Greek-American Stella Pekarsky announced her candidacy for the US House of Representatives in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District on Thursday.
Pekarsky is a State Senator and is the daughter of working-class Greek immigrants. She says that her background brings a deeply personal understanding of the American Dream and a lifelong commitment to public service and education.
“As a first-generation Greek-American family, our story is one of perseverance and leveraging the power of education to find opportunities to succeed in America,” said Pekarsky. “My parents came to this country with hope in their hearts and instilled in me a belief that through hard work and community, anything is possible.”
Stella Pekarsky spent her childhood between Greece and Virginia
Pekarsky spent her early childhood between Greece and Virginia, eventually settling in Alexandria, Virginia, where she was raised speaking Greek and learning English as a second language. Her Saturdays were spent in Greek language school at church, and her earliest teaching experiences began at home, helping her younger siblings navigate school and language. Her deep cultural roots and commitment to family have shaped her approach to service, leadership, and policy.
After earning a degree in Government & Politics and later a Master’s in Education from George Mason University, Pekarsky taught full-time in Fairfax County Public Schools and co-founded a small business with her husband. As a mother of six and active member of the local Greek Orthodox community, she has always remained deeply engaged in serving families and advocating for children.
Pekarsky’s political journey began when she won a seat on the Fairfax County School Board. As Chair of the Board, she led efforts to protect public education and support students of all backgrounds, even in the midst of incredible adversity.
As a Virginia State Senator, she forged strong relationships across the aisle, quickly becoming one of the General Assembly’s most effective legislators, passing more bills than any other freshman legislator. In these roles, she has had a profound effect on the lives of everyone in her community.
“Proud daughter of Greek immigrants”
Pekarsky is also a proud member of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association, led by Rhode Island State Senator Lou Raptakis. Through this bipartisan alliance, she advocates for sensible and principled US foreign policy in Eastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, promoting peace, stability, and the protection of democratic values in the region. Her participation underscores a lifelong connection to her Greek heritage and a commitment to global engagement grounded in diplomacy and justice.
“My campaign is about lifting up every family and making sure every child, no matter their background, has the chance to succeed,” said Pekarsky.
“As the proud daughter of Greek immigrants, I know what it means to overcome obstacles, to give back, and to serve with purpose. I’m running for Congress to build a future worthy of our children and our ancestors,” she maintained.
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