May Nivar is a Democratic member of the Virginia House of Delegates representing District 57, which covers parts of Henrico and Goochland Counties. Born in 1970 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to immigrant parents from China, she grew up in low-income housing and worked in her family's small takeout restaurant. She is the first Chinese American in the Virginia General Assembly, elected in November 2025 by defeating Republican incumbent David Owen. A 20-year resident of Richmond with a 30-year career in corporate communications and social responsibility at companies like Altria and Philip Morris, Nivar is married to Carlos Nivar and is a mother of three public school graduates. Her notable achievements include leadership as Vice Chair and Chair of the Governor's Virginia Asian Advisory Board , where she championed women, Asian Americans, and underrepresented communities; recognition by Governor Ralph Northam as a “Noteworthy Asian Pacific American of Virginia”; and affiliations with groups like the Henrico County Democratic Committee, Goochland County Democratic Committee, and Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.A. in Journalism from New York University ; APAICS National Leadership Academy ; Sorensen Political Leaders Program ; Leadership Metro Richmond .
• Political Experience: Served on the Virginia Asian Advisory Board under Governor Terry McAuliffe; elected to the Virginia House of Delegates for District 57, taking office on January 14, 2026; campaigns on protecting reproductive rights, education, economic growth, women's rights, and racial equity.