Virginia
Running for: Virginia House of Delegates District 65
Raised in HD-65, Joshua Cole knows the challenges people face in Fredericksburg and Stafford County and understands what it means to truly serve his constituents. He is a pastor, the president of his NAACP chapter, and works with numerous local and community initiatives. A product of Stafford County Public Schools, Joshua commits himself to advocating for improvements in education and the public school system. In 2019, Josh Cole became the first Black person and youngest person elected to the General Assemblyfrom the Fredericksburg region. In 2021, he lost the district by less than 1,000 votes in a difficult off-year election.Delegate Cole has taken a people-first approach to law making. In his first term, he voted to cap out-of-pocket health care costs on prescription drugs for Virginians with pre-existing conditions, raise the minimum wage, expand voting rights, and make community college tuition free. He also served on the House Public Safety and Agriculture committee— the only Fredericksburg-area legislator to represent farmers, environmental ideals, and agricultural voices. Josh is running for HD-65 to return to the General Assembly and continue his work on behalf of Fredericksburg area families.
Outside of politics, Joshua is an avid Star Wars and Marvel fan, and a husband and father dedicated to making the Fredericksburg area better for working-class citizens, parents, and the next generation.
Priorities:
Support education for teachers, students and parents
Promote equity and inclusion in the community
Engage constituents, address concerns, and promote accessibility
Advocate for farmers, environmental ideals, and sustainability
Attract businesses, create well-paying jobs, and improve economy