Hala understands the stress Virginia families are facing right now, because she’s lived it. Growing up, Hala’s family was on the knife’s edge, struggling to make ends meet. When her first child was born, she worked at a gas station and had no health insurance. The Medicaid program saved her life and her son’s. With just a few college credits and a government certification training, Hala went on to build a career as a single working mom, serving as a cybersecurity specialist with the Department of Homeland Security for over 20 years.

Hala has a track record of delivering for Virginia families. Inspired by the 2017 Women’s March, Hala ran for House District 51 in Prince William County and won against a four-term Republican incumbent. During her two terms in Richmond, she made good on what she promised, working with both parties to lead the effort to expand Medicaid for more than 500,000 Virginians, stand up to attacks on reproductive healthcare, and — as someone who lost her father to gun violence when she was just two years old — strengthen background checks to keep guns out of dangerous hands. In 2021, Hala became the first woman of color nominated by the Democratic Party for statewide office, earning the most votes for a Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate in history.

Hala is focused on getting the Commonwealth moving forward once again for families in Prince William and Fairfax Counties. From a strong education for Virginia’s kids, to quality affordable healthcare, to a transportation system that works for each community, she will deliver for Virginia. In the State Senate, Hala will be focused on bringing down costs, investing in communities, and growing good-paying jobs so all families can thrive.