Rae Cousins (79)

Rae C. Cousins is a Democratic member of the Virginia House of Delegates representing District 79 , elected in 2023 and serving since January 10, 2024. A fourth-generation Richmonder born in Richmond, Virginia, she grew up in Church Hill and is an African American Baptist attorney with a daughter named Ava Riley. She works at BrownGreer in Richmond, managing settlement programs for victims of harmful drugs, medical devices, environmental disasters like the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, and the PG&E Fire Victim Trust. Cousins is passionate about voter registration and rights restoration for those with felony convictions, having organized drives as 3rd Vice Chair of the Richmond City Democratic Committee, worked on President Obama’s campaign, and served in the Democratic Party of Virginia’s voter protection program as an election protection lawyer.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.A. from The College of William & Mary ; J.D. from Howard University School of Law .
• Political Experience: Serves on the House Courts of Justice, Public Safety, and Education committees. In her first session, introduced bills on education, food insecurity, housing, criminal justice reform, maternal health, and workforce development. Advocates for tenants’ rights, affordable housing, environmental protection , and community input on development.
• Notable Affiliations: Board member of Peter Paul Development Center, Anna Julia Cooper School, Oakwood Arts, and Afrikana Film Festival; member of Crusade for Voters and Hill Tucker Bar Association.