Michael Jones

Democrat

About

Sourced verbatim from the candidate's website.

Meet Dr. Mike Jones

Dr. Mike J. Jones is a renowned local pastor, and public servant who has dedicated his career to improving lives in our community. A Virginia native, he graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder where he was captain of the Buffaloes' 1990 Orange Bowl Team. Returning to Richmond, he is a graduate of the Samuel Dewitt School of Theology at Virginia Union University, with a Master of Divinity degree, and earned a Doctor of Ministry from the McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. Prior to answering his spiritual calling, he had a successful career with Pepsi Cola and founded his own insurance agency. In 2005, he founded the Village of Faith, a rapidly growing church in the Richmond area. Witnessing his mother's transportation struggles, Dr. Jones initiated the Cars 4 Christ program, gifting over 65 cars to single mothers from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. Moreover, Dr. Jones has initiated turkey giveaway for the community during Thanksgiving and right now, his church, under his leadership is working to build an affordable housing community on their property to serve the overwhelming need for affordable housing. Wanting to make a difference in our communities, Mike ran for City Council and was elected in 2015 and served for 7 years, including as Council President before running for the House of Delegates in 2023.. His commitment to equity and opportunity has been a driving force in his public service. He was a leader in the fight to remove Richmond's Confederate monuments. Both on Council and in the House of Delegates, Mike has sought to amplify the voices of those that are too often overlooked, unheard and feel powerless. Just as in his pastoral career, Mike strives every day to uplift our communities and to ensure that all our families thrive. Mike resides in South Richmond where he raised his two now adult children.

Positions

Sourced verbatim from the candidate's website.

Cost of Living/Helping Families Thrive

Inflation & Cost of Living

Mike knows that families are struggling – costs of living is increasing, housing costs are skyrocketing and accessible affordable healthcare is out of sight for too many. Mike's goals are to help those families make ends meet, reduce costs and make sure healthcare is available and affordable for all. Mike is working to increase job creation and job training opportunities, to help families that are struggling with higher prices and can't make ends meet. He is working to increase the availability of affordable housing. As a matter of fact, he is working to build an affordable housing community on property owned by his church. He is also trying to address food deserts to make sure that all Virginians have access to quality affordable and nutritious food at reasonable prices in their community. No one should have to drive twenty minutes to purchase groceries for their family.

Healthcare

Health Insurance & Coverage

Access to affordable healthcare including reproductive care, mental healthcare and reasonably priced prescription drugs should be a right, not a privilege only for those who can afford it. Mike is a strong supporter of reproductive freedom and has been a leader in working to pass the reproductive rights amendment. He knows that women should have control of their own bodies, not government officials.

Top Notch Public Schools

K-12 Public Schools

Mike believes our children – all of our children, no matter their zip code or skin color should have the opportunity to attend top notch public schools with modern infrastructure, up to date technology and sufficient teachers and support staff including career counselors, mental health professionals and subject area specialists. Every child should be able to graduate prepared for a good-paying job or higher education.

Protecting Rights

LGBTQ+ Rights

Mike is dedicated to protecting our rights and the Constitution. He wants to protect voting rights, ensure our LGBT neighbors rights and freedoms are protected and he wants to eliminate all the vestiges of systemic racism that are, unfortunately, still all too prevalent in Virginia.