For the past 20 years, Leslie Mehta has built her career as a lawyer, fighting for civil rights and constitutional protections. She is the former legal director of the ACLU of Virginia and served on Democratic Governor Northam’s Commission on Racial Inequity in the Law.
Health care advocacy is deeply personal to Leslie, stemming from the loss of her five-year-old daughter, Brooke, to Rett syndrome in 2021. This personal tragedy exposed her to the challenges families encounter in accessing care for rare diseases, and motivated her to advocate for these families. Her efforts include working with Congresswoman Spanberger on federal funding for rare disease research and serving on Republican Governor Youngkin’s Rare Disease Council.
Leslie brings a proven record of bipartisan collaboration and effective leadership. She is committed to strengthening HD 73 and expanding job opportunities for its residents.
Education
Leslie knows that a great education opens doors, and that the lack of access to quality education is a direct pathway to poverty. That’s why she will work to ensure Virginia’s public schools have the funding, resources, and support they need to give every child, no matter their background, the opportunity to succeed.
Leslie will fight to:
Health Care and Reproductive Freedom
Leslie has experienced the tough side of the health care system, and knows more than anyone how critical affordable health care, housing, childcare, and reproductive freedom are to Virginians. She’ll work to protect your right to make decisions for your family, your health, and your future, ensuring every Virginian can thrive.
Leslie will fight to:
Economy
No one working full time should be barely getting by. A strong economy starts with strong workers, fair wages, and a tax system that doesn’t put the biggest burden on working families. Virginia’s policies should reflect that.
Leslie will fight to:
Electing Leslie Mehta to Virginia’s House of Delegates is essential for expanding the Democratic majority and advancing justice-focused policies. A civil rights attorney and former ACLU of Virginia legal director, Mehta has spent her career fighting for fairness, health care access, and civil liberties. Electing Leslie would bring experienced, principled leadership to Richmond.
Last day to register for primary: June 17, 2025
Deadline to request absentee ballot (primary) June 6, 2025
Date of primary: June 17, 2025
Last day to register for general: November 4, 2025
Deadline to request absentee ballot (general) October 24, 2025
Date of general: November 4, 2025
District 73 is located in the southeastern suburbs of Richmond, in Chesterfield County. The district is regarded as “leaning Republican,” but has been trending Democratic.
2021 Gubernatorial:
Democrat : 42.3%
Republican: 57.1%
2023 House of Delegates:
Democrat : 45.4%
Republican: 54.4%
2024 Presidential Election:
Harris: 49.3%
Trump: 48.7%
Population: 93,054
Households: 33,125
Over 65: 16%
Ages 18–64: 57%
Median Age: 39.5
White: 76.6%
Black: 9.5%
Latino/a: 5%
Asian/Pacific Islander: 5.1%
Other/Two+: 8.8%
Per Capita Income: $56,908
Poverty: 4%
College/Postgrad: 57%
Some College: 25%
HS Grad: 14%
Not HS Grad: 3%
Mark Earley Jr., a lawyer from Virginia who claims to be moderate, recently voted against three state constitutional amendments: one to preserve the fundamental right to reproductive freedom, another to automatically restore voting rights to convicted felons after their release from incarceration, and a third to enshrine the right to same-sex marriage in Virginia. He has also attended the March for Life, a demonstration against reproductive rights. These actions paint a clear picture of a politician whose record stands in opposition to fundamental rights and personal freedoms.
In addition to Earley, there is an Independent candidate running in District 73.
After flipping the House of Delegates in 2023, we must protect our Democratic majority to continue safeguarding democracy, especially with the growing threats coming from the federal government. Keeping our majority ensures that Virginia remains a firewall against right-wing extremism and a leader in expanding opportunity, protecting freedoms, and defending democracy.
With recent Democratic victories in special elections and shifting political momentum in our favor, we are well positioned to win in key swing districts that will maintain our Democratic control of the legislature. This election is our chance to solidify Virginia as a stronghold for democracy, protect fundamental rights, keep the Commonwealth moving forward, and create palpable momentum for Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections.
In addition to all 100 House of Delegates seats being up for election, Democrats also could take back the executive branch of the Virginia state government! Former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger is running to be the first female governor of Virginia.
Leslie Mehta announces run for House of Delegates; calls Earley an ineffective legislator
“Leslie will bring her intelligence and fierce, compassionate leadership to the General Assembly—working to build a stronger economy for all Virginians, improving access to affordable health care, protecting reproductive freedom, and supporting our public schools.”—Abigail Spanberger
“Start Where You Are”: A Talk with Leslie Mehta
“You work with the people who you work with to get things done for the people who need things done.”—Leslie Mehta
Checks can be sent to:
Sister District Project
440 North Barranca Avenue, #8737
Covina, California 91723
