Jason Miyares

Jason Miyares is a former American politician and attorney who served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates for the 82nd district from 2016 to 2022. A member of the Republican Party, Miyares gained prominence as the first Hispanic American elected statewide in Virginia when he became the 48th attorney general of Virginia, a position he held from 2022 until 2026. Following his tenure in public office, he became affiliated with the Torridon Group, a strategic advisory firm.

Early life and career

Jason Miyares was born on February 11, 1976, in Greensboro, North Carolina. He spent his formative years in Virginia Beach, where he attended public schools. Miyares is the son of Miriam Miyares, who emigrated from Cuba in 1965. He has two brothers: Bryan Redding, a commercial cinematographer, and the late Steven Marcus Miyares, who was a criminal defense attorney in Virginia.

Miyares pursued higher education at James Madison University, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1998. He later attended William & Mary Law School, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 2005. During his time in law school, he was actively involved in political organizations, serving as Chairman of the Hampton Roads Young Republicans and as a founding member of the Hampton Roads Federalist Society. After completing his education, Miyares began his legal career as an assistant commonwealth's attorney in Virginia Beach.

In addition to his legal work, Miyares was involved in political campaigns. He contributed to George Allen's 2000 Senate campaign and served as campaign manager and advisor for Republican Scott Rigell during the 2010 and 2012 congressional elections. He later worked as a prosecutor in the Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney's Office and became a partner at the consulting firm Madison Strategies. Prior to his election as attorney general, Miyares was associated with the Virginia Beach law firm Hanger Law.

Legislative service

Miyares entered the political arena by running for the Virginia House of Delegates in 2015, seeking the seat vacated by Bill DeSteph, who successfully transitioned to the Virginia State Senate. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary held in June 2015 and subsequently won the general election against Democrat Bill Fleming in November of that year. His election marked a significant milestone as he became the first Cuban American elected to the Virginia General Assembly.

During his time in the House of Delegates, Miyares was reelected in both 2017 and 2019. He served on several committees, including General Laws, Courts of Justice, and Transportation. His legislative contributions extended beyond committee work; he was also involved with the Virginia Board of Veterans Services and chaired the Commission on Equal Opportunity for Virginians in Aspiring and Diverse Communities.

Miyares received recognition for his legislative efforts, being named "Legislator of the Year" by the College of Affordability and Public Trust in both 2018 and 2019, as well as receiving the same honor from the Hampton Roads Military Officers Association in 2018. In 2019, he was awarded the "Action Award" by the Safe House Project for his advocacy.

Throughout his legislative career, Miyares took positions on various issues. He endorsed Marco Rubio during the 2016 Republican presidential primaries and served as Rubio's Virginia campaign co-chairman. Miyares was vocal in his criticism of then-Governor Terry McAuliffe's outreach to Cuba amid the Cuban thaw and introduced a non-binding resolution condemning the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement.

In November 2018, Miyares successfully proposed an amendment to the Virginia Constitution that allows spouses of disabled veterans who have passed away to receive a full property tax exemption on their homes if they choose to relocate. He also introduced a red flag law bill in August 2019, advocating for a balance between due process and public safety regarding gun ownership. Other legislative initiatives included measures to support students in foster care and to ensure public comment periods during discussions of tuition increases at public colleges and universities.

Miyares's legislative record also included opposition to various proposals, such as those aimed at increasing the minimum wage in Virginia and legislation allowing local governments to remove Confederate monuments. He expressed his stance against the abolition of capital punishment in Virginia in February 2021.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, Miyares represented the 82nd district, which encompasses parts of Virginia Beach. His policy focus included a range of issues pertinent to his constituents, particularly in areas such as public safety, education, and veterans' affairs. Miyares's legislative actions reflected a commitment to addressing the needs of veterans and their families, as evidenced by his work on property tax exemptions for spouses of disabled veterans.

Miyares also emphasized the importance of higher education and affordability, advocating for policies that supported students, particularly those in foster care. His efforts to ensure transparency in tuition increases at public colleges and universities indicated a broader concern for educational accessibility and fiscal responsibility.

In addition to his legislative achievements, Miyares's engagement with local and state issues was evident through his committee assignments and leadership roles. His participation in the Virginia Board of Veterans Services and the Commission on Equal Opportunity for Virginians in Aspiring and Diverse Communities showcased his dedication to promoting equal opportunities and addressing the unique challenges faced by diverse populations in Virginia.

Overall, Miyares's tenure in the Virginia House of Delegates was marked by a focus on public safety, education, and veterans' issues, reflecting the interests and needs of his constituents in the 82nd district. His legislative contributions and policy initiatives established a foundation for his subsequent election as attorney general, where he continued to influence Virginia's legal and political landscape.