Virginia Elected Officials

Governor Glenn Youngkin

Governor Glenn Youngkin is a homegrown Virginian who grew up in Richmond and Virginia Beach. As his father changed jobs, Governor Youngkin learned that moving around didn’t equal moving up – nothing was handed to him. From his first job washing dishes and frying eggs at a diner in Virginia Beach, he embraced hard work and responsibility to help his family when his father lost his job. His determination to succeed earned him multiple high school basketball honors in Virginia and an athletic scholarship to college.

After earning an engineering degree at Rice University, and his MBA at Harvard Business School, Governor Youngkin and his wife Suzanne moved to Northern Virginia. He landed a job at The Carlyle Group, where he spent the next 25 years. Working his way to the top of the company, Governor Youngkin played a key role in building Carlyle into one of the leading investment firms in the world. His efforts have helped fund the retirements of teachers, police officers, firefighters and other frontline public servants and supported hundreds of thousands of American jobs.

Married for over 27 years to his amazing wife Suzanne, Governor Youngkin is a dedicated father of four wonderful children. Their family journey has been and continues to be guided by their faith.

Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears

Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, immigrated to the United States at the age of six. She is proud to have served in the United States Marine Corps. In addition to her various appointments, she has served as the Vice President of the Virginia State Board of Education; and as a presidential appointee to the US Census Bureau, as co-chair of the African American Committee; and the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears was first elected in 2002 to a majority Black House of Delegates district, a first for a Republican in Virginia since 1865. She is the first female Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the first Black female elected to statewide office.

A former program manager for the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and VISTA volunteer, Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears is a trained electrician and successful businesswoman. However, she is most proud of her community work leading a men’s prison ministry and as director of a women’s homeless shelter. She holds a B.A. in English with a minor in Economics, and an M.A. in Organizational Leadership, with a concentration in Government. Winsome and her husband, Terence, have two daughters Katia and Janel, in addition to DeJon, and granddaughters Victoria and Faith, who are now looking into the face of God.

Attorney General Jason Miyares

In 2021, Jason Miyares was elected Attorney General and became the first Hispanic-American to hold statewide office in Virginia. From 2015 to 2021, Attorney General Miyares served in the House of Delegates, and was a conservative voice in Richmond, standing up against the Defund the Police movement and proudly standing with our law enforcement community. Recognized as a Champion of Free Enterprise by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, then-Delegate Miyares consistently opposed higher taxes and regulations that make it hard for small business owners to expand and thrive. Prior to his service in the House of Delegates, Attorney General Miyares served as a prosecutor (Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney) for the City of Virginia Beach, working to keep our most violent criminals off our streets and our families safe.

Attorney General Miyares attended elementary and high school in Virginia Beach, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from James Madison University and is a graduate of the College of William and Mary School of Law, where he served on the Honor Council. He is the Past President of Cape Henry Rotary where he was a Paul Harris Fellow, Past Chairman of the Hampton Roads Young Republicans, founding member of the Hampton Roads Federalist Society, member of the Virginia Beach Bar Association, and a member of Galilee Episcopal Church. He lives in Virginia Beach with his wife, Page Atkinson Miyares, an owner and broker at Atkinson Realty, a third-generation family owned business in the North End, their three daughters and their very lovable Golden Retriever, Buckley.

Senator Mark Warner (D), U.S. Senate

Mark Warner assumed office on January 3, 2009. Warner ran for re-election to represent Virginia and won in the general election on November 3, 2020. His current term ends on January 3, 2027.

Warner served as governor of Virginia from 2002 to 2006, and defeated his predecessor as governor, Jim Gilmore, to win a U.S. Senate seat in 2008.

Warner was born in Indiana and raised in Connecticut. He received his bachelor's degree from George Washington University and his law degree from Harvard Law School. He co-founded the cell phone company that became Nextel. Prior to serving in the Senate, Warner served as governor of Virginia from 2002-2006.

Senator Tim Kaine (D), U.S. Senate

Tim Kaine assumed office on January 3, 2013. Kaine is running for re-election to represent Virginia and declared candidacy for the 2024 election. His current term ends on January 3, 2025.

He was the Democratic Party's nominee for vice president of the United States in 2016 alongside presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. He served as governor of Virginia from 2002 to 2006.

Kaine was first elected to office in 1994 as a member of the Richmond city council. He was later elected mayor of the city.

Prior to his election to the Senate, Kaine served as governor of Virginia from 2006 to 2010.

Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D), U.S. House of Representatives, District 10

Jennifer Wexton assumed office on January 3, 2019. Wexton ran for re-election to represent Virginia's 10th Congressional District and won in the general election on November 8, 2022. Her current term ends on January 3, 2025.

In 2014, Wexton won a special election for District 33 of the Virginia State Senate. She resigned her seat in 2019.

Wexton obtained her B.A. at the University of Maryland and her J.D. at the College of William and Mary and Marshall-Wythe School of Law. She is an attorney.

Congressman Gerry Connolly (D), U.S. House of Representatives, District 11

Gerald Edward Connolly assumed office on January 3, 2009. Connolly ran for re-election to represent Virginia's 11th Congressional District and won in the general election on November 8, 2022. His current term ends on January 3, 2025.

From 1995 through 2008, Connolly served as a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Connolly was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He earned his bachelor's from Maryknoll College in 1971 and his M.P.A. in 1971 from Harvard University. After receiving his master's, he began working for the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Prior to his election to the U.S. House, Connolly was a chair of the Board of Supervisors in Fairfax County, VA.

Senator Jeremy S. McPike (D), Virginia Senate, District 29

McPike earned his B.A. in Government and his M.P.A. from George Mason University. His professional experience includes working as the director of general services for the city of Alexandria, Virginia. He also volunteers with the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department.

Senator Danica Roem (D), Virginia Senate, District 30

Roem was born in Manassas, Virginia and graduated from Paul VI High School. She received a bachelor's degree in journalism from St. Bonaventure University in 2006. Her professional experience includes working as a journalist, news editor, and executive director. As of 2023, Roem was affiliated with the Equality Chamber of Commerce DC Metro Area.[1] According to James Parrish, the executive director of Equality Virginia, Roem was the only openly transgender person to have run for the Virginia General Assembly from 2009 to 2017.

Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy (D), Virginia Senate, District 33

Carroll Foy was born in Petersburg, Virginia, and attended Petersburg High School. She received her bachelor's degree from the Virginia Military Institute, her master's degree from Virginia State University, and her J.D. from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Her professional experience includes working as an attorney and public defender, serving as an adjunct professor of criminal law at Northern Virginia Community College, and serving as a magistrate. She also founded a nonprofit organization called the Foundation for Foster and Orphan Children.

Senator Scott A. Surovell (D), Virginia Senate, District 34

Surovell has a B.A. in political science from James Madison University and a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. He is a co-founding partner in the law firm of Surovell Markle Isaacs and Levy PLC.

Senator David W. Marsden (D), Virginia Senate, District 35

Dave Marsden was born in Alexandria, Virginia. Marsden's career experience includes working as superintendent of Fairfax County's Juvenile Detention Center from 2000 to 2002.

Senator Stella G. Pekarsky (D), Virginia Senate, District 36

Stella Pekarsky lives in Centreville, Virginia. Pekarsky earned a bachelor's degree in government and politics from George Mason University and a master's of education in multicultural and multilingual education, as well as certification as an ESOL teacher. Her career experience includes working as a teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools. She also co-founded and operated a local air charter company with her husband. Pekarsky began serving as the Sully District representative on the FCPS school board in 2020.

Senator Jennifer B. Boysko (D), Virginia Senate, District 38

Jennifer Boysko was born in Pine Bluff, Virginia. Boysko's career experience includes working as a community organizer.

Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra (D), Virginia House of Delegates, District 7

Karen Keys-Gamarra is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 7. She assumed office on January 10, 2024. Her current term ends on January 14, 2026.

Karen Keys-Gamarra was born in St. Louis, Missouri.[1] Keys-Gamarra moved to Fairfax County in 1990. She earned a bachelor's degree from Tulane University in 1982 and a J.D. from Washington University School of Law in 1987.[1] Keys-Gamarra's career experience includes working as an attorney in private practice, as a state employee, and as a court-appointed attorney representing children in cases involving abuse, neglect, and contested adoptions. Her service experience includes being a member of the Fairfax County Planning Commission. Keys-Gamarra and her husband have three sons who graduated from the district.

Delegate Irene Shin (D), Virginia House of Delegates, District 8

Irene Shin is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 8. She assumed office on January 10, 2024. Her current term ends on January 14, 2026.

Irene Shin lives in Herndon, Virginia. Shin earned a B.A. in political science and government from the University of California at Riverside in 2010. Her career experience includes working as the executive director of Virginia Civic Engagement Table, a board member of The Competitive Commonwealth Fund, and the senior director of Crowdpac.

Delegate Karrie K. Delaney (D), Virginia House of Delegates, District 9

Karrie Delaney is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 9. She assumed office on January 10, 2024. Her current term ends on January 14, 2026.

Delaney served on the West Melbourne City Council. She attended the University of South Florida as an undergraduate student. Delaney's professional experience includes working in a state attorney's office, serving as communications director for Shared Hope International, and owning a consulting firm. She has been a member and chairwoman of the Fairfax County Citizen Corps Council and the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees.

Delegate Dan Helmer (D), Virginia House of Delegates, District 10

Dan Helmer is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 10. He assumed office on January 10, 2024. His current term ends on January 14, 2026.

Helmer is an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, South Korea, and several domestic postings. He works as a business strategist in the private sector advising both U.S. government agencies and companies. He is a Rhodes Scholar.

Delegate David L. Bulova (D), Virginia House of Delegates, District 11

David Bulova is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 11. He assumed office on January 10, 2024. His current term ends on January 14, 2026.

Bulova earned his B.A. in government from the College of William and Mary in 1991 and his M.P.A. from Virginia Tech in 1996. Bulova's professional experience includes working as a senior planner for AMEC Earth & Environmental Incorporated. He has also been division director and environmental planner for the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. He has sat on the board of the Center for Watershed Protection, Brain Injury Services, Incorporated, and has been co-chair of Middleridge National Night Out.

Delegate Laura Jane Cohen (D), Virginia House of Delegates, District 15

Laura Jane Cohen is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 15. She assumed office on January 10, 2024. Her current term ends on January 14, 2026.

Laura Jane Cohen was born in Georgia and lives in Fairfax County, Virginia. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science and government from the University of Georgia. Cohen's career experience includes working for the Democratic lieutenant governor and secretary of state of Georgia, as director of outreach for a national Parkinson’s nonprofit in Fairfax County, as a preschool and substitute teacher, and as a small business owner. Cohen became a volunteer for Moms Demand Action. She was elected to the Springfield District school board.

Delegate Mark D. Sickles (D), Virginia House of Delegates, District 17

Mark Sickles is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 17. He assumed office on January 10, 2024. His current term ends on January 14, 2026.

Sickles earned his B.S. in forest management from Clemson University in 1981, his M.S. in industrial management from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1984, and his M.S. in technology and science policy from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1986. Sickles worked as a government and public affairs consultant and in corporate affairs for Weeks Marine, Inc.

Delegate Kathy KL Tran (D), Virginia House of Delegates, District 18

Kathy Tran is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 18. She assumed office on January 10, 2024. Her current term ends on January 14, 2026.

Tran came to the United States as a refugee from Vietnam. She received her bachelor's degree from Duke University and her master's degree in social work from the University of Michigan. Her professional experience includes serving as a Presidential Management Fellow and serving as the policy and advocacy assistant director for skills and workforce development at the National Immigration Forum.

Delegate Rozia A. Henson Jr. (D), Virginia House of Delegates, District 19

Rozia Henson (also known as J. R.) is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 19. He assumed office on January 10, 2024. His current term ends on January 14, 2026.

Rozia Henson was born in Woodbridge, Virginia. Henson graduated from Massaponax High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Virginia State University in 2016 and an M.B.A. from the University of Maryland University College. His career experience includes working as a federal contractor and program manager for the Department of Homeland Security and owning a small business.

Delegate Michelle Lopes Maldonado (D), Virginia House of Delegates, District 20

Michelle Maldonado is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 20. She assumed office on January 10, 2024. Her current term ends on January 14, 2026.

Michelle Maldonado earned a B.A. in Latin American Studies and in Spanish Literature & Language from Barnard College and a J.D. from George Washington University. Maldonado's career experience includes founding and working as the CEO of Lucenscia. She co-founded Mindful Women Meditate.

Delegate Ian T. Lovejoy (R), Virginia House of Delegates, District 22

Ian Lovejoy is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 22. He assumed office on January 10, 2024. His current term ends on January 14, 2026.

Ian Lovejoy was born in West Virginia. He earned a high school diploma from Sissonville High School, a bachelor's degree from Concord University in 2004, and a graduate degree from Virginia Tech in 2006. His career experience includes working as a entrepreneur and founder/owner of a recruitment organization.