Geral D. “Bishop” Staten

Q2 The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project off the coast of Virginia Beach is the largest offshore wind development under construction in the United States, expected to generate enough electricity to power up to 660,000 homes once complete. What is your view on the role of offshore wind and other renewable energy sources in Virginia’s energy mix, and what policies, if any, would you support regarding their development?

Q9 Healthcare affordability and access are major issues for Virginians. A 2025 survey by Altarum found that 72% of Virginians worry about paying for healthcare in the future. If elected, what action would you take to address healthcare affordability and access?

Q10 Healthcare access and affordability can also vary by demographics and need (e.g., rural areas, maternity care, mental healthcare). Are there any targeted programs you would support for specific needs or populations?

Q11 Virginia hosts the largest data center market in the world. Dominion Energy has proposed a 14% rate increase for residential customers in 2026, citing data center growth and AI-driven demand. What is your view on how the costs and benefits of data center growth should be divided between developers and residential ratepayers, and what policies, if any, would you support on this issue?

Q12 According to the Virginia Department of Education, there are currently overall fewer vacant teaching positions in public schools than in years’ past. However, teacher shortages are still a major concern, particularly in areas such as special education, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), and early childhood. Through what policies, if any, would you address teacher shortages in Virginia’s K-12 schools in these high-demand areas, particularly in STEM?

Q13 As a member of Congress, you would vote on appropriations for federal science agencies, including the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Health. What priorities, if any, would guide your decisions on federal science funding?

Q14 As a member of Congress, you would also vote on appropriations affecting federal civilian positions, and the availability of these positions. Specifically focusing on workforce positions related to public health, science, and research and development, how would you approach appropriations/funding for federal civilian positions?

Q15 Scientific and technical expertise can inform decisions related to healthcare, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you communicate scientific uncertainty or evolving evidence to the public?