Dustin Wade

Dustin Wade for Virginia is a political campaign aimed at connecting with all voters in the district and emphasizing shared values. The candidate, Dustin Wade, is a nurse and a strong advocate for the disability community, with a history of serving on several boards. The campaign's unique selling point lies in the candidate's healthcare background and commitment to the disability community.

Dustin Wade for Virginia is committed to addressing key issues such as healthcare accessibility, disability rights, and community empowerment. With a strong focus on inclusivity and representation, the campaign aims to bring about positive change for all residents of the district.

Dustin Wade, 38, was born in Hopewell and raised in Chester and Prince George by a devoted single mother. He attended Prince George High School, where he developed a deep connection to the community that has inspired him throughout his life. Growing up in this district instilled in him a profound understanding of the community’s needs and strengths, fueling a lifelong passion for service and advocacy.

To address our district's infrastructure and traffic challenges, I propose a comprehensive plan to improve roadways, support population growth, and create local jobs. With increased residents highlighting our transportation system’s limitations, I plan to collaborate with state and federal partners to secure funding for expanding and modernizing roads, enhancing traffic flow, and boosting safety. Improved infrastructure will attract new businesses by providing reliable access, stimulating local economic growth through new investments and job creation in fields like construction, engineering, and project management. This sustainable infrastructure investment will foster economic opportunities, ease commutes, and build a resilient foundation for our district's future growth.

To combat drug addiction and improve mental health services, I am focused on establishing Mental Health and Drug Rehabilitation Programs that emphasize prevention, treatment, and education. My plan includes advocating for increased mental health funding based on community needs, enabling resources to be allocated effectively. I also aim to expand access to licensed mental health professionals in schools, promoting early intervention and fostering supportive environments for students. Key components of this initiative include community education to reduce mental health stigma, promoting openness and acceptance, and expanding partnerships to provide mobile mental health units and new rehabilitation centers in underserved areas. Together, we can create a compassionate community where mental health is prioritized and accessible for all.

Ensuring access to affordable housing and creating pathways to homeownership is essential for building a stable community where everyone can thrive. My plan aims to make housing more affordable and accessible across our district by working with state and local agencies to fund affordable housing and encourage mixed-income developments. I will also advocate for policies to curb predatory rent increases and strengthen tenant protections, helping families live securely. To support homeownership, I will promote first-time homebuyer programs, such as down payment tax breaks, low-interest loans, and financial education. By partnering with local banks, we can help working families, young professionals, and seniors achieve homeownership and invest in our community. Additionally, I am committed to addressing barriers to homeownership, like lending disparities, by expanding financial literacy and resources. These combined efforts will create a housing landscape that fosters affordability, security, and opportunity, strengthening our communities and supporting economic stability.

As a nurse with years of experience advocating for patient rights, I am dedicated to defending women’s autonomy over their healthcare decisions. I believe that every woman has the fundamental right to make informed choices about her body, including options for abortion, contraception, and IVF. These decisions are deeply personal and should be made between a woman and her healthcare provider without interference. In addition to supporting women’s healthcare rights, I am committed to standing up for the healthcare professionals who provide these critical services. They must be able to practice without fear of harassment, legal repercussions, or workplace discrimination. I will work tirelessly to ensure that laws and policies are in place to protect both patients and providers, fostering an environment where healthcare decisions are respected, privacy is upheld, and services remain accessible to all. This commitment isn’t just about healthcare; it’s about upholding dignity, personal freedom, and equality. Every woman deserves the right to control her own reproductive health, and I am determined to be an unwavering advocate for these essential rights.

Expanding access to affordable, high-quality healthcare and prescription drugs is essential to creating a healthier, more equitable community. As a nurse, I am passionate about ensuring our most vulnerable populations receive the care they need without facing financial hardship. No one should be forced to choose between basic necessities like food and life-saving medications. I am committed to advocating for policies that lower healthcare costs, expand access to affordable prescription drugs, and remove barriers to care, so that everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy life.

Every child deserves access to a high-quality public education that nurtures their potential and supports their growth. As the guardian of four children currently in public school, I am committed to strengthening our education system, especially for our most vulnerable students. I believe in ensuring that every child’s unique needs are met without placing undue stress or pressure on them. This includes advocating for increased funding and resources for children with IEPs, ensuring they receive the tailored support necessary for success. To truly foster a thriving educational environment, we need competitive teacher pay to recognize our educators’ dedication, a diverse team of teachers who connect with students from all backgrounds, and robust support systems, including counselors and specialists, to address students’ academic and emotional needs. I am also dedicated to increasing community involvement in our schools, creating strong partnerships that offer students real-world connections and additional support. Together, we can build schools that empower every child, support every educator, and actively engage our communities.

To combat rising gun violence, I am dedicated to a comprehensive, community-centered approach to ensure the safety of our families and neighborhoods. My plan includes advocating for stronger red-flag laws to temporarily restrict firearm access for those who pose a risk and implementing safe storage laws to prevent unauthorized access to firearms. Addressing the root causes of violence is key to creating lasting change. I will support regular community assessments to identify factors like socioeconomic challenges and mental health resource gaps that contribute to violence, allowing us to develop tailored solutions for our district. Through these insights, I aim to build collaborative programs that unite community members, law enforcement, and local organizations to proactively reduce violence. By strengthening trust, communication, and partnerships, we can create a safer district through both effective policies and community engagement.

Building a thriving economy requires action to create well-paying jobs, support innovation, and invest in our community’s future. I am committed to promoting policies that provide economic stability and career opportunities. This includes supporting affordable adult education centers focused on technical and vocational training, enabling residents to pursue high-paying jobs without heavy education costs. These centers will prepare our workforce with skills needed for modern industries, establishing our district as an economic leader. I also support investing in education and workforce development, ensuring our community is ready for future job demands. By encouraging job readiness, entrepreneurship, and economic advancement, we can create a district where families and businesses succeed, and opportunities are accessible for everyone.

I am dedicated to ensuring equal protection for all Virginians by advocating for laws that guarantee rights and shield every person from discrimination. This includes enhancing anti-discrimination protections in employment, housing, education, and healthcare to ensure fair opportunities for everyone, regardless of identity. Comprehensive criminal justice reform is also essential to address systemic inequities. I will work to end jail and prison privatization, shifting the focus toward rehabilitation, accountability, and public safety. I support investing in reentry programs, alternatives to incarceration, and resources for mental health and addiction treatment to reduce recidivism and promote safer communities. Voting rights are a priority, as every citizen should have a voice in our democracy. I aim to expand voting access, especially for marginalized communities, to ensure full participation in our democratic process. Additionally, I will advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and immigrant protections, and ensure individuals with disabilities have access to employment, public spaces, and services. My vision is a just and equitable Virginia where every individual lives free from prejudice, with equal protections and opportunities to thrive.

To secure our community's future, I am committed to fighting climate change through sustainable practices, renewable energy investment, and protecting natural resources. My plan includes opposing the construction of a new gas plant, as expanding fossil fuel infrastructure hinders our shift to clean energy. I will push for policies that advance solar and wind power, green infrastructure projects like tree planting and stormwater management, and sustainable agriculture to reduce emissions. Additionally, I aim to build climate resilience, strengthen environmental protections, and foster green job growth by investing in renewable energy and sustainable construction training. By prioritizing renewable energy and eco-friendly initiatives, we can position our district as a climate action leader, ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment for all.