Michael Jones

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Michael Jones was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. Jones obtained a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado, a master of divinity from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, and a doctor of ministry at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois.[1]Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag

His professional experience includes working as the senior pastor at the Village Faith Ministries. He has been affiliated with Kappa Alpha Psi.[1]

Michael Jones did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Michael Jones did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2025 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Mike is the son of a Navy SEAL and a proud Richmonder who learned the importance of education and not judging people based on superficial aspects. He is a local pastor with an earned Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological in Chicago. He attended the University of Colorado and was captain of their 1990 Orange Bowl Team. He has spent most of his life fighting for the rights of others and being a change agent for the betterment of society. Mike has channeled his values into his work in the church, university, and as a council member in Richmond. He is known for his ability to amplify the voices of those who are often overlooked and match problems with legislation. Mike has shown his leadership skills by chairing the Council's Finance Committee and calling for more fiscal responsibility. He was recently voted in as President of City Council. He is willing to address tough issues with empathy and compassion, educating and informing others while avoiding alienation. Mike and his wife June live in Richmond with their three children and have made a significant impact in the community through programs such as providing cars and bicycles to those in need, feeding programs, and supporting local families.

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?

I am a proud Richmonder who values education and fights for the rights of others. I have channeled these values into my work in the church, university, and as a council member in Richmond.I am known for my ability to amplify the voices of those who are often overlooked and match problems with legislation. I am willing to address tough issues with empathy and compassion, educating and informing others while avoiding alienation.My wife June and I live in Richmond with our three children and have made a significant impact in the community through programs such as providing cars and bicycles to those in need, feeding programs, and supporting local families. I am committed to continuing this work and making Richmond a better place for all.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The areas of public policy that are important to Michael Jones, the candidate, include education, economic mobility, justice reform, environment, and women's health. He values education and wants to invest state dollars into equity-driven education like universal pre-K. He also aims to create a great economy that works for everyone, as mentioned in his plan for economic mobility. Regarding justice reform, Mike wants to slow down the school-to-prison pipeline, reform policing, and eliminate mandatory minimum sentences. He also plans to fight for environmental justice and reduce emissions to protect public health, improve the James River Park System, and fight for tree canopies and green space. Lastly, Michael will fight for women's health and their right to control their healthcare decisions.

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

Dr. Dwight C. Jones is someone I look up to for his leadership, compassion, and dedication to his community. As a former mayor of Richmond, house of delegate member, and pastor, he has demonstrated a commitment to public service throughout his career. Jones' emphasis on equity-driven education, economic mobility, and justice reform is inspiring. His efforts to fight for environmental justice, reduce emissions, and improve parks are admirable. Additionally, Jones' support for women's health and their right to make their healthcare decisions is commendable. His example of leadership and service motivates me to strive to make a positive impact in my community.

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

How to be an Anti Racist and The Wire.

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

Ethical leadership is crucial for any elected official. Upholding the values of truth, justice, and temperance is essential for values-based leadership. Truthfulness is important as leaders who lie undermine the public's trust and make it harder for citizens to provide meaningful input. Justice requires fairness, transparency, and equality of participation. Temperance requires leaders to respect the right of others and work together through the democratic process, rather than dividing and conquering. In addition, understanding the needs and concerns of constituents is important for effective policymaking. While emergency powers are important, there should be a balance between quick action and legislative oversight to prevent abuses of power. I encourage you to take the time to hear from your constituents before proposing any bills.

What legacy would you like to leave?

As a native Virginian, I would want to leave a legacy as a politician that prioritizes ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability. It is essential to listen to the needs and concerns of all constituents, regardless of their political affiliations, and work towards solutions that benefit the majority of the population. Additionally, promoting justice and fairness in all policies and decisions can help ensure that everyone is treated equally under the law. Ultimately, I want my legacy to be defined by my commitment to serving the people of Virginia with integrity and compassion.

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

Ronald Regan's assisnation attempt. I was 12.

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

Pepsi Cola 4 years

What is your favorite book? Why?

"How to Be an Antiracist" by Ibram X. Kendi is my favorite book because it challenges everyone to examine their own beliefs and behaviors when it comes to race. The book provides a clear and concise framework for understanding racism and the ways in which it operates in society. Kendi's writing is both accessible and engaging, making it easy for readers to follow along with his arguments and ideas. What makes this book so special is the way in which it encourages readers to take action and become actively anti-racist.

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

The Wolverine

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

From a Democrat's perspective, the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature is one of collaboration and compromise. While it may be tempting for the governor to push their party's agenda, it's important to remember that compromise is necessary for policymaking. The governor should work closely with the legislature to identify common goals and find ways to achieve them together, while also staying true to their core values. This approach can help foster a more productive and effective government, and can ultimately lead to better outcomes for the people of the state.

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

Virginia's greatest challenges over the next decade include addressing climate change, improving access to healthcare and education, and promoting equitable economic growth. Additionally, the state must work to address issues related to criminal justice reform, racial justice, and voting rights. With the Democrats in control of state government, there is an opportunity to make significant progress on these issues. However, compromise and collaboration will be necessary to reach consensus on policies that benefit all Virginians.

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

As someone who has served as a city legislator, having previous experience in government or politics can be beneficial for state legislators. This is because experienced legislators have a better understanding of the legislative process and how to navigate it effectively. Moreover, experienced legislators are often better equipped to identify and address the needs of their constituents. A study has shown that legislators with political experience tend to introduce and pass more bills. However, it is important to note that having prior political experience is not a prerequisite for effective lawmaking. Ultimately, what matters most is a legislator's ability to collaborate and compromise in order to achieve common goals while staying true to their core values.

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

Yes, building relationships with other legislators can be very beneficial. It can help lawmakers find common ground on important issues, reach across the aisle to pass legislation and build a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect that can lead to more productive and efficient legislative sessions. It's also important for legislators to build relationships with their constituents and understand their needs and priorities. Ultimately, effective lawmaking requires collaboration and a willingness to work with others to achieve shared goals.

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

I wish to be a legislator who is able to build consensus.

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

NO

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?

n/a

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

The use of emergency powers by the executive branch is an important tool to address immediate threats to public safety and welfare. However, there should be a balance between the need for quick action and the need for legislative oversight. Giving the executive branch unchecked power in emergencies can lead to abuses of power and violations of civil liberties. Therefore, the legislature should have the authority to oversee and limit the use of emergency powers. This can be done by requiring the executive to provide regular updates on the situation and the actions being taken, and by setting clear limits on the duration and scope of emergency powers.

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

Compromise is an essential aspect of policymaking, as it aims to reach a consensus that benefits all parties involved. In a democratic society, policymakers must consider the diverse opinions and needs of their constituents. Compromise facilitates a collaborative process where policymakers can work together to achieve common goals and resolve conflicts. In the absence of compromise, policymaking can become stagnant and polarized, resulting in ineffective governance.

However, compromise should not come at the expense of fundamental values and principles. Policymakers must strike a balance between making concessions and staying true to their core values. In some cases, compromise may lead to half-baked solutions that fail to address the root of the problem. Therefore, policymakers must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of compromise before making any decisions. Compromise is necessary and desirable for policymaking, but it should not be pursued blindly without considering its consequences.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

It is essential to have a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of my constituents, as well as their opinions on various issues, before making any legislative decisions. This approach will help me create more effective policies that align with the needs and expectations of my community.

What committees interest you?

As a newly elected delegate, I will serve where I am assigned. However, I have an interest in both the General Laws and Commerce and Labor committees as both are important for shaping state policy. The General Laws Committee deals with issues related to civil law, administrative law, and regulatory matters. This committee plays a critical role in shaping the legal framework that governs the state. On the other hand, the Commerce and Labor Committee plays a crucial role in promoting business growth and job creation. It deals with issues related to labor laws, workforce development, and economic development. Both committees are important for promoting the overall welfare of the state and its citizens.

Michael Jones did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2021 Candidate Connection survey.

Michael Jones did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.