Getting to know Virginia Delegate, Jason Miyares

Jason Miyares is a former prosecutor who is now a member of the Virginia House of Delegates as a representative from Virginia Beach. Miyares is also currently running for Attorney General. He is the son of an immigrant, a husband, father, and Salem SunDevil alumni.

After graduating from Salem in 1994, Miyares attended James Madison University and then William and Mary’s law school.

Despite the many jobs that he must do as a government official, he is still a real person just like us. The goal of this interview was to get to know Delegate Miyares beyond his political persona.

A Google Form was sent to all social studies teachers encouraging students to submit questions for our public officials. The SunDevil Times poured through the submissions and selected what we felt were the top questions for the “collective interview.”

Every question has the name of the student or staff member who asked it above, and Delegate Miyares’ answer below.

Thank you for your time Delegate Miyares!

Science teacher Cindy Kube asked: Did your high school experience at Salem help to shape your career goals?

“One thousand percent, yes. I had so many amazing teachers who supported both me and my aspirations. During high school, home life wasn’t always easy and Salem always felt like a safe second home.”

Senior Natasinh Phath asks: What is one excellent memory you had during your time as a Salem student? 

“Oh my. I don’t know if I should say this or not but, the senior prank. Our prank was to change the letters on the marque- at the time it wasn’t digital of course. And don’t ask how, but somebody, somehow had a key to the school, so we snuck in before school started and changed the letters to say ‘closed for repair’ and then we put cones everywhere and for sale signs. It definitely caused mass-communication problems but nobody got hurt, or in trouble actually. Everyone got a good laugh out of it honestly.”

English Teacher Kathleen Trace asked: As a fellow W&M grad, I’m curious how your time at W&M shaped your career in public service?

“Yes, I think it would be hard for it not to have. There’s just so much history there, I mean it’s at every corner. I absolutely loved the connection to history and how much my classmates and I learned from the past.”

Graduate Erica Munisar asked: “Congratulations on your announcement that you are running for attorney general. One curiosity I have as someone who participates on a debate team is that I wonder how government officials prepare for their rigorous debates. Do you still get nervous? If so, how did you overcome these jitters?

“Getting nervous is super normal. I always say that every duck who looks as if it is just floating on the water is paddling its hardest below the surface. But it’s important to remember that being lucky does not count as preparation. Being prepared is crucial. The more you do, the more you’re ready in my experience.”

Graduate Adriel Tabilin asked: “Why did you enter public service?”

“My mother; she’s the biggest reason. My mom fled Cuba in 1965. She was penniless and homeless, she had no idea where her next meal was going to come from. One of my earliest memories was watching my mother become an American Citizen. […] And it’s all come full circle now. I speak at citizenship ceremonies now. That’s why I got into this.”

Senior Julian Sagayno asked: “Is being a Delegate fun? What is your favorite part of the job? What are you looking forward to if you become Attorney General?”

“In some ways yes, my job is fun. But it is a lot of work, a lot of behind the scenes. There’s a lot of reading. It’s not all as black and white as I wish it was. It can be hard, morally to decide what is or isn’t right for the general public. So that isn’t fun, but I thoroughly enjoy my job.”

Sophomore Mackenna Wyckoff asked: “How can a high schooler at SHS such as myself get involved in politics?”

“The world is run by those who show up. You have to demand your place at the table. I didn’t start getting involved in politics until I was in college, and I sometimes wish I was more informed in high school. But honestly, everyone could always use some help. If you go to the website of a candidate that you would like to support, they most likely are looking for teenage kids and young adults. It’s a great way to get involved.”

Sophomore Anya Kohler asked: “What is it like having a personal life with the job you have; do you have time for yourself and family? How do you destress?”

“Seeing my girls. Hearing my daughters laugh and talking to my wife. I also try to connect spiritually. For me, that means praying, but it really is all about what grounds you and helps to gain some perspective.”

Senior Natasinh Phath asked “Who or what is your greatest inspiration?”

“My mother; she always has been. Even as an adult and a parent I make sure to talk to my mom every single day.”

Graduate Erica Munisar asked: “We want to know more about you as a person. What are your hobbies? Do you have a favorite food? Favorite TV show or movie?”

“Oh wow, rapid fire there. My wife jokes that politics is my hobby because I don’t play golf or tennis or anything really. But I enjoy going to the beach, I love to read, and just spending quality time with my family. My favorite show is The Office. I thought I was obsessive until my fourteen year old started it. She loves it so much I think she has seen the whole series maybe five or six times. I bought the entire show on DVD just because she was so sad when she found out it was being taken off of Netflix. I’m quite a fan of all Cuban food, but I especially love my mother’s black beans.”

Senior Natasinh Phath asked What is your favorite thing to do around Virginia Beach?

“Well I’m from here, so I just enjoy doing all the things I did when I was a kid. I love the beach and going to all of the local spots. Just laughing and enjoying this wonderful city.”

We are so grateful for Jason Miyares for giving us a glimpse into what it is like to be a Virginia Delegate as well as who he is as a person.

The SunDevil Times has reached out to a number of government officials. You can read our interview with VBCPS School Board Chair Carolyn Rye here, Mayor Bobby Dyer here and Congresswoman Elaine Luria here.