RAPPAHANNOCK CO., Va. (WSET)--- Leslie Cockburn, democratic candidate for the 5th district congressional seat, has lived in Rappahannock county for nearly 20 years. Cockburn is a mother, wife, farmer and a former investigative journalist.

"To treat refugees like criminals.. they are not criminals," Cockburn said. She added that Virginia's agriculture industry thrives because of the hard work of immigrants. She says the U.S. should welcome immigrants and that the nation desperately needs them.

"We need education and free services so that women can control their own lives," she said.

Cockburn also said she doesn't support President Donald Trump and his policies.

"He doesn't have much respect for the institutions of this country and for the fundamentals of our democracy," said Cockburn. " I think we have someone in the oval office who really doesn't know what he's doing."

The democratic candidate says she loves the 5th district and wants to make it better.

"Being able to take action on capital hill and join others who really see how critical it is right now to change what's going on up there.. I can't think of anything more important to do right now," she added.