James Harder is a Montgomery County native. He graduated from Virginia Tech. He has served on the Virginia Board of Forestry and directed cs/root, an entrepreneurship hub supporting startups in the New River and Roanoke Valleys. He is married and has two children.

James teaches public policy at Virginia Tech. He previously worked for U.S. Representative Rick Boucher.

James previously ran for Virginia Delegate but did not win.

Supports small businesses and startups, and plans to promote policies that create good-paying jobs.

- Supports small businesses and startups, and plans to promote policies that create good-paying jobs.

Economy

Supports investing in arts, culture, and recreation.

- Supports investing in arts, culture, and recreation.

Public Services

Plans to address the housing crisis and advocate for walkable, family-friendly neighborhoods with excellent schools.

- Plans to address the housing crisis and advocate for walkable, family-friendly neighborhoods with excellent schools.

Housing & Urban Development

As of September 10, 2025, James D. Harder’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Supports creating green spaces and sustainability initiatives to maintain a clean, healthy, and resilient town.

- Supports creating green spaces and sustainability initiatives to maintain a clean, healthy, and resilient town.

Energy & the Environment

James D. Harder

I’m a fifth-generation Montgomery County native, a Virginia Tech graduate and employee, and a longtime public servant. My passion for service started early—my grandmother served in the House of Delegates, and I learned from her the importance of responsive leadership. I’ve worked for U.S. Representative Rick Boucher, led major initiatives at Virginia Tech, and helped drive economic development through grants and startup programs. I ran one of the closest Delegate races in Virginia history, which led to appointments on Governor McAuliffe’s Transition Team and the Virginia Board of Forestry. Over the last five years, I managed economic development grants in Virginia Tech’s Department of Computer Science and directed cs/root, an entrepreneurship hub supporting startups in the New River and Roanoke Valleys. I also teach public policy at Virginia Tech. When I’m not working, you’ll find me with my two kids, my cat, and my dog—or playing music, golfing, and training for sprint triathlons.

As of September 10, 2025, James D. Harder did not have a website or any information online.