Editor’s note: Between now and Election Day, the Free Press is inviting candidates for state office whose constituencies include the Fredericksburg area to make their case in their own words through a candidate questionnaire. The following responses have been edited only for formatting.
Please provide a brief bio outlining your background and qualifications for office
Nicole Cole was born in Hampton and raised in Highland Springs, Virginia. The granddaughter of a farmer and entrepreneur, and the daughter of a public school teacher and a U.S. postal worker, Nicole was raised with a strong sense of public service and community and is a proud graduate of Henrico County public schools. As a small business owner, nonprofit leader, and mother of three, her lifelong passion for supporting families and communities to reach their potential and goals led her to public service.
As a family financial planner, Nicole works with families to help them budget and plan for the future. As a member of the Spotsylvania School Board, she uses her financial skills to ensure our tax dollars are spent wisely and invested in ways that will really make a difference for our children and educators. Nicole is an advocate for education and youth, a community leader, and is committed to investing today for a better tomorrow. In 2025, Nicole has focused that passion and commitment to run for the House of Delegates in district 66. Fiery and fearless, Nicole is unafraid to hold public officials and government agencies accountable when their policies and measures don’t serve the community.
Press the Issue
For more information on Nicole Cole, visit her website.
Why are you running for office?
I am running because the people of my district deserve and demand better. I want to be the delegate for HD66 to be their voice at the table; the fresh leadership who fights for the needs of our community at the state level. We need infrastructure (roads and transportation systems) to support our growth, people need Medicaid to cover the expense of health care, workers need a paycheck that covers their family’s basic needs and comforts, our young adults, young families, and seniors on fixed incomes need affordable housing. This isn’t just a campaign — it’s a movement to reclaim our future. The issues facing this district require fresh leadership. I’ve proven I can deliver real change against the toughest opposition, bringing transparency to government and holding power accountable.
What is one piece of legislation you plan to introduce if elected?
As Delegate, I will continue to fight for public education and to ensure funding and resources are available to meet the needs of all of our students. I will sponsor legislation that creates incentives for local governments to place greater emphasis on, and commitment to, fully funding public education. I will advocate for diversifying and expanding educational opportunities to meet the needs of ALL students, secure resources to help graduates stay in or return to our communities, and ensure graduates earn a fair, livable wage and work in meaningful jobs.
What role should the state, and particularly the General Assembly, play in regulating data center development in Virginia?
Solutions to local needs to raise revenue cannot exist in a vacuum; unmanaged and unplanned growth in one locality has a direct impact on its neighbors. The General Assembly’s role can be to regulate the structuring of deals to ensure the community’s interests are prioritized in the areas of alleviating economic burdens on homeowners and schools. There should be a significant, sustained net positive financial benefit for the local community. Any corporate tax incentives should be limited such that families and businesses are protected from increased costs associated with data centers.
The General Assembly can establish clear guidelines on energy costs distribution and environmental protections and safety, so residents and small businesses do not end up unfairly subsidizing large data centers’ energy needs or having to bear the brunt of negative environmental impacts. Regulations can also support leveraging labor partnerships, fostering partnerships and equitable distribution of benefits across localities, and assisting with information sharing to build capacity between state agencies, local governments, and communities.
Please provide an example of an issue that is unique/specific to your district and how you plan to represent your constituents’ interests on said issue if elected.
Regional transportation is an issue for many in my district. Many of the residents of Caroline County, and more rural areas of Spotsylvania County, work outside of the area in Washington, DC, Richmond, or Fredericksburg. Our regional bus system doesn’t extend into these areas of the counties. These residents need reliable transportation and don’t have it. I’d be a supporter of an expanded regional transportation board so we can work together to increase accessibility and affordability of regional transportation.
In terms of incumbent members, the House of Delegates currently has 51 Democrats and 49 Republicans. How do you plan to reach across the aisle as a legislator?
As a member of the Spotsylvania County School Board, I was faced with a board determined to undermine public education. I started Supporters of Spotsylvania Public Schools (SSPS PAC) with other concerned citizens to build coalitions from the ground up that transformed our schools and gave our children the opportunities they deserve. I will bring my experience and knowledge of coalition building to bring all stakeholders together to support and create new legislation to meet the challenges in our community.
