Josh Throneburg: Addressing Climate Change for Future Generations

Josh Throneburg, former pastor and 2022 Democratic candidate for Virginia’s 5th Congressional District, moved from the pastoral to the political stage with a revitalized focus on  combating climate change. Growing up in the rural farming town of Buda, Illinois, Throneburg’s journey took him across the globe, from attending college in Indiana to meeting his wife in South Korea. He spent 15 years in Boston as a pastor before entering the political world, driven by a desire to address issues that will impact future generations, especially his two young daughters.

“I’ve lived a pastoral life for a number of years, and in the last few years I’ve lived a more political life,” Throneburg said. “It’s pretty surprising how much crossover there is.” Throneburg’s mission has always been clear: serving the community and addressing critical issues. “My biggest fear in this world is climate change,” he said. “I want to try to be a part of solving the problems that are going to end up impacting my kids.”

During his campaign, Throneburg made climate action his central message, advocating for policies like a carbon tax. Reflecting on recent hurricanes in North Carolina and Florida, he said that large companies “are a part of the destruction.” Throneburg ran into opposition from his opponent, Bob Good, a Republican who dismissed climate change, and said that “there is no climate crisis, it is a hoax.” Good’s rhetoric left Throneburg frustrated, but it didn’t derail his focus.

Throneburg also faced people that do not believe the climate is changing along the campaign trail, but he remained strong in his beliefs. When discussing his efforts to engage young voters, he said,  “I wanted to get… [them] to see a politician who was speaking about stuff that really will impact them.” For Throneburg, addressing climate change isn’t just a political talking point, it’s a deeply personal mission. His campaign materials featured images of his family, showing his goal to leave a better world for his children.

One of Throneburg’s characteristics is his ability to connect with people from different backgrounds. He grew up in a predominantly white, Republican, and evangelical town but now identifies as a Democrat; thus, he’s able to deal with political divides. “I come from both of those worlds; I speak both of those languages,” he said. 

Though his 2022 congressional bid was unsuccessful, his journey from pastoral service to politics has been driven by his values, care for community and a desire to make a meaningful impact.

Students and community members had the opportunity to meet Josh Throneburg in person at the PVCC Election Expo on October 23, from noon to 2 p.m.