Democratic Delegate Rae Cousins announced her re-election campaign for the 79th District in Virginia’s House of Delegates last week. Since her election in 2023, Cousins has focused on improving public schools, affordable housing, accessible health care, food insecurity and safeguarding the rights of Virginians, according to a statement from her campaign. She currently serves on the Education, Courts of Justice and Public Safety committees. 

“Over the past year, I have worked to ensure my constituents, and all Virginians, have the opportunity to thrive,” Cousins said. “Virginians are facing high costs in everything from health care to housing, our public schools remain underfunded, and reproductive freedom is under constant attack.” 

In her first General Assembly session earlier this year, Cousins secured $11.65 million for Richmond, including funding for Richmond Public Schools, the Richmond Teacher Residency program and cultural institutions such as the Valentine Museum and the JXN Project, according to a press release. She also passed 10 bills to fund public education, protect tenants from eviction, reform the criminal legal system, address food insecurity and improve maternal health. She also supported legislation aimed at reducing gun violence in communities. 

“As the daughter of a retired Richmond Public School-teacher, I was honored to be named Virginia Education Association Rookie of the Year and Freshman Legislator of the Year by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce,” Cousins said. “There is still significant work ahead and I am eager to continue advocating for a brighter, safer and more affordable future for my constituents and for all Virginians.”