Dustin Wade

Dustin Wade (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Virginia House of Delegates to represent District 75. He lost in the Democratic primary on June 17, 2025.

Wade completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Dustin Wade was born in Hopewell, Virginia. He graduated from Prince George High School. He graduated from the Chesterfield Technical Center-School of Nursing in 2010 and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix in 2014. His career experience includes working as a nurse.^[1]

Elections

2025

General election

General election for Virginia House of Delegates District 75

Incumbent Carrie Coyner and Lindsey Dougherty are running in the general election for Virginia House of Delegates District 75 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
		Carrie Coyner (R)
		Lindsey Dougherty (D)

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 75

Lindsey Dougherty defeated Dustin Wade and Stephen Miller-Pitts Jr. in the Democratic primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 75 on June 17, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Lindsey Dougherty	45.0	2,410
		Dustin Wade	32.2	1,726
	Submit photo	Stephen Miller-Pitts Jr.	22.8	1,224

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,360
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Carrie Coyner advanced from the Republican primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 75.

Campaign finance

Endorsements

To view Wade's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. To send us an endorsement, click here.

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

Dustin Wade completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Wade's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Dustin Wade is a dedicated healthcare professional, small business owner, and lifelong advocate for vulnerable communities. Born in Hopewell and raised in House District 75, he understands the challenges and needs of the community firsthand. With over 18 years of experience as a licensed nurse, mental health professional, and disability rights advocate, he has spent his career fighting for better healthcare access, stronger social services, and policies that uplift working families. As the Director of Clinical Operations at Abraxas Home Care, he has helped expand critical services for individuals with disabilities, including community engagement programs that few providers offer.

Beyond his healthcare career, Dustin is a proud guardian of four children in public schools, giving him firsthand experience with the challenges families face in education. He knows the importance of quality schools, mental health resources, and safe communities. His advocacy has earned him the Disability Law Center of Virginia’s Disability Impact Award in 2023 and 2024.

Dustin is running for Virginia’s House District 75 to bring real solutions to Richmond—expanding healthcare, investing in education, and ensuring every Virginian has a fair shot at success. He is committed to building a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Expanding Healthcare Access & Mental Health Services – As a nurse and mental health professional, I know firsthand how critical it is to invest in healthcare. I will fight for expanded access to quality, affordable care, increased funding for mental health professionals, and improved services for our most vulnerable populations.
Investing in Education & Supporting Families – As the guardian of four children in public schools, I understand the challenges facing students, teachers, and parents. I will advocate for fully funded schools, increased resources for special education, and better support for teachers to ensure every child has a path to success.
Building Stronger Communities & Economic Opportunities – I am committed to uplifting working families by fighting for fair wages, job training programs, and economic policies that help small businesses grow. Our communities deserve safe neighborhoods, strong local infrastructure, and leadership that prioritizes the well-being of all residents.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about healthcare and mental health access, ensuring affordable care and expanding crisis response teams. As a guardian of four children, I advocate for fully funded public education and special education support. My work in disability rights drives my push for better home- and community-based services. I support economic growth by investing in small businesses, job training, and fair wages. I also prioritize public safety reforms, including specialized mental health response teams. My goal is to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities for all Virginians.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my mother more than anyone. She was a teen mother with a disability, raising a family with only an eighth-grade education, yet she never let her circumstances define her. She was a fighter—resilient, selfless, and determined to create a better life for her children despite the challenges she faced. She endured hardship, sacrifice, and personal struggles, yet she always put family first and never lost her kindness or strength.

Her example taught me the value of perseverance, compassion, and standing up for others. She instilled in me the belief that everyone deserves dignity and opportunity, no matter their circumstances. In everything I do—whether in healthcare, advocacy, or public service—I carry her lessons with me.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

If someone wants to understand my political philosophy, I would recommend "The Moral Compass" by William J. Bennett and "The Healing of America" by T.R. Reid. Both emphasize the importance of ethical leadership, compassion, and a commitment to improving the lives of all people.

Additionally, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" deeply influences my approach to justice, equality, and the responsibility of leaders to advocate for those who are marginalized.

For a more contemporary perspective, Michael Sandel’s "Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?" explores the balance between individual freedom, community responsibility, and fairness in governance—principles that align with my belief in ethical policymaking and public service.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official must embody integrity, accountability, and dedication to service. They should be honest and transparent, always putting the needs of their constituents above personal or political gain. Empathy and accessibility are crucial—leaders must listen to their community, understand their struggles, and advocate for real solutions. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills are essential for tackling complex issues, while collaboration and bipartisanship help create lasting, effective policies. Above all, an elected official should be committed to fairness, justice, and the well-being of all people, ensuring every voice is heard and represented.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of an elected official in the House of Delegates include representing the community by listening to constituents, understanding their concerns, and advocating for policies that improve their lives. Legislating thoughtfully is essential, ensuring that laws address key issues such as healthcare, education, public safety, and economic development while prioritizing the needs of the district. Ensuring government accountability is also critical, as elected officials must oversee budgets, policies, and state agencies to ensure tax dollars are used effectively. Advocacy for resources is another key responsibility, fighting for funding and programs that support local schools, healthcare services, small businesses, and infrastructure projects that strengthen the community. Building partnerships with local leaders, community organizations, and colleagues across party lines is vital for creating meaningful change. Ultimately, an elected official must lead with integrity, serve with dedication, and remain committed to the well-being of all constituents.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event I remember was the September 11, 2001 attacks. I was 15 years old at the time. I vividly recall the shock, confusion, and sadness that swept across the country as we watched the tragedy unfold. It was a moment that changed the world, shaping our sense of national security, foreign policy, and the way we came together as a country in the aftermath. That day reinforced for me the importance of resilience, community, and standing up for what is right in times of crisis.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was waiting tables at 15 with a worker’s permit. My great-grandmother took me to the interview, and I got the job on the spot. I worked all summer and through the school year, gaining firsthand experience in hard work, customer service, and responsibility. That job taught me the value of persistence, the importance of treating people with kindness, and the work ethic that has stayed with me throughout my career.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature should be one of collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to serving the people. While each branch has distinct roles, they must work together to create and implement policies that improve the lives of Virginians.

The governor should provide leadership and a vision for the state's future, while the legislature ensures that laws and budgets align with the needs of the people. Open communication and transparency between the executive and legislative branches are essential to avoid gridlock and ensure effective governance.

Bipartisanship is key—lawmakers and the governor may not always agree, but they should be willing to find common ground on critical issues like healthcare, education, and economic development. The best outcomes happen when both branches prioritize people over politics, ensuring government remains efficient, responsive, and accountable to those it serves.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Virginia faces several key challenges over the next decade that will require strong leadership and forward-thinking policies.

One of the most pressing issues is healthcare access and affordability. Rising costs, shortages of medical professionals, and gaps in mental health services continue to strain families and communities. Expanding Medicaid, increasing funding for mental health programs, and strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure will be critical.

Education and workforce development are also major concerns. Schools need more resources to support teachers, improve special education services, and prepare students for the evolving job market. Investing in vocational training, trade programs, and community colleges will help ensure a skilled workforce that meets future economic demands.

Economic stability and job growth must also be a priority. Small businesses need support, and Virginians need access to stable, well-paying jobs. Policies that encourage entrepreneurship, expand job training, and invest in infrastructure will help build a strong economy.

Additionally, public safety and crisis response require urgent attention. Law enforcement and first responders need better training and resources to handle mental health crises, and we must invest in community-based programs that prevent crime and promote public well-being.

Lastly, government accountability and transparency will be essential in ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used effectively and that citizens can trust their elected officials to act in their best interest.

Addressing these challenges with thoughtful, bipartisan solutions will be key to building a stronger Virginia for future generations.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

While previous experience in government or politics can be beneficial, it is not a requirement for effective leadership. What matters most is a deep understanding of the issues affecting constituents, a strong commitment to public service, and the ability to collaborate and advocate for meaningful change.

Experience in government can help legislators navigate the legislative process more efficiently, understand policy implications, and build relationships with key stakeholders. However, fresh perspectives from those outside the political establishment—such as healthcare professionals, educators, small business owners, and community advocates—bring real-world experience that can lead to practical, people-centered solutions.

As a nurse, I know that nurses are among the best advocates in the world. We are trained to listen, assess, and take decisive action to protect and care for those we serve. This skill set is invaluable in public office, where leadership requires understanding the needs of a diverse population and fighting for policies that improve lives. Whether experienced in government or new to politics, what truly matters is a commitment to serving the people with integrity, transparency, and a dedication to positive change.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, building relationships with other legislators is essential for effective governance. Strong relationships foster collaboration, compromise, and bipartisanship, which are necessary to pass meaningful legislation that benefits constituents.

Legislators who work well together can find common ground on key issues, even when they have differing political views. This is especially important when addressing complex challenges like healthcare, education, and economic development, which require input from multiple perspectives.

Additionally, good working relationships help navigate the legislative process more efficiently. Lawmakers who establish trust and mutual respect can negotiate better policies, advocate for shared priorities, and build coalitions that make lasting change possible.

As a nurse and advocate, I know firsthand that teamwork leads to better outcomes. The same principle applies in government—leaders who communicate and collaborate effectively can create policies that serve the people, not just political interests.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

One legislator I deeply admire and seek to model myself after is Delegate Danica Roem. She exemplifies resilience, dedication to community service, and a relentless focus on policy over politics. Her commitment to constituent-first leadership—working on issues like infrastructure, healthcare, and education—demonstrates what effective governance should look like.

I also draw inspiration from Senator Tim Kaine, whose approach to bipartisanship and advocacy for healthcare access, mental health services, and education aligns with my own priorities. His ability to work across party lines while staying true to his values is something I strive for.

Finally, I look up to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., not as a legislator but as a moral leader. His fight for justice, equality, and human dignity inspires my commitment to policies that uplift all people, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Right now, my focus is on serving the people of Virginia’s House District 75 and making a meaningful impact at the state level. I believe that state government plays a crucial role in shaping policies that directly affect healthcare, education, public safety, and economic opportunity for Virginians.

That said, my passion for advocacy and public service is long-term. If the opportunity arises in the future to expand my work and fight for these issues on a broader scale—whether in Congress or another leadership role—I would consider it. However, my priority will always be ensuring that the needs of my community come first and that I continue making a real difference where I am most needed.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

One of the most impactful stories I’ve heard comes from a mother in my district who has spent years struggling to access adequate mental health care for her child. Her son, who lives with severe autism and complex medical needs, has been repeatedly placed on months-long waitlists for essential services, leaving her to navigate an underfunded, overwhelmed system alone. She has fought tirelessly for in-home support, only to face bureaucratic red tape and policy gaps that fail families like hers.

Her story is a heartbreaking yet far too common reality for families across Virginia. It reinforced my commitment to expanding access to mental health services, increasing funding for direct support professionals, and reforming our Medicaid waiver system to ensure families don’t have to fight endlessly for the care they deserve.

Stories like hers remind me why I’m running—to be a voice for those who feel unheard and to push for policies that truly support our most vulnerable residents.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes, the legislature should have oversight of emergency powers to ensure they are used responsibly and in the best interest of the people. While governors need the ability to act swiftly in times of crisis—such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, or security threats—there must be checks and balances to prevent overreach or abuse of power.

The legislature should have a role in reviewing, approving, or limiting the scope and duration of emergency powers to ensure they remain necessary and effective. Transparency and accountability are key—decisions made under emergency powers should be data-driven, time-limited, and subject to legislative review.

A balanced approach allows for quick action in emergencies while ensuring long-term decisions reflect the will of the people through their elected representatives.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

The first bill I would introduce would focus on expanding access to in-home and community-based mental health services, particularly for individuals with disabilities, those on Medicaid waivers, and families struggling to find care. Too many Virginians face long waitlists, limited provider options, and gaps in crisis intervention, leaving them without the support they need.

This bill would:

Increase funding for Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS) to reduce wait times and ensure individuals receive care in the least restrictive setting.
Establish mobile mental health crisis teams to provide on-site intervention and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations or law enforcement involvement.
Expand reimbursement rates for direct support professionals (DSPs) and mental health workers to recruit and retain a stronger workforce, addressing the critical shortage of providers.
Evaluate and improve CSB (Community Services Board) coverage areas, ensuring that every district has adequate resources, staff, and funding to meet the needs of residents.

By prioritizing access, workforce development, crisis prevention, and CSB effectiveness, this bill would give more Virginians the care they need—where and when they need it.

What committees interest you?

I am particularly interested in serving on committees that align with my experience in healthcare, education, public safety, and economic development. These include:

1. Health, Welfare, and Institutions Committee – Given my background as a nurse and mental health professional, I am passionate about improving healthcare access, expanding mental health services, and ensuring strong support for individuals with disabilities.

2. Education Committee – As the guardian of four children in public schools, I understand the challenges families face. I want to advocate for fully funded schools, special education resources, and policies that support teachers and students.

3. Public Safety Committee– I strongly believe in crisis response reform, including expanding mobile mental health units and improving public safety strategies that protect all Virginians.

4. Appropriations Committee – Ensuring responsible budgeting and financial transparency is crucial. I want to prioritize funding for healthcare, education, and workforce development programs that benefit working families.

These committees reflect my commitment to health, education, safety, and economic opportunity—the foundations of a thriving community.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe financial transparency and government accountability are fundamental to maintaining public trust and ensuring that government serves the people, not special interests. Elected officials have a duty to be open about how taxpayer dollars are spent, ensuring that funds are used effectively and ethically to benefit the community.

I support policies that require clear, accessible reporting of government budgets, contracts, and expenditures so that citizens can see where their money is going. Regular audits and oversight mechanisms should be in place to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. Public officials must also be held accountable for their decisions, with strict ethical standards to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure they are working in the best interest of their constituents.

Additionally, I believe in strengthening whistleblower protections and expanding public access to government meetings and records, promoting a culture of honesty and integrity. Transparency isn’t just about numbers—it’s about ensuring that government remains accountable to the people it serves.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

A state ballot initiative process could be beneficial for Virginia, provided it is carefully structured to promote transparency, informed decision-making, and citizen engagement.

On the positive side, ballot initiatives can empower voters by allowing direct participation in democracy. They give citizens a clear voice on issues that legislators might be slow to address, fostering civic engagement and accountability. This process can be especially helpful on topics with broad public support, yet limited legislative action, like healthcare expansion, voting rights, or educational reforms.

However, there are valid concerns. Ballot initiatives can sometimes lead to oversimplification of complex policy matters, or become influenced by outside special-interest groups with substantial funding, potentially overshadowing local voters' interests. Poorly designed initiatives may create unintended consequences or fiscal challenges, as legislators are often better equipped with resources and expert analyses.

Overall, Virginia could benefit from ballot initiatives if implemented with clear rules around transparency, funding disclosures, public education, and adequate safeguards against misinformation. Such a process would complement legislative actions, promote direct democracy, and provide Virginians another pathway to shape policies directly impacting their communities.

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

Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets. That information will be published here once it is available.

External links

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Candidate

Virginia House of Delegates District 75

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 19, 2025

[show]

Current members of the Virginia House of Delegates

Leadership

Speaker of the House:Don Scott

Majority Leader:Charniele Herring

Minority Leader:Terry Kilgore

Representatives

District 1

Patrick Hope (D)

District 2

Adele McClure (D)

District 3

Alfonso Lopez (D)

District 4

Charniele Herring (D)

District 5

Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D)

District 6

R.C. Sullivan (D)

District 7

Karen Keys-Gamarra (D)

District 8

Irene Shin (D)

District 9

Karrie Delaney (D)

District 10

Dan Helmer (D)

District 11

David Bulova (D)

District 12

Holly Seibold (D)

District 13

Marcus Simon (D)

District 14

Vivian Watts (D)

District 15

Laura Jane Cohen (D)

District 16

Paul Krizek (D)

District 17

Mark Sickles (D)

District 18

Kathy Tran (D)

District 19

Rozia Henson (D)

District 20

Michelle Maldonado (D)

District 21

Joshua Thomas (D)

District 22

Ian Lovejoy (R)

District 23

Candi King (D)

District 24

Luke Torian (D)

District 25

Briana Sewell (D)

District 26

Jas Singh (D)

District 27

Atoosa Reaser (D)

District 28

David Reid (D)

District 29

Marty Martinez (D)

District 30

Geary Higgins (R)

District 31

Delores Oates (R)

District 32

Bill Wiley (R)

District 33

Todd Gilbert (R)

District 34

Tony Wilt (R)

District 35

Chris Runion (R)

District 36

Ellen Campbell (R)

District 37

Terry Austin (R)

District 38

Sam Rasoul (D)

District 39

Will Davis (R)

District 40

Joseph McNamara (R)

District 41

Chris Obenshain (R)

District 42

Jason Ballard (R)

District 43

Will Morefield (R)

District 44

Israel O'Quinn (R)

District 45

Terry Kilgore (R)

District 46

Jed Arnold (R)

District 47

Wren Williams (R)

District 48

Eric Phillips (R)

District 49

Danny Marshall (R)

District 50

Tommy Wright (R)

District 51

Eric Zehr (R)

District 52

Wendell Walker (R)

District 53

Tim Griffin (R)

District 54

Katrina Callsen (D)

District 55

Amy Laufer (D)

District 56

Thomas Garrett (R)

District 57

David Owen (R)

District 58

Rodney Willett (D)

District 59

Buddy Fowler (R)

District 60

Scott Wyatt (R)

District 61

Michael Webert (R)

District 62

Nick Freitas (R)

District 63

Phillip Scott (R)

District 64

Paul Milde (R)

District 65

Joshua Cole (D)

District 66

Bobby Orrock (R)

District 67

Hillary Kent (R)

District 68

Keith Hodges (R)

District 69

Chad Green (R)

District 70

Shelly Simonds (D)

District 71

Amanda Batten (R)

District 72

Lee Ware (R)

District 73

Mark Earley (R)

District 74

Mike Cherry (R)

District 75

Carrie Coyner (R)

District 76

Debra Gardner (D)

District 77

Michael Jones (D)

District 78

Betsy Carr (D)

District 79

Rae Cousins (D)

District 80

Destiny LeVere Bolling (D)

District 81

Delores McQuinn (D)

District 82

Kim Taylor (R)

District 83

H. Wachsmann (R)

District 84

Nadarius Clark (D)

District 85

Marcia Price (D)

District 86

Aijalon Cordoza (R)

District 87

Jeion Ward (D)

District 88

Don Scott (D)

District 89

N. Baxter Ennis (R)

District 90

Jay Leftwich (R)

District 91

Cliff Hayes (D)

District 92

Bonita Anthony (D)

District 93

Jackie Glass (D)

District 94

Phil Hernandez (D)

District 95

Alex Askew (D)

District 96

Kelly Convirs-Fowler (D)

District 97

Michael Feggans (D)

District 98

Barry Knight (R)

District 99

Anne Ferrell Tata (R)

District 100

Robert Bloxom (R)

Democratic Party (51)

Republican Party (49)

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 19, 2025

[1]

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Dustin Wade

Contents

Biography

Elections

2025

General election

General election for Virginia House of Delegates District 75

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 75

Republican primary election

Campaign finance

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

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Public Policy

Information for candidates

Get Engaged

Services

Additional analysis

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