Barbara Favola is a strong advocate for human rights and a lifelong public servant with experience at every level of government. She started her career as a federal health policy advisor before serving on the Arlington County Board for fourteen years, and now represents Arlington as the state Senator for Virginia’s 40th district. In the state Senate, she is not only a progressive leader, but also a thoughtful and effective legislator who is able to find common ground and work across the aisle to get things done, passing over 130 bills which were signed into law. She is a strong advocate for reproductive rights, public education, gun violence prevention, and policies that will reverse climate change, as well as many other issues affecting our quality of life. 

Senator Favola chairs the Education and Health Committee in the Senate, where she shepherds high volumes of legislation on critical issues and oversees four subcommittees: Public Education, Higher Education, Health, and Health Professions. She also serves on the Finance and Appropriations Committee, which shapes state budget priorities, the Courts of Justice Committee, the Rules Committee, and the Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee. The Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee oversees child welfare, juvenile justice reforms, and marijuana regulations, among other issues. Senator Favola chaired this committee for five years.