Barbara A. Favola is a Democratic state senator representing Virginia's 40th District, which encompasses most of Arlington County and parts of Northern Virginia. She serves as Democratic Majority Whip and has chaired the Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee since 2020. Notable achievements include passing over 130 bills into law, leading efforts to end surprise medical billing, expanding hate crimes protections to include gender identity and sexual orientation, restricting restraint and seclusion in schools, and advocating for mental health services, affordable housing, foster youth, child welfare, and environmental protections like smart growth and Chesapeake Bay initiatives.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.S. from Saint Joseph College ; M.P.A. from New York University Wagner School of Public Administration .
• Early Career: Federal health policy advisor.
• Arlington County Board: Elected 1997, served 14 years , including three terms as chair; expanded youth mental health services, affordable housing, energy-efficient buildings, and led Chesapeake Bay Committee.
• Virginia State Senate: Elected 2011 ; re-elected 2015, 2019 , 2023; chairs Rehabilitation and Social Services; serves on Finance and Appropriations, Rules, Education and Health , Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, and Courts of Justice; Democratic Whip since at least 2020.