James Shea
VA-01 Democratic nominee?
$13.6K
AUG 5, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleEconomics teacher (Henrico County Public Schools)
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
GenderMale
LocationVirginia
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BackgroundEconomics teacher (Henrico County Public Schools)
EducationUniversity of Oregon — degree in philosophy
Notable personal detailsJames Michael Shea is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District in the 2026 cycle. He works as an economics teacher for Henrico County Public Schools and previously worked as a journalist at newspapers in Colorado, North Carolina, and Virginia. He earned degrees in philosophy and in journalism and communication from the University of Oregon. Shea is married to Jan Shea, a social worker and faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports an economy that "works for everyone" and criticizes concentration of wealth by private equity; emphasizes protecting the safety net while calling for fiscal responsibility and balancing the federal budget. No explicit, detailed tax proposals (e.g., raising/lowering rates on specific groups) are stated on the campaign site.
Healthcare
Supports protecting and strengthening Medicare and Medicaid and preserving the social safety net; has stated he fought to protect Medicaid benefits for families with disabled children and emphasizes fiscal responsibility to safeguard Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
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