics teacher and mentor, Kenneth Bell, for a seat on the Surry County Board of Supervisors.
"I wanted this job because I knew I could serve the people," Drew told CBS News. "I knew I could be an advocate for the youth and be an advocate for our county." He credits much of his confidence and preparation to Bell, who teaches civics at Surry County High School.
"He would have been formidable against any opponent against whom he would have run," Bell told CBS News, praising Drew's potential. "Yes, he's young, but he's really invested in trying to make a difference."
There was an unusual twist to the race: Drew faced the interim incumbent — his own mentor, Kenneth Bell — who had been serving since this summer after the previous supervisor resigned. Despite the personal connection, both men said the campaign remained respectful.
"Because he was very receptive," Drew said of Bell. "We were both respectful about it, so it was never an awkward moment." Bell, for his part, defended Drew against critics who questioned his age, calling the young candidate "invested" and praising his courage to run.
When the unofficial results were tallied, Drew led by a razor-thin margin: 345 votes to 337, an eight-vote difference — roughly 1.2 percent. Bell conceded graciously, telling his former student, "Congratulations, and I'm so proud of you. And I love you." Drew said he was "lost for words" at Bell's graciousness.
Why this matters
The close result highlights how every vote counts in local elections and underscores growing youth engagement in civic life. The contest also illustrates the possibility of civil, respectful competition even when personal relationships are at stake.
Source: CBS News (unofficial state election results)