Ya Liu is a Democratic member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 21 . Elected in 2022 with 67.69% of the vote, she serves as House Democratic Whip in the 2025-2026 session and is one of the first Asian American women in the state legislature, as well as the first Chinese American woman to serve. A small business owner and attorney, she advocates for healthcare access, education funding, economic opportunity, consumer protection, and workers' rights, and serves on committees including Appropriations, Health, and Families, Children, and Aging Policy. Previously, she was the first Asian American elected to the Cary Town Council , where she focused on infrastructure, small business growth, and public services. Born in Henan, China , she immigrated to the U.S. in 2003, settled in Cary with her husband and three children, and is a board member of the Chinese-American Friendship Association of North Carolina.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Nankai University with a degree in sociology; Ph.D. in sociology from North Carolina State University; J.D. from North Carolina Central University .
• Political Experience:
  • North Carolina House of Representatives, District 21 , House Democratic Whip.
  • Cary Town Council , first Asian American member.
  • Community organizer and volunteer prior to elected office, organizing cultural festivals and events.