Stella G. Pekarsky is a Democratic state senator representing Virginia's 36th District in Fairfax County since 2024. Born on April 23, 1979, she is a mother of six, married to Pavel Pekarsky, and a member of the Greek Orthodox Church. Raised in a working-class immigrant family, she serves on committees including Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources; Education and Health; and General Laws and Technology. Notable achievements include her 2023 upset victory over longtime incumbent George Barker in the Democratic primary and defeating Republican John Perry in the general election . As former Chair of the Fairfax County School Board, she opposed efforts to politicize classrooms and championed equity and local control in education.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: George Mason University, B.A. and M.Ed.
• Political Experience: Former member and Chair of the Fairfax County School Board; elected to Virginia Senate in 2023, representing District 36 .