Together, we can build a stronger, fairer, and more just Virginia.
Let’s make it happen.
Dustin Wade for Virginia
Will be a Representative for All
A History of Service
Dustin Wade for Virginia is a political campaign aimed at connecting with all voters in the district and emphasizing shared values. The candidate, Dustin Wade, is a nurse and a strong advocate for the disability community, with a history of serving on several boards. The campaign's unique selling point lies in the candidate's healthcare background and commitment to the disability community.
Campaign Priorities
Dustin Wade for Virginia is committed to addressing key issues such as healthcare accessibility, disability rights, and community empowerment. With a strong focus on inclusivity and representation, the campaign aims to bring about positive change for all residents of the district.
Awards
2023 - Disability Law Center of Virginia Impact Award
2024 - Disability Law Center of Virginia Impact Award
This prestigious event commends those whose innovative, dedicated, and impactful advocacy efforts have markedly improved the lives of individuals with disabilities. Dustin's recognition at these ceremonies underscores his significant role in championing disability rights and contributing to meaningful change in the community.
Boards
12/15/2023 appointed to the Board of Directors at James House
the sole accredited nonprofit in the Greater Tri-Cities Region dedicated to assisting those impacted by sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking. This vital organization operates in the cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, and Petersburg, as well as Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Prince George, Surry, Sussex counties, and Fort Lee, providing trauma-informed, confidential, and cost-free services.
Personal Life
Dustin Wade, 38, was born in Hopewell and raised in Chester and Prince George by a devoted single mother. He attended Prince George High School, where he developed a deep connection to the community that has inspired him throughout his life. Growing up in this district instilled in him a profound understanding of the community’s needs and strengths, fueling a lifelong passion for service and advocacy.
At just 18, Dustin took his first steps into healthcare by enrolling in the fast-track nursing program at Chesterfield Technical School. This program not only accelerated his entry into nursing but also deepened his commitment to compassionate care and community service. Shortly after, he began his career as a nurse’s aide at Lucy Corr Village in Chesterfield, where he discovered his passion for providing hands-on, empathetic care to patients. As his career progressed, he worked in long-term care, balancing his expanding responsibilities with his studies to complete his nursing degree. This experience allowed him to deepen his skills in managing complex, chronic health issues, especially those faced by the elderly, and gave him a unique perspective on continuity of care across healthcare settings.
Over the years, Dustin’s career has flourished across diverse healthcare settings, including home health, long-term care, critical care, pediatrics, travel nursing, nursing education, and leadership. One of the most fulfilling chapters of his career was his work at the Children’s Hospital of VCU, where he provided specialized pediatric care to young patients and their families, deepening his dedication to patient advocacy and compassionate care. Additionally, Dustin’s work in home health has been instrumental in shaping his career. He provided complex care to vulnerable populations in Richmond’s inner city, including patients requiring total heart replacements, a role that demanded advanced nursing skills, empathy, and resilience.
Central to Dustin’s life and work is his husband, Joseph Wade, his steadfast partner for over 20 years. Together, they founded Abraxas Home Care, an agency dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Abraxas Home Care is driven by the belief that every person deserves a life of quality, independence, and respect. Working closely with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), Dustin and Joseph have built Abraxas on a foundation of empathy, trust, and high standards. Their commitment to creating a supportive, person-centered environment reflects their shared vision of transformative care that uplifts every client and enriches the community. Dustin’s dedication doesn’t stop at his profession. He is also the proud and nurturing guardian to four children—his niece and three nephews. With deep love and unwavering commitment, he guides them through their public education and life’s challenges, imparting the same values of resilience and compassion that his mother instilled in him. His role as a guardian is as important to him as his role as a healthcare provider, shaping his belief in the power of family, support, and strong community bonds. Dustin’s passion for giving back runs deep. From Chesterfield’s playgrounds to Hopewell’s historic streets, every corner of this district has shaped who he is and what he stands for. His lifelong commitment to serve, uplift, and create positive change is evident in his work, his family, and his community. Every act of care, advocacy, and support Dustin offers is rooted in a profound love for the community that raised him, and he is devoted to ensuring that everyone in his district has access to the resources, care, and respect they deserve.
Mission Statement
Working for the Community
Finding common ground isn’t just a nice idea; it’s the key to real progress. We’re at our strongest when we look beyond party lines, beyond labels, and focus on what unites us as Americans. Each of us, whether Democrat, Republican, or Independent, shares a vision for a brighter future, a stronger nation, and a community where everyone has the chance to thrive.
We may have different ideas on how to get there, but that’s exactly why our democracy works. It’s designed to bring together a diversity of voices and ideas, to debate and find the best solutions. We need to honor that process, respect each other, and work side by side to make progress on issues that affect us all—quality education, affordable healthcare, safe neighborhoods, and economic opportunities.
Our future depends on us coming together, shoulder to shoulder, and committing to the shared goals that matter to every American family. When we build bridges across party lines, we’re investing in a future where everyone has a stake, every voice is heard, and the dreams we all share become realities.
Let’s remember that the progress we all dream of doesn’t come from division—it comes from collaboration. Together, we can ensure that America remains a land of opportunity and unity for generations to come.