Meet Elizabeth

Elizabeth Bennett-Parker is the Senator for District 39.

Born in Alexandria to two Naval officers, Elizabeth is dedicated to serving her community. As the fifth member of the House of Delegates to give birth while in office (in its then 405-year history), she is deeply committed to supporting children and families, championing causes like accessible childcare, school meals for all, and affordable housing.

Elizabeth has led on disability and voting rights, passing a proposed constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights after incarceration and strengthening voting rights protections for individuals with disabilities. She has also passed laws to enact common-sense gun safety policies, better protect survivors of domestic violence and stalking, and improve access to participation in government through virtual meetings and remote participation.

Elizabeth consistently ranks as one of the most progressive legislators in Virginia, as well as one of the most effective. She has been named a Legislative Champion by the Virginia Education Association, a Child Advocate of the Year by the Virginia PTA, received a 100% score from the Virginia Sierra Club and League of Conservation Voters, and earned an A+ from ReproRising (formerly NARAL Virginia).

She serves on the Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources; Local Government; Privileges and Elections; and Transportation Committees.

She previously served as the Vice Mayor of Alexandria and as the Chair of the Operation Board of the Virginia Railway Express. Elizabeth is a former co-leader of Together We Bake, a non-profit job training and personal development program for underserved women. She also understands the pressures of being a small business owner. She founded Fruitcycle, a social enterprise fighting food waste, and currently runs a maternity and children’s consignment business.

Elizabeth served as a Fulbright Fellow, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Cornell University, and earned a Master's from the University of London. She and her husband live in Alexandria with their toddler, and their rescue dog and cat.