As the first Iranian American elected to a state-level office in Virginia, and the first woman of Muslim heritage to serve in the Virginia House, Atoosa Reaser’s journey to public service is an uncommon path that reflects the diversity of the freshman class of legislators who entered the General Assembly in 2024.
Atoosa fled Iran during a revolution that took freedom away from many, especially women. Her parents wanted to ensure she could grow up in a free country, with equal access to education and opportunities in the workforce. Atoosa explains that she has never forgotten what her family sacrificed to ensure she could be free to pursue her dreams: “I worked hard to graduate, chose a career in public service, and have made it my mission to give back to the community that has given me so much.”
“Through all my time as an attorney and serving my community, I never thought I would see a day when Americans would lose their freedoms. Sadly, we are watching rights being rolled back, and state legislatures have become the last battleground to protect the American promise: if you work hard, you can succeed. That’s why I decided to run for the House of Delegates – to make sure every Virginian has the same freedom and opportunity that brought my family to America in the first place.”
For over 20 years, Atoosa has called Loudoun County home. She now represents House District 27 in the Virginia House of Delegates, covering Eastern Loudoun. She previously served on the School Board, where she was twice elected by her peers to be Vice Chair. Additionally she has been a leader on the PTA, a substitute teacher, a merit badge counselor for her son’s Scouts BSA troop, and a volunteer for LINK Against Hunger.
As a lawyer and former educator, Atoosa brings a wealth of experience to her role. Atoosa is a member of the Virginia State Bar, the Loudoun Bar Association, and the Virginia Women Attorneys Association. She served as Deputy Town Attorney for the Town of Herndon, as a general practice litigator in a small firm, and as Associate General Counsel for a company of over 800 employees. Atoosa has been qualified by the Virginia Supreme Court as a guardian ad litem, which is an attorney who advocates for the best interest of children.
In her first term, Atoosa succeeded in passing 20 bills, with 15 signed into law by a Republican governor. “In a time of deep partisan division, my bipartisan wins delivered real results for my community and all Virginians.”
Increasingly, people feel that the American dream is slipping away due to the rising cost of living, the lack of affordable housing, and the difficulty of starting small businesses. As a Delegate, I passed legislation to create affordable assisted living units, expanded the Virginia Values Veterans program to military spouses, and secured funding for Loudoun nonprofits. I am committed to making sure every family has the economic foundation they need to live and thrive here.
Climate Change represents an existential threat to our communities and our children’s future. On School Board, I supported the expansion of electric charging stations throughout the Commonwealth, as well as expanding our electric bus fleet. As Delegate, I supported legislation to help us transition to a clean energy future that creates new high paying jobs in our communities and spurs the development of renewable energy.
Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children in the United States, underscoring the urgent need for stronger prevention measures. As Delegate, I spearheaded the passage of two bipartisan firearm safety measures that were enacted by a Republican governor. I also served as Chief Co-Sponsor of a secure storage initiative to encourage responsible ownership and advanced additional proposals to eliminate ghost guns and assault-style weapons, expand background screening, and improve enforcement of statutes permitting the temporary removal of firearms from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others.
As an English Language Learner, I know firsthand that a strong public education opens doors—empowering every child to reach their full potential and give back to their community. That’s why, as your Delegate, I’ve fought to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. I passed laws to strengthen literacy instruction, improve teacher training, and prevent hazing in our schools. I also led efforts to address student gun violence and passed a law allowing telehealth visits during the school day—so students can stay healthy without falling behind.
As a first-generation immigrant and English Language Learner, I understand that a quality public education allows children to reach their full potential and give back to their community. As a member of the Loudoun County School Board, I championed the creation of new opportunities in academics and arts, improved teacher pay and benefits, and helped lead Loudoun County Schools to a #1 ranking in Virginia.
Women’s Rights are under attack from the Supreme Court and from Republicans in our Virginia legislature. As Delegate, I am protecting the right to make reproductive health care choices between a patient and their medical professionals, without the government inserting itself – including a constitutional amendment enshrining that right – to combat pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, for affordable and accessible birth control, and for equal pay.
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