Q&A: Dustin Wade, HD75 Dem Primary Candidate
HD75 Dem primary candidate Dustin Wade answers questions on his background, philosophy, and policy positions.
As early voting approaches, I’ve reached out to all of the Democratic candidates in the nine districts with Democratic Party primaries in June for the House of Delegates, and I’ve offered them an opportunity to talk about their candidacies and districts.
Today I’m presenting, verbatim, Dustin Wade’s written responses to a set of questions about his background, philosophy, and positions on Virginia-specific policy matters. Wade is running in a three-way primary in House of Delegates District 75, hoping to ultimately unseat incumbent Republican Del. Carrie Coyner in the general election. The district includes Hopewell, part of Chesterfield County, and part of Prince George County.
I’ve reached out to the two other candidates in the HD 75 Dem primary, Stephen Miller-Pitts and Lindsey Dougherty, and hope to publish their responses soon.
Please provide a quick personal background for an audience who may not know you.
I’m a licensed nurse, mental health professional, and small business owner born and raised in Virginia’s 75th District. I’m a proud product of our public schools, educated in the very classrooms where I now raise four of my niece and nephews, two with IEPs. I was raised by a single teenage mother with mental health and intellectual disabilities in modest housing with no savings, just love and resilience. My husband and I operate sponsored residential homes, and I serve as Director of Clinical Operations at Abraxas Home Care. I also sit on the Board of The James House, supporting survivors of violence in Hopewell, Prince George, and Chesterfield. I’ve faced poverty, trauma, and the loss of my home to fire, but I’ve turned adversity into purpose. I’m running to bring my lived experience to Richmond and fight for families still navigating the same struggles I’ve known, so they can not only survive but truly thrive.
Please talk about what makes your district unique and special in this Commonwealth.
District 75 is one of the most diverse and unique areas in Virginia. From Chesterfield to the City of Hopewell to Prince George County, each community has its own identity, history, and set of challenges. The biggest issue we face is making sure every voice is heard, and that policies reflect the real, lived experiences of the people in each part of the district. Rather than assuming one solution fits all, I believe we need to start by truly listening, engaging with residents, assessing the needs on the ground, and building relationships that allow for meaningful, community-led solutions. What’s affecting families in Chesterfield may not be the same as what’s impacting folks in Hopewell or Prince George, and that’s okay. That’s what makes this district special. Some communities are still recovering from economic transitions, others are growing faster than their infrastructure can keep up, and across the board, we see the need for better mental health access, job opportunities, and support for both youth and adults seeking new paths forward.
What's the most important purpose of a member of the House of Delegates?
The most important purpose of a member of the House of Delegates is to be a true representative for all people of the district — beyond party labels, beyond socioeconomic barriers, and beyond special interests. An elected official should be grounded in the real issues that affect everyday lives, listen to every voice, and work to build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Serving the people means standing up for them, not political games.
How would you characterize the current campaign finance laws and regulations in Virginia? What reforms, if any, do you believe are necessary to this system?
As a nurse and small business owner who is new to the political realm, I was genuinely shocked to discover how permissive Virginia’s campaign finance system is. It’s been eye-opening to see how few limits exist and how much influence large donations can have. While I am encouraged by recent progress — like the unanimous passage of the Campaign Integrity Act banning the personal use of campaign funds — there is still a lot of work to do. Virginia remains one of the few states without contribution limits, which raises real concerns about transparency and fairness. I believe we need reasonable reforms, such as setting contribution limits, strengthening disclosure requirements, and conducting regular audits of campaign finance laws and regulations.
Is your campaign accepting contributions from corporations or corporate PACs?
No, We have not taken money from any PACs.
How would you characterize the ethics laws and regulations in Virginia? What reforms, if any, do you believe are necessary to the system?
As a first-time candidate, and someone coming from a background as a nurse and small business owner, I have been surprised by how fragmented and permissive Virginia’s ethics laws are. While there have been some positive steps, like the creation of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council, there are still significant gaps that can erode public trust. For example, Virginia does not have a fully independent ethics commission with real investigative authority, and while there are disclosure rules for gifts and financial interests, they can be vague and enforcement is limited. I believe we need reforms that establish a truly independent ethics commission, clarify and strengthen rules around gifts to public officials, and make financial disclosures more transparent and accessible. These changes would help restore confidence in government and ensure that elected officials are always working for the people they represent.
Are there any areas of policy in which you believe you'd have to abstain from voting due to real or perceived conflicts of interest?
No, I do not believe there are any areas where I would need to abstain from voting due to a real or perceived conflict of interest. I believe my background as a nurse and small business owner, particularly my knowledge of the healthcare and mental health care systems, is an asset. It allows me to bring firsthand experience and a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges faced by individuals and families. I am committed to using that experience to inform my decision-making and to advocate for policies that improve the lives of all Virginians.
How is climate change affecting your district?
Climate change is already affecting Virginia’s 75th District in very real ways. In Chesterfield County, including the Dutch Gap area where I live, we are seeing higher temperatures, more severe storms, and increasing strain on our infrastructure and natural resources. Meanwhile, in the city of Hopewell, industrial pollution has been a longstanding issue. Facilities like the AdvanSix chemical plant have contributed significantly to poor air quality, with repeated violations of the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act over the years. Residents face greater risks of respiratory illnesses and other health conditions as a result of long-term exposure to pollutants.
Adding to these concerns, Dominion Energy is now proposing a new natural gas "peaker" plant—called the Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center—right near Dutch Gap. This plant, meant to provide backup power during peak energy demands, could end up operating up to 37% of the time and is projected to emit nearly 2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. This would further burden a community that has already endured decades of industrial emissions. Many residents, including myself, are deeply concerned about the health, environmental, and justice implications of bringing another polluting facility into our neighborhood. We must be vigilant and advocate for cleaner energy alternatives that protect both our health and our environment for future generations.
How do you feel about gambling policy in the Commonwealth? Do you support authorizing more casinos? Do you support legalizing so-called "skill games"? Do you support gambling on cruise ships in Virginia waters?
I support gambling in the Commonwealth, including the authorization of additional casinos, the legalization of skill games, and permitting gambling on cruise ships in Virginia waters. I support it because I believe in the freedom of our citizens to engage in these activities if they choose. However, I also believe that with this freedom comes responsibility. The tax revenue generated should be used to help our most vulnerable neighbors, strengthen public education, and fund programs that address problem gambling. As we expand gambling opportunities, we must ensure we are also investing in education about the risks and providing support for those who may be affected. If managed responsibly, gambling can be both an economic driver and a way to reinvest in building stronger, healthier communities.
How do you feel about ranked choice voting?
I support ranked choice voting because it gives voters more voice and more choice. It encourages candidates to reach beyond their base and appeal to a broader range of people, which helps lower the temperature of our politics and rewards coalition-building rather than division. Ranked choice voting also ensures that the winning candidate has true majority support, which strengthens the legitimacy of elections. I believe any system that gives people more power at the ballot box and promotes civility in campaigns is worth considering, as long as it's implemented carefully with clear education for voters so no one feels left out or confused by the process.
Do you believe we need to reform our Virginia Freedom of Information Act?
Yes, I believe there is a real need to reform Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). As a first-time candidate coming from outside the political system, I strongly believe that transparency and accessibility are essential to building trust between the public and their government. While FOIA is an important tool for accountability, it can often be too expensive, too slow, or too limited in the information it provides. I support efforts to modernize and strengthen FOIA by reducing costs for citizens, streamlining the process, and closing loopholes that allow too much information to be withheld. Government should work for the people — and that starts with making it easier for the public to see how decisions are made.
Do you support repealing the so-called "right to work" law? Are there other labor reforms you support?
Yes, I support repealing Virginia’s “right-to-work” law. This law undermines workers’ rights by weakening unions and allowing individuals to benefit from union negotiations without contributing dues. Repealing it would strengthen collective bargaining, leading to better wages, benefits, and workplace protections for all workers. Strong unions are essential for reducing income inequality and ensuring that working families have a voice in their employment conditions. I stand with labor in advocating for fair and equitable workplaces across Virginia.
How do you feel about data center proliferation in Virginia?
I am deeply concerned about the rapid proliferation of data centers in Virginia. While they may bring some short-term economic benefits, the long-term costs to taxpayers, our environment, and our communities are far too great. These facilities consume an enormous amount of electricity and water, strain local resources, and significantly contribute to climate change. Meanwhile, everyday Virginians are left footing the bill through higher utility costs and infrastructure expenses, while big tech companies receive generous tax breaks. We need a much more responsible and sustainable approach to development — one that puts the interests of our communities and our planet ahead of corporate profits.
Do you support legalization of marijuana? If so, how should the Commonwealth use the substantial tax revenue that would result?
Yes, retail sales of cannabis should be legalized, and frankly, it’s long overdue. Virginia missed a major opportunity to regulate and tax cannabis in a way that could directly benefit our communities. The reality is, cannabis is already being sold across the Commonwealth, so the real question is, why aren’t we doing it the right way? Legalizing retail sales would allow us to bring these transactions out of the shadows, ensure product safety, and generate significant tax revenue that could be reinvested into public education, mental health services, infrastructure, and job creation, especially in communities that have been historically over-policed and disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. I also support strong regulations: including age restrictions, licensing requirements, equity provisions for small and minority-owned businesses, and a framework to expunge past low-level cannabis convictions. Legalization should not just be about profit, it should be about justice, public health, and economic opportunity.
What’s your definition of “power”?
Power means having the responsibility to bring people together and create solutions that actually improve lives. It’s not about controlling others or pushing extreme agendas — it's about building consensus, respecting different perspectives, and finding common ground. Real power is the ability to listen, to lead with integrity, and to work across divides to move our communities forward. I believe power should always be used with humility, with a focus on service over self, and with a commitment to practical, lasting change that benefits everyone, not just a select few.
What's your definition of "democracy"?
To me, democracy means government by the people, for the people — where every voice matters, and every citizen has the right and the opportunity to shape the future of their community. It’s about fair elections, equal access, open debate, and respect for different opinions. Democracy requires transparency, accountability, and a real commitment to serving the public interest, not personal or political gain. I believe democracy works best when we focus on building trust, protecting individual freedoms, and making sure that no one — no matter their background or circumstances — is left out of the process.
Why do you believe you're the best candidate to take on Delegate Coyner in the general?
I believe I’m the best candidate to take on Delegate Coyner because I truly represent the people of this district — I was born and raised here. I know firsthand the struggles and the strengths of our community because I’ve lived them. I was raised by a single teenage mother who battled mental health challenges and intellectual disabilities, and we built our lives with hard work, resilience, and the support of our neighbors. Today, I’m a licensed nurse, a mental health professional, a small business owner, and a guardian raising my niece and nephews in the same public schools that helped raise me. I’ve spent my life serving others — whether at the bedside, in the community, or running residential homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I have deep roots here, and I understand how to connect with people across party lines because I’ve lived the realities so many are facing. I'm not here to play political games — I’m here to deliver real, practical solutions that will make life better for the families of Hopewell, Prince George, Chesterfield, and beyond. That’s the kind of leadership we need at the General Assembly, and that’s why I’m ready to win this race.
As a licensed nurse and mental health professional, one would assume Mr. Wade would be well aware of the damage to victims, families and communities caused by problem and addicted gambling. Yet he would support the status quo and more on casinos and gambling in the Commonwealth. That should make him the darling of pro-gambling interests!