Leslie Mehta

"Civil rights attorney, mom, and proud Democrat running to flip Virginia’s 1st Congressional District."

"She was raised in a small rural town in North Carolina, with a population of 800 people and zero traffic lights. She is the daughter of a corrections officer and social worker, both of whom instilled in her the importance of leveraging your skills to give back. A determined child, Leslie worked hard in school and was offered the chance to complete high school at the prestigious North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. She later received her undergraduate degree at UNC Chapel Hill and law degree from Howard University School of Law."

"After a rewarding career as a litigator and then civil rights attorney, Leslie was named the Legal Director of the ACLU of Virginia. At the ACLU, Leslie worked tirelessly to protect the constitutional rights of all Virginians, regardless of their political beliefs."

"Unfortunately, in 2017, Leslie also had to become an advocate for her daughter, Brooke, who had been diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Rett Syndrome. She quickly pivoted to fierce advocacy for Brooke, fighting for her to receive equal educational opportunities in school, while also taking on government bureaucrats to ensure Brooke obtained the Medicaid benefits she was entitled to and the medical treatment she desperately needed. Sadly, on March 25, 2021, the worst thing that could happen to a parent happened to Leslie: Brooke passed away in her sleep—without warning. She was five. However, Leslie continued to fight. She continued to advocate for a cure. To advocate for Brooke’s Rett sisters and brothers. To advocate for all children."

"Leslie is a pragmatist, working with those who will work with her to effectuate change. That is why she is proud to have been appointed by both Democratic and Republican governors to serve our Commonwealth: first, on Governor Northam’s Commission to Examine Racial and Economic Inequity, then serving on Governor Youngkin’s Rare Disease Council. She has successfully marshaled support from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress to secure federal funding for Rett Syndrome and other rare diseases."