Capitol Hill internships deepen University of Richmond senior’s commitment to public service
Completing an internship on Capitol Hill is quite an experience. Completing two in one summer — one with a Democratic congressman, one with a Republican congressman — is an extraordinary experience. Just ask CJ Blastos.
A senior majoring in leadership studies and political science, Blastos said his interest in securing a congressional internship grew out of his commitment to public service. “I want to give back to something greater than myself,” he said. “I want to work where the service is direct and the responsibilities are real.”
To that end, he cast a wide net.
“I applied to 88 offices across the House and Senate,” the senior said. “Then I followed up by going to D.C. and knocking on office doors, dressed in a suit, resume and business cards at the ready.”
Ultimately, he landed an internship with U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, a Democrat who represents California’s 19th Congressional District, which includes Blastos’ hometown of San Jose. He had met Panetta in June 2025 when Blastos received the U.S. Congressional Award Gold Medal for completing hundreds of hours of public service, personal development, and physical fitness.
The Jepson School of Leadership Studies awarded Blastos a Burrus Fellowship, part of the Richmond Guarantee, to support his credit-bearing Jepson internship with Panetta’s office from May 27–June 26.
“One of my assignments was to steelman pieces of legislation I vehemently disagreed with — basically build the most robust argument possible in support of the legislation,” Blastos said. “Doing so helps you understand your own thought process better and shows the team you can think about things that do not comport with your own views. I also worked on affirmative bill recommendations, vote tracking, social media posts, and constituent tours.”
A political science internship last semester in the office of Del. Thomas Garrett, a Republican representing the 56th District in the Virginia General Assembly, proved instrumental in connecting the senior to his second congressional internship. Garrett, who previously served a term in Congress with U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, a Republican representing Arizona's 5th Congressional District, recommended the Spider to Biggs. Blastos interned with Biggs from June 29–Aug. 14.
“I analyzed a lot of government accountability reports for Biggs’ office and created a 20-bill co-sponsorship project comprising 35 pages of political science minutia,” he said. “It was very rewarding and difficult work.
“Both congressmen’s offices were highly professional and committed to serving their constituents,” Blastos continued. “Getting both the Democrat and Republican perspectives was important to me to understand Congress as an institution. You have to give concessions to gain consensus.”
The senior gets a lot of practice weighing diverse views at the University of Richmond. As a McDowell Institute Student Fellow, he regularly reads and discusses a range of ideological perspectives with other fellows, faculty, and guest speakers. As president of the Richmond College Student Government Association, he said he has a responsibility to serve all students fairly, not just those who agree with him.
Ultimately, Blastos hopes to parlay his internship and on-campus experiences into a future in public service.
“My heart resides with public service,” he said. “For me, political office is a form of stewardship — it’s about respect for the Constitution, institutional restraint, and placing the common good above political ambitions.”
