Delegate Josh Thomas is a Marine combat veteran, attorney, husband, father, and the representative for Virginia House District 21, covering West Prince William County. Inspired by his Marine brother and the impact of 9/11, he joined the Marine Corps and led Marines in Afghanistan and the Middle East. As an attorney, Josh fought the VA to help his pro bono clients obtain their hard-earned veteran benefits. He also represented members of the Afghan LGBTQ+ community claiming asylum in the United States during the end of the conflict in Afghanistan.
Now in the House of Delegates, Josh brings the same courage and conviction to Richmond. As a new father and servant leader, he’s fighting to enshrine reproductive freedom in Virginia’s constitution, expand access to affordable housing and health care, defend the LGBTQ+ community from dangerous attacks, and defend Virginia’s vulnerable populations from disastrous federal funding cuts.
Housing
As both a renter and homeowner, Josh understands the challenges rising housing costs create for families. He is committed to expanding Virginia’s affordable housing programs to increase supply and reduce commute times for working families. Josh believes housing is a nonpartisan issue and will work collaboratively to deliver practical solutions that help families live closer to where they work and thrive.
Data Centers
Data centers drive Virginia’s economy, but unchecked expansion threatens local communities and our environment. Josh believes responsible growth means standing up for residents and protecting natural resources—not sacrificing them for corporate profits. That’s why he fought for legislation demanding thorough site assessments before any new data centers get the green light.
Women’s Rights
With the Dobbs decision rolling back decades of progress, Josh believes Virginia must remain a safe, welcoming place for women. He will fight any attempt to restrict access to reproductive health care and work to expand affordable, comprehensive care for all. Josh also champions equal pay, affordable childcare, and the right of every woman to live free from discrimination and oppression.
Federal Jobs and Funding
District 21 is home to thousands of federal workers and sits at the gateway to the capital region, with the future Metro line ending in Haymarket. Josh is fighting to protect federal jobs, defend federal benefits, and secure critical funding that supports our workforce, schools, and local economy. He knows Northern Virginia thrives when our public servants are respected and our communities are fully resourced.
HB1601: The Data Center Community Protection Act
Status: Passed the Virginia General Assembly but was vetoed by the governor
This bill required localities to conduct site assessments evaluating noise, environmental, and community impacts before approving new high-energy data centers. It ensured responsible growth while preserving local zoning authority. The bill passed but was vetoed by the governor.
HB2657: Fentanyl-Related Involuntary Manslaughter Law
Status: Passed
This law makes people criminally responsible if they sell or make fentanyl-laced drugs that cause someone’s death. It sets where cases can be tried and defines lesser penalties for those who don’t profit or encourage addiction. It’s an important step to fight fentanyl overdoses in Virginia.
HB2071: Supporting Incarcerated Veterans Through Identification and Reentry
Status: Passed
This law directs the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services to help correctional facilities identify incarcerated veterans using federal tools. It aims to connect veterans with resources for reentry, reduce repeat offenses and homelessness, and provide access to treatment programs.
HB1626: Limits on Nonacademic Training for Public School Teachers
Status: Passed
This law limits how often public elementary and secondary teachers can be required to attend nonacademic training—no more than once in the first six months of employment and once every five years after, with some exceptions. It also caps the total required nonacademic training at 25 hours every five years.
Reelecting Delegate Josh Thomas is essential to defending the Democratic majority in the House, protecting the progress we’ve made in Virginia, and fighting against the Trump administration’s disastrous federal funding cuts. As a Marine Corps veteran and dedicated public servant, Thomas has fought for affordable housing, public safety, maternal health care, reproductive freedom, and fully funded schools. His continued leadership is key to building on the work Democrats have begun—delivering results for families and moving Virginia forward.
Last day to register for primary: June 17, 2025
Deadline to request absentee ballot (primary) June 6, 2025
Date of primary: June 17, 2025
Last day to register for general: November 4, 2025
Deadline to request absentee ballot (general) October 24, 2025
Date of general: November 4, 2025
District 21 covers the northern portion of Prince William County and includes a large portion of gated communities in the northern section, a large Latino population in the southern section, and a rural crescent that swings libertarian.
2021 Gubernatorial:
Democrat : 48%
Republican: 51.4%
2023 House of Delegates:
Democrat : 51.7%
Republican: 48.1%
2024 Presidential Election:
Harris: 51.5%
Trump: 45.9%
Population: 85,827
Households: 29,246
Over 65: 14%
Ages 18–64: 60%
Median Age: 38
White: 50.5%
Black: 12%
Latino/a: 22.4%
Asian/Pacific Islander: 12.2%
Other/Two+: 13.9%
Per Capita Income: $55,437
Poverty: 6.2%
College/Postgrad: 49.4%
Some College: 22%
HS Grad: 20%
Not HS Grad: 8%
Gregory Lee “Greg” Gorham relies on vague campaign slogans like “make states great again” instead of identifying real policy positions to help hardworking Virginia families with skyrocketing rent and costs. His messaging suggests he’ll prioritize big business and the wealthiest Virginians, likely leaving everyday workers to face higher costs and little support. Operating from a basic Google Group instead of a proper website raises questions about his readiness and ability. He also embraces debunked election fraud claims, supporting efforts that make it harder for Virginians to vote.
After flipping the House of Delegates in 2023, we must protect our Democratic majority to continue safeguarding democracy, especially with the growing threats coming from the federal government. Keeping our majority ensures that Virginia remains a firewall against right-wing extremism and a leader in expanding opportunity, protecting freedoms, and defending democracy.
With recent Democratic victories in special elections and shifting political momentum in our favor, we are well-positioned to win in key swing districts that will maintain our Democratic control of the legislature. This election is our chance to solidify Virginia as a stronghold for democracy, protect fundamental rights, keep the Commonwealth moving forward, and create palpable momentum for Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections.
In addition to all 100 House of Delegates seats being up for election, Democrats also could take back the executive branch of the Virginia state government! Former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger is running to be the first female governor of Virginia, while there will be a contested primary on the Republican side between current Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears and two former state legislative Republicans.
Delegate Josh Thomas’s bipartisan data center reform bill vetoed by Gov. Youngkin
“Glenn Youngkin has once again prioritized big tech profits over the well-being of Virginia residents.”—Delegate Josh Thomas
Youngkin signs bipartisan bills to charge fentanyl dealers with involuntary manslaughter if the drugs they sell cause an overdose
“Whether you live in rural Virginia or somewhere in the urban crescent, fentanyl is there and this is a first great step in making sure that we can deter those who would negligently and dangerously sell this material on our streets and in our communities,” Delegate Josh Thomas (D-Prince William, who wrote the House version of the bill) told 8News.
The Virginia General Assembly isn’t done: What’s next on data centers and federal workers
Del. Josh Thomas (D-Prince William), a member of the emergency committee, said he’d be particularly focused on understanding the impact on the housing market and on services for veterans. “There’s a lot of people in my district that are about to be negatively affected by, you know, a proposed 8% reduction at DoD [the Defense Department] or any of the 1%, 5% or 10% reduction scenarios writ large for the federal government,” he said in an interview with WAMU.
Virginia’s housing and hospitality industries struggle under tariff pressure
“Half of all tourism in the Northern Virginia area is Canadians. Had no idea, but that has dropped precipitously in the first quarter of this year. The hospitality industry, which employs a lot of people in our area, has seen a 7% decrease.”—Delegate Josh Thomas
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