James Taylor (Virginia)

James Taylor

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Independent

Candidate, U.S. House Virginia District 3

Elections and appointments

Next election

November 3, 2026

Education

Bachelor's

Louisiana State University, 2018

Personal

Birthplace

Chapel Hill, N.C.

James Taylor (independent) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Virginia's 3rd Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.^[source]

Biography

James Taylor was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He earned a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University in 2018.

Elections

2026

See also: Virginia's 3rd Congressional District election, 2026

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. House Virginia District 3

Incumbent Robert C. Scott, James Taylor, and Dawn Vasquez are running in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 3 on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Robert C. Scott (D)
	Submit photo	James Taylor (Independent)
	Submit photo	Dawn Vasquez (Independent)

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Endorsements

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2022

See also: Virginia's 3rd Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Virginia District 3

Incumbent Robert C. Scott defeated Terry Namkung in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 3 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Robert C. Scott (D)	67.4	139,659
		Terry Namkung (R)	32.6	67,668

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 207,327
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• JaPharii Jones (Independent)

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Robert C. Scott advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Virginia District 3.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• James Taylor (D)
• Luis Rivera (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Virginia District 3

Terry Namkung defeated Theodore Engquist in the Republican primary for U.S. House Virginia District 3 on June 21, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Terry Namkung	60.5	6,293
		Theodore Engquist	39.5	4,116

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 10,409
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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2021

See also: Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2021

General election

General election for Virginia House of Delegates District 64

Incumbent Emily Jordan defeated Michael Drewry in the general election for Virginia House of Delegates District 64 on November 2, 2021.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Emily Jordan (R)	65.0	24,903
		Michael Drewry (D)	34.9	13,398
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	40

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 38,341
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Michael Drewry advanced from the Democratic primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 64.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• James Taylor (D)
• Michele Joyce (D)

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Emily Jordan advanced from the Republican primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 64.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

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2022

James Taylor completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Taylor'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.

I'm unquestionably devoted to securing the safety and security of the Republic. As a military kid, a resident of the 757 for over 20 years, and a young, queer Black man, I am the product of VA-03 through and through. I have an unwavering commitment

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?

• Voter Education - I want every voter to be educated on the issues, proposed policy, and candidates' positions. Ensuring we have an informed, engaged electorate is the first step to achieving our policy goals. The everyday people of our district must always come first.
• Institutional Reform - for decades the United States has piled law after law a top of each other without regard to their effectiveness and ability to work with each other in tandem. We need a severe rehabilitation of our institutional framework to ensure our government stops wasting money, allowing the most vulnerable to fall through the cracks, and achieve the policy goals we set out to accomplish.
• The Big Three - nothing is more important.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The Big Three: Climate Change, the Internet & Digital Technology, and our Democracy. These three issues and the policy we develop over the next three decades will guide humanity's story for generations, if not centuries. The amount of work we must do and the limited time makes this an almost insurmountable problem. However, at no point should we give up on the fight. We have a chance to remake the world for the better and leave a legacy for generations of children that allow them to thrive. But first, we must tackle The Big Three with everything we've got.

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

The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus. We are all constantly searching for the meaning of life, our purpose in a world with no real answers. Many people turn to religion to provide structure in this world. It helps many people and gives meaning to everyday life, knowing there is a higher power overseeing it all. However, for Camus, embracing the absurdity of life was the best way to combat that feeling of emptiness in us all. Acknowledging that there is no true purpose for humans in this world, at least that we know of, provides us space to value and uphold the things that make us happy. We don't have to focus on making others happy, living up to standards set by people who died hundreds of years ago, or being a part of a system that does not care about us. Instead, we can wake up every morning and accept there are no rules and live our lives in a way that makes us happy, satisfied, and fulfilled.

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

Ethics, Empathy, Compassion, Conviction, Open-mindedness, and the ability not to take oneself too seriously

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a great speaker. I can take complex yet intriguing concepts and package them so that everyday people can understand. My unique academic background and my oratory skills will be instrumental in my ability to help build an educated, dedicated, and engaged voter base that values democracy and the success of all humans, not just our tribes.

I have an innate political skill. In my head, I can see the threads of actions and their consequences to an uncanny accuracy, predicting political developments months and sometimes years before they occur. These skills made me confident that I had a place in our political world as a young person without traditional experience. I offer my skills, knowledge, and abilities to build a better world for the people that never got a chance to thrive. There is so much potential, and I will fight every day for us to realize our full strength.

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

To care for their district and its development socially, culturally, politically, and economically.

Bring attention to issues that often fall to the wayside in the media.
Use campaign funds to bolster nonprofit organizations doing the on-the-ground work day in and day out.

Being honest about what is possible in government and the power of being a representative in Congress.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave behind a system that works. I've spent my entire adult life learning about the institutions that make up Modernity, how they work in our modern world, and what's needed to change them. II hope to leave behind a more caring and efficient world. One that doesn't draw its strength on exploitation and the degradation of others for a small few. It's possible for our world to exist in abundance and provide the space for every individual to live their life to the fullest. My legacy will be peace.

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

I've followed politics since I was a toddler. I was watching Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 when it came out; I was 5. Though 9/11 was the first historical event I remember, the time has taken most of the details of that event from me. The most impactful event I remember, however, was the Arab Spring. I'll never forget the images of millions across the Middle East demanding democracy, toppling dictators, and making their voices heard in the streets despite the apparent consequences.

Had I known then, in the 8th grade, that the events unfolding would guide the next few decades, I wouldn't have understood. Shortly after that, Bashar al-Assad slaughtered his people because they dared to demand democracy. For years I followed the Syrian Civil War. I remember when Assad used chemical weapons on his people. I remember Republicans accosting President Obama for not using military action then running away from their responsibilities once President Obama requested Congressional authorization. I remember the images of boats destroying chemical weapons only for Bashar al-Assad to resume using chlorine gas on children. I remember how the world never said again to the atrocities committed by Hitler as the world stood in silence at Assad's blatant war crimes. I remember the terror that took over the world as Daesh planted roots in the chaos and spread its tentacles worldwide. I remember the image of mass graves across Syria as the Kurds liberated Syria and the world from Daesh's terror. I remember when the Trump administration left the Kurds to death and allowed Erdogan to slaughter Kurds on the Turkish border. When I was 12 watching the Arab Spring unravel, I didn't know the grave implications of what was to come. However, now, at 24, I have no illusions about how devoid of morality our world can be.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

The Legendary Storm (Ororo Monroe) from X-Men. As an Omega level mutant, there is almost no one as powerful as her. Her control over the elements and ability to bring life-sustaining rain to drought-stricken Africa always inspired me. She is, hands down, Marvel's best character ever created. I owe so much to Jack Kirby. His creations helped me feel seen in a world alone.

Also, X-Men was an allegory for race relations in the United States and the world. That impact and meaningfulness always resonated with me. Having storm wrapped up in a kick-ass suit as powerful Black women in the 1980s is legendary. SHE NEEDS HER OWN MOVIE. Shoutout to Halle Berry for doing an impeccable job bringing my hero to life (I'll never forget those limited edition Caprisun packs)! Also, RIP Chadwick Boseman. If you're rusty on your Marvel lore... when Scarlet Witch (Wanda) had a mental break in House of M (one of Marvel's best story arcs which they better adapt in the MCU), she erased mutants and created a new world. In it, Black Panther (T'Challa) and Storm (Ororo) ruled over Wakanda as the ultimate power couple. My heart still hurts. I'll never get to see them on the big screen :(.

(If you cant tell... I'm a lot a bit of a nerd)

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

meta angel - FKA Twigs

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Mental Health. I have struggled with depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember. In 2017, I was diagnosed with major depression and anxiety disorder. Despite my mental health issues, I have always had access to the resources I needed to keep my mental health in check. Some days I wake up and have to fight to get out of bed or develop uncontrollable tremors just sitting on the couch watching tv cause my anxiety won't turn off; I still fight every day for a world that's easier to live in.

Living with mental health issues myself and having the pleasure of getting the help I need when I need it, I know firsthand how hard it must be for all those struggles without the same access I do. That's why I carry the message of self-love and healing behind everything I say and do.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

No other elected body in the United States government is as close to the people as the House of Representatives. Each person in this country is as close to the US House as any other. While the population in each state varies, making less populated states' senators more powerful that highly populated states, the House is as even as feasibly as possible.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Experience is always beneficial. The institutional knowledge that comes with having served in government before is immeasurable. However, a person doesn't need to be qualified to hold elected office. There is so much more needed to develop sound policy that exists outside of the experience we gain on the job. At this core, governance is about philosophy and understanding eh human condition. What will people respond to? How will people interact with the systems and institutions that we create? What will result from our actions 10, 50, 100 years from now? The ability to take stock of the world we live in, our place in history, and competing for metaphysical forces is far more critical than a person has helped an elected position before.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Overcoming polarization will be the most difficult challenge for our country. With extremists digging their heels into the ground, conspiracy theories threatening election integrity, and a radicalized wing of the Republican party will to forgo democracy for autocracy, saving our democracy must remain a top priority. Every issue, from masks to trans kids playing sports, prompts hail mary responses that threaten our ability to come to a consensus and improve the lives of everyday citizens and residents of the United States.

If we fail to overcome our polarization, existential threats like Climate Change, the Internet & Digital Technology, and Wealth Inequality will become impossible to address. We need to unite more than ever because the problems we must face will require each of us to do our part and hold our governments accountable. Without serious engagement with all ideologies, I am terrified of what the future holds for humanity as a species.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Judiciary, Foreign Affair, Armed Services, Oversight

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes, two years is plenty of time to produce tangible results. However, when half that time is spent meeting with lobbyists, fundraising, and engaging in politicking, no two years is not enough time. We should not focus on term lengths when the issue is greater than the length.

We need to shorten the election season, publicly fund elections to remove fundraising, level the playing field, and stop completely restarting Congress every two years. Once we fix the institutional problems with our government, two years will be plenty of time to accomplish campaign promises.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe term limits, in theory, are beneficial. However, in practice, term limits will do more harm than good. Every election cycle, voters have the option to vote out their representatives. If voters are satisfied with their representative and the community stands behind them, there is no practical reason to bar them from office institutionally. Career politicians getting comfortable in the office is a symptom of our society becoming disengaged with the political process. Healthy competition, an engaged electorate, and open primaries will do far more to keep our elected bodies fresh and innovative.

Furthermore, imposing term limits on offices, especially bodies with intricate rules like the United States Congress, removes the ability for representatives to gain institutional knowledge about how to maneuver and get things done. Suppose someone new must come into every district every ten years or so. In that case, there will not be people competent enough to learn the job and take on leadership positions effectively.

Though term limits appeal to the average person fed up with career politicians waiting till 80 to retire, attaining our goals will be far more difficult with term limits for all representatives.

Both sitting representatives 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?

I've heard countless stories from people in our communities while canvassing. However, there's one that stays with me every day. There is a man with an autistic daughter who hasn't been able to get any help. His daughter was suspended and sent to an alternative school in Virginia. In our state, alternative school is primarily for children whose socio-economic conditions have led them to engage in multiple school altercations, sell drugs, go to jail, or otherwise engage in conduct that makes the school unsafe for learning. Furthermore, alternative schools are not governed under the same schema as public schools. They are handled (I believe) by the department of corrections.

This system is entirely unhelpful. A disabled child with a neurological disorder should not be in class with juvenile offenders. Autism is a medical condition that requires special care and attention to ensure the educational program is adequate. The medical needs of an autistic adolescent are utterly different from the socio-economic needs of a juvenile offender. Choosing to lump them together and teach them through the Department of Corrections is a lousy policy for juvenile offenders and disabled children.

This sage began almost ten years ago and is still unresolved. The parents have reached out to everyone they could and have still not received the helo they need. To make matters worse, our representative in VA-03, Rep. Bobby Scott, is the top Democrat on education in the ENTIRE COUNTRY. Yet, this family can't get help from their representative. Though this is only one story, I know there are hundreds more like it. With the top Democrat on education being our representative, this family and all the other families of disabled kids deserve more.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is not necessary. However, we should always pursue it. Certain policy conversations are ineffective when compromise is considered a priority in the legislating process. For example, Climate Change is here, expensive and deadly. Continuing to engage in conversation about how we transition the fossil fuel industry instead of doing everything necessary to save the planet is a waste of time and invites death into our lives.

Furthermore, bad faith negotiation has become a heinous problem in Washington. Representatives' willingness to engage in talks knowing they don't intend to agree to ANY compromise is breaking the old notion that compromise is beneficial. We cannot regain the amount of time we're wasting trying to agree when people know they'll never join the coalition. Once it's gone, it's gone. In terms of Climate Change, a growing Internet & advancing digital technology, and the erosion of voting rights, our country requires action, not compromise.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

We need unprecedented funding to combat Climate Change. Using the power of the purse to enter an energy transition will be my top priority.

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2021

James Taylor did not complete Ballotpedia's 2021 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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James Taylor campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2026*	U.S. House Virginia District 3	Candidacy Declared general	$0	N/A**
2022	U.S. House Virginia District 3	Withdrew primary	$0	N/A**
Grand total			$0	N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

See also

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Footnotes

[show]

Virginia's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Tim Kaine (D)

Mark Warner (D)

Representatives

District 1

Rob Wittman (R)

District 2

Jennifer Kiggans (R)

District 3

Bobby Scott (D)

District 4

Jennifer McClellan (D)

District 5

John McGuire (R)

District 6

Benjamin Lee Cline (R)

District 7

Eugene Vindman (D)

District 8

Donald Sternoff Beyer (D)

District 9

H. Morgan Griffith (R)

District 10

Suhas Subramanyam (D)

District 11

Vacant

Democratic Party (7)

Republican Party (5)

Vacancies (1)