
John R. Thomas
Republican | Virginia
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
John R. Thomas
Party
Republican
Election Year
2025
Election
General & School Board
Race
House of Delegates, Dist. 76
Incumbent
No
EDUCATION
L.C. Brid High School, Chesterfield, Graduated High School, 2001
Richmond Tech Center, Richmond, Welding I and II, 2020
WORK & MILITARY
Contractor for MDA, MSO, 4
AFFILIATIONS
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
House of Delegates, 2025
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Abortion should be allowed in cases where the life or health of the mother is at risk, in cases of rape or incest, and when there are severe fetal abnormalities that would result in non-viable births. I believe decisions around abortion are deeply personal and difficult. While I respect the value of life, I also recognize that government should not insert itself into the most intimate and traumatic decisions a family may face. Reasonable limits and safeguards can exist, but we should avoid extremes. The focus should be on expanding access to contraception, education, and healthcare so fewer women ever face that decision in the first place.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Disagree
Taxpayer dollars whether through federal, state, or local programs like Title X should not go to organizations that perform abortions, including Planned Parenthood. That said, I support funding for women's health services that provide things like cancer screenings, prenatal care, and contraception but those services should be separated from any organization involved in abortions. Public funds must reflect the values of the broader community, and many taxpayers have deeply held beliefs abo
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Choose not to answer
This is a deeply personal and emotional issue, and I believe any discussion about end-of-life decisions must be approached with compassion, caution, and strong safeguards. I understand why some individuals facing terminal illness and extreme suffering want the legal right to make those decisions for themselves. However, I also believe we must be extremely careful when crafting any law that involves life and death.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Neutral
I believe individuals and businesses should not be forced to provide services that violate their deeply held moral or religious beliefs — as long as it doesn’t result in discrimination or denial of essential services. Religious freedom is a core American value. At the same time, we must ensure everyone is treated with dignity and has access to the services they need.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
The government should only consider closing churches or other places of worship in the most extreme and temporary circumstances — such as during a declared public emergency where there is an immediate threat to public health or safety.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
The United States must remain vigilant and proactive in eradicating the threat of Islamic terrorism through intelligence, targeted military operations, and strong international partnerships. We need to support our military, law enforcement, and intelligence communities with the tools, training, and legal authority to identify and stop threats before they reach our shores. That means continuing to work with allies, improve cyber and human intelligence, and disrupt terrorist financing networks. At the same time, we must avoid broad-brush policies that target peaceful Muslims or infringe on civil liberties. The threat comes from extremists — not from an entire religion. We should stay focused on defeating radical ideologies while upholding the values that make us strong.
I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Strongly Disagree
I do not support the BDS movement. The United States should support a two-state solution that ensures the security of Israel and the dignity and rights of the Palestinian people. That means encouraging direct negotiations, supporting humanitarian aid where needed, and promoting policies that reduce conflict rather than deepen divisions. We can support peace and human rights without undermining one of our strongest allies in the Middle East.
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. Every American should have access to affordable healthcare, but I don’t believe the government should eliminate private insurance or force one-size-fits-all solutions. A public option can provide coverage for those who need it, while allowing others to keep their private plans if they choose. We should also encourage professional and trade associations to offer afford
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Vaccination requirements should be handled carefully, with a focus on public health, individual rights, and common sense. In high-risk environments — like healthcare settings, the military, or certain public schools — there may be valid reasons to.
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
The tax code should be simplified and made fairer for working families, small businesses, and retirees. Too often, the current system favors large corporations and the wealthy, while everyday Virginians struggle under rising costs. We should look at cutting unnecessary tax loopholes and using those savings to lower the burden on middle- and lower-income families. Small businesses — especially family-owned and local — deserve tax relief so they can grow, hire, and reinvest in our communities. And we need to make sure seniors on fixed incomes aren’t being overtaxed on their retirement. Tax reform shouldn’t be about politics — it should be about common sense and helping people keep more of what they earn.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
We need to rein in wasteful spending, focus on core services, and make government more efficient. Balancing the budget doesn’t mean cutting essential programs — it means using taxpayer dollars wisely. I would look to reduce spending in areas where th
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
I strongly support taxpayer-funded public education through high school and believe we should expand affordable options beyond that — but guaranteeing free college for all is not financially sustainable. Instead, we should focus on making community college, trade schools, and technical training more accessible and affordable. These paths lead directly to good-paying jobs and help close the workforce gap in fields like healthcare, construction, and technology.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
We need a combination of physical barriers, modern technology, and increased personnel to stop illegal crossings, drug trafficking, and human smuggling. Border security isn’t about politics — it’s about public safety and protecting American communities. At the same time, we need to fix the legal immigration system so that it’s fair, efficient, and focused on the needs of our workforce. But that only works if we first get control of the border.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
The U.S. should welcome legal immigrants who follow the rules, contribute to our economy, and respect our laws. We must secure the border, stop illegal crossings, and modernize our immigration system. Priority should go to those with needed skills, family ties, or valid asylum claims. No one should be allowed to skip the line. Immigration should be fair, lawful, and based on what's best for the country — with strong enforcement and clear, consistent rules.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
I support school choice, including vouchers, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling. Parents deserve the right to choose the best education for their children, regardless of ZIP code or income. Public education must be strong, but families should also have access to alternatives that meet their child’s unique needs. Competition and choice can drive improvement across all schools.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Agree
I support qualified immunity for police officers acting within the scope of their official duties and following departmental policies. It’s important to protect officers from frivolous lawsuits so they can perform their duties without fear, while still ensuring accountability for misconduct. We must balance protecting law enforcement with upholding justice and public trust.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Neutral
I support investing more in mental health and community programs to address root causes of many crises. Redirecting some funds can help provide better support and reduce the burden on police. However, we must ensure law enforcement remains well-equipped to keep communities safe. A balanced approach that strengthens both mental health services and public safety is the best way forward.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I respect the Second Amendment and the rights of law-abiding citizens to own firearms, including high-capacity and military-style weapons. However, I believe public safety can be enhanced through sensible measures like universal background checks, mandatory safety training, and responsible gun storage. We should focus on keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and those who pose a danger to themselves or others, without infringing on the rights of responsible owners.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
No, I do not support allowing victims of gun violence to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers. We don’t hold car or alcohol manufacturers liable for crimes committed with their products, and the same principle should apply to firearms. Instead, we should focus on enforcing existing laws and targeting criminals, not responsible businesses that legally produce and sell firearms.
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
The general purpose of government is to protect the rights, safety, and freedoms of its citizens while providing essential services that individuals and communities cannot manage alone. Government should ensure law and order, support economic opportunity, provide for national defense, and promote the general welfare — all while respecting individual liberty and limiting overreach.
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
I identify as a Republican who values limited government, personal responsibility, strong national defense, and individual freedoms. I believe in promoting economic growth through free enterprise, supporting traditional values, and protecting constitutional rights—including religious liberty and the Second Amendment. I’m focused on practical solutions that strengthen families, communities, and our country.
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
none to provide at this time
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
am deeply committed to serving my community with integrity and practical solutions. Having lived and worked here for decades, I understand the challenges our families and small businesses face every day. My legislative priorities focus on: Supporting small business growth and workforce development, especially through expanding trade and technical education. Strengthening public safety by supporting law enforcement and school resource officers. Improving access to affordable healthcare with practical, common-sense approaches. Promoting fiscal responsibility by cutting wasteful spending and ensuring taxpayer dollars are well managed. Above all, I’m dedicated to being a transparent and accessible representative who listens first and acts with your best interests at heart.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Agree
Judeo-Christian values helped shape our nation's founding principles and moral framework — including justice, individual rights, and personal responsibility. These values support a system of limited government by emphasizing that our rights come from God, not government. While we respect all faiths, acknowledging these roots helps preserve the moral foundation that sustains a free and accountable society.
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Agree
I believe everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, and no one should face discrimination because of who they are. I support adding gender identity to non-discrimination laws to ensure equal treatment in areas like employment and housing. At the same time, we must protect religious freedom and ensure any laws are applied with fairness and common sense — not used to target or silence those with differing beliefs.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Agree
I believe marriage is traditionally a sacred union between one man and one woman, grounded in faith and history. While I hold this view personally, I also recognize that civil law currently defines marriage more broadly. Government should respect religious freedoms and allow faith communities to uphold their beliefs without interference, even as the legal landscape evolves.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I was raised with strong Christian values that shape my understanding of right and wrong, personal responsibility, and service to others. Faith guides me to treat people with kindness, integrity, and respect. I believe in the importance of community, family, and living with purpose. While my faith is deeply important to me, I respect all beliefs and value the freedom that allows everyone to follow their own spiritual path.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Agree
I believe voting is a fundamental right, and access should be easy and secure. While I support protecting election integrity, requiring photo ID can sometimes create barriers for eligible voters, especially seniors and low-income individuals. We should find ways to verify identity that are fair and accessible — such as offering free IDs and alternative methods — so every eligible citizen can participate without undue hardship.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
I support laws that make voting secure, accessible, and transparent. This includes updating voter registration systems, offering early and absentee voting options, and ensuring polls have enough resources to prevent long waits. I also back measures to verify voter identity fairly without disenfranchising eligible voters. Finally, improving election audits and transparency will help build trust in our democratic process.
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Neutral
I believe we should honestly examine our history and institutions to address racial inequalities. While I do not agree with the idea that all U.S. institutions are fundamentally racist, it’s important to recognize where systemic issues exist and work together to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all. Education should promote unity and understanding, not division.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes, racism can be a threat to domestic security because it can fuel division, hate crimes, and extremist violence. When individuals or groups act on racist beliefs, it undermines social cohesion and public safety. Addressing racism through education, community engagement, and law enforcement helps promote unity and reduces the risk of domestic threats motivated by hate.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
I understand the historical injustices that have affected communities of color and believe we must address systemic inequalities. However, I do not support reparations based solely on race. Instead, I favor policies that invest in education, job training, and economic opportunities to uplift all disadvantaged communities and create a fairer society for everyone.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.
I believe protecting our environment is important for public health and future generations, but we must also consider the economic impact of regulations. Stricter environmental laws should be designed to protect natural resources while supporting job growth and innovation. We need smart policies that balance environmental responsibility with economic opportunity, especially for working families and small businesses.
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
I support the responsible use of hydraulic fracturing to extract oil and natural gas because it helps reduce energy costs and supports jobs. However, it must be done with strict environmental safeguards to protect water sources and public health. We should encourage safe energy development while investing in cleaner technologies for a balanced energy future.
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