Michael Jones (Virginia)

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Michael Jones
Image of Michael Jones
Virginia House of Delegates District 77
Tenure

2024 - Present

Term ends

2026

Years in position

1

Predecessor
Prior offices
Richmond City Council 9th Voter District
Successor: Nicole Jones

Compensation

Base salary

$17,640/year

Per diem

$213/day

Elections and appointments
Last elected

November 7, 2023

Education

Bachelor's

University of Colorado, 1989

Graduate

Virginia Union University, 2001

Other

McCormick Theological Seminary, 2007

Personal
Birthplace
Portsmouth, Va.
Religion
Christian
Profession
Minister
Contact

Michael Jones (Democratic Party) is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 77. He assumed office on January 10, 2024. His current term ends on January 14, 2026.

Jones (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Virginia House of Delegates to represent District 77. He won in the general election on November 7, 2023.

Jones completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Email editor@ballotpedia.org to notify us of updates to this biography.

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]

Elections

2023

See also: Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2023

General election

General election for Virginia House of Delegates District 77

Michael Jones won election in the general election for Virginia House of Delegates District 77 on November 7, 2023.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Michael Jones
Michael Jones (D) Candidate Connection
 
91.1
 
18,587
 Other/Write-in votes
 
8.9
 
1,826

Total votes: 20,413
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Michael Jones advanced from the Democratic primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 77.

Endorsements

Jones received the following endorsements.

  • Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia

2021

See also: Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2021

General election

General election for Virginia House of Delegates District 69

Incumbent Betsy Carr defeated Sheila Furey in the general election for Virginia House of Delegates District 69 on November 2, 2021.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Betsy Carr
Betsy Carr (D)
 
85.2
 
21,470
Sheila Furey (R)
 
14.6
 
3,690
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.1
 
34

Total votes: 25,194
Candidate Connection = 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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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Betsy Carr advanced from the Democratic primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 69.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican convention

Republican convention for Virginia House of Delegates District 69

Sheila Furey advanced from the Republican convention for Virginia House of Delegates District 69 on April 24, 2021.

Candidate
Sheila Furey (R)

Candidate Connection = 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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Campaign finance

2020

See also: City elections in Richmond, Virginia (2020)

General election

General election for Richmond City Council 9th Voter District

Incumbent Michael Jones won election in the general election for Richmond City Council 9th Voter District on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Michael Jones
Michael Jones (Nonpartisan)
 
98.4
 
7,221
 Other/Write-in votes
 
1.6
 
115

Total votes: 7,336
Candidate Connection = 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.

Campaign themes

2023

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Michael Jones completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Jones' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

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.

  • 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.



2021

Michael Jones did not complete Ballotpedia's 2021 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Michael Jones did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign finance summary


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.


Michael Jones campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2023Virginia House of Delegates District 77Won general$227,436 $212,333
Grand total$227,436 $212,333
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Virginia

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

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See also


External links

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by
Cliff Hayes (D)
Virginia House of Delegates District 77
2024-Present
Succeeded by
-
Preceded by
-
Richmond City Council 9th Voter District
2017-2023
Succeeded by
Nicole Jones


Current members of the Virginia House of Delegates
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Don Scott
Majority Leader:Charniele Herring
Minority Leader:Todd Gilbert
Representatives
District 1
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District 5
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District 14
District 15
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District 18
District 19
District 20
District 21
District 22
District 23
District 24
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District 26
Jas Singh (D)
District 27
District 28
District 29
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District 31
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District 33
District 34
Tony Wilt (R)
District 35
District 36
District 37
District 38
District 39
District 40
District 41
District 42
District 43
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District 45
District 46
District 47
District 48
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District 50
District 51
Eric Zehr (R)
District 52
District 53
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District 57
District 58
District 59
District 60
District 61
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District 63
District 64
District 65
District 66
District 67
District 68
District 69
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Lee Ware (R)
District 73
District 74
District 75
District 76
District 77
District 78
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District 83
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District 88
Don Scott (D)
District 89
District 90
District 91
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District 97
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District 100
Democratic Party (51)
Republican Party (49)