Sam Rasoul

Salam "Sam" Rasoul was born on June 30, 1981, in Warren, Ohio. He is a Democratic member of the Virginia House of Delegates, currently representing the 38th District, which includes part of the City of Roanoke. His family emigrated from Palestine in the late 1960s and settled in the Roanoke Valley.

Rasoul is one of three Muslim members of the Virginia General Assembly. He is married to Layaly and has three children: Jennah, Amirah, and Issa.

Education

Rasoul earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Roanoke College in 2002 and a Master of Business Administration in International Business from Hawaii Pacific University in 2003.

Political Experience

Rasoul was first elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in January 2014, initially representing the 11th District before redistricting moved him to the 38th District in 2023. He currently serves as Chairman of the House Education Committee, a position he has held since December 2023 under Speaker Don Scott.

His legislative work has focused on environmental justice, healthcare, and education reform. Notable achievements include:

• Introducing Virginia's first Green New Deal Act in December 2019
• Passing legislation in February 2023 requiring regular testing for PFAS chemicals in Virginia's public water supply
• Launching the Impact Center in December 2016 to train activists and candidates
• Establishing the New Chapter Housing Initiative in September 2015 to assist returning citizens
• Substitute teaching beginning in March 2019 to bring firsthand classroom experience to legislative work

Rasoul is a member of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, Rural Caucus, and several other legislative committees. He serves as Minority Caucus Secretary and is a lifetime member of the NAACP. In 2021, he ran for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in the Democratic primary but placed second, losing to Hala Ayala.