Cast your vote for John Baber as Commonwealth's Attorney on November 4, 2025.
"I love Staunton, and I want to do my part to serve this Community" - John Baber
Why I'm Running
The overall duty of the Commonwealth's Attorney is to see that justice is served - and that can take a lot of different forms. Justice is a spectrum that spans support and resources for those affected by poverty and drug addiction to serious consequences for those convicted of violent crimes, and everything in between. Justice is a victim's moment in court, a healthy respect for everyone's Constitutional rights, and a commitment to public transparency. The Commonwealth's Attorney helps police in protecting the public, gives a voice to all of those affected by crime, and, above all else, ensures that justice is done the right way. I truly believe these things, which is why I'm running to be Staunton's next Commonwealth's Attorney.
The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office is an important member of a healthy community - and is an integral part of a community's safety and stability - things that make Staunton a great place to raise children, do business, and live safely. My family and I have fallen in love with this town, its social fabric, and above all else, its people. I want to do my part to ensure that Staunton will stay a wonderful small city, no matter how difficult the job may be at times.
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The job of the Commonwealth's Attorney is a serious one; it requires a deliberate, experienced, and humble public servant and a proven leader. I am that candidate. I promise that, if the people of Staunton put their trust in me as the next Commonwealth's Attorney, I will approach the job every day with the dedication and resolve that this city deserves, and that my door will always be open to the people I serve.
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Sincerely,
John B. Baber II
Why I'm Running as an Independent
I believe that justice is bigger than a political affiliation. The job of Commonwealth's Attorney is to ensure that justice is done for everyone, no matter what party you voted for or what your ideology may be. Lady Justice has a blindfold on for a reason. Some of the things that makes Staunton great are its shared values of neighborliness, public service, and a commitment to kindness and decency. I share those values with everyone in Staunton, and as Commonwealth's Attorney, I would represent everyone in this city to ensure that justice is done justly.
Meet John
John Baber has been a public servant his entire career.
John started his legal career as a Public Defender in Baltimore City, where he represented criminal defendants who could not afford an attorney. During this time, John gained valuable trial experience (and met his wife Cassondra along the way). John's experience as a public defender not only helps him better evaluate the strength of cases as a prosecutor, but also allows him to better consider the overall goals of the community when prosecuting every defendant.
John also taught the Baltimore Police Academy, where he trained new police recruits on every aspect of the law, with a special focus on the Fourth Amendment and on courtroom performance. John takes pride in his good relationship with police, and has continued supporting and educating the police during his time in Staunton.
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In 2019, John moved to Virginia and started as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in Staunton, where he prosecuted misdemeanors and felonies. He and his wife also fell in love with the area, and bought a home in the city in 2022. In 2023, shortly after welcoming their first child, John joined the team at the Waynesboro Commonwealth's Attorney's Office and continues prosecuting cases today.
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John's passion for public service extends back to 2008, when he began as a public high school history teacher in Charlottesville, VA. Many of the values he developed there, such as collaboration with multiple stakeholders, compassion for others, and goal-oriented achievement, are all things he will draw upon when elected as Commonwealth's Attorney.
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Staunton is a special place - a place where neighbors respect each other and a real social fabric connects us all. However, like most places, it is not without its issues, hence the need for an experienced prosecutor. John will ensure that justice is done, that the values of the community are upheld, and that public safety is considered every day. A vote for John is a vote for Staunton's future.