Amy Laufer

Amy Laufer is a Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the newly established 55th District. Elected in the 2023 Virginia House of Delegates election, Laufer has a background in education and public service, having previously held positions on the Charlottesville School Board and as a school teacher. Her legislative focus includes education, women's reproductive rights, and support for local agriculture.

Early life and career

Born on May 13, 1972, Laufer grew up on a dairy farm in rural Wisconsin, where she was one of eight children. Her upbringing in a large family on a farm instilled in her a strong work ethic and a commitment to community. Laufer became the first member of her family to attend college, earning a bachelor's degree in geology from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. This academic achievement marked a significant milestone in her family’s history and set the stage for her future endeavors.

After completing her undergraduate education, Laufer joined the Peace Corps, where she served as an elementary school teacher in a rural town in Jamaica. This experience not only broadened her perspective on education but also deepened her commitment to public service and community engagement. Following her time in the Peace Corps, she pursued further education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she obtained a master's degree in secondary science education. This advanced degree equipped her with the skills necessary to teach at various educational levels.

Laufer's professional career in education began with teaching positions at Louisa County Middle School and Tandem Friends School in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her dedication to education and her students led to her election to the Charlottesville School Board in 2011. She was re-elected in 2015 and served as board chair from 2015 to 2016. However, in January 2019, Laufer resigned from the school board after purchasing a home outside of Charlottesville City. In 2017, she ran for a seat on the Charlottesville City Council but was not successful in the general election. In 2022, she briefly served as the chair of the Albemarle County Democrats until June of that year.

In addition to her educational roles, Laufer founded Virginia's List in 2014, a political organization aimed at supporting Democratic women candidates running for office. This initiative reflects her commitment to increasing female representation in politics and fostering a more inclusive political landscape.

Legislative service

Laufer's political career took a significant turn when she announced her candidacy for the Virginia House of Delegates in July 2022. The 55th District, which she sought to represent, was newly formed during the 2021 redistricting process and did not have a previous incumbent. Laufer faced Kellen Squire, an ER nurse at the University of Virginia Hospital, in the Democratic primary. She won the primary election with a substantial margin, securing nearly 70% of the vote.

In the November 2023 general election, Laufer defeated Republican candidate Steve Harvey, receiving approximately 61.4% of the vote. She officially assumed office on January 10, 2024. Laufer's legislative activities have included introducing significant bills aimed at improving the hiring process for early education and childcare workers, as well as advocating for the removal of personal property tax on indoor agricultural equipment. Both of these proposals were signed into law, demonstrating her proactive approach to legislation.

As of June 2025, Laufer serves on several committees within the Virginia General Assembly, including the Finance, Education, and Agriculture Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committees. She is also a member of the House Select Committees on Advancing Rural and Small Town Health Care, Block Grants, and Maintaining Campus Safety and First Amendment Expression. Additionally, she participates in the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, which oversees the legislative process and ensures compliance with established regulations.

Laufer's legislative focus extends beyond education and agriculture; she is a vocal advocate for women's reproductive rights. She has called for the enshrinement of protections for contraception into Virginia law and has actively participated in discussions surrounding reproductive health policies. Her commitment to these issues reflects her broader goal of promoting social equity and support for families in her district.

Policy focus and district

Representing the 55th District, Laufer's policy focus encompasses a range of issues that resonate with her constituents. The district includes diverse communities, and her legislative priorities reflect the needs and interests of the residents. Education remains a cornerstone of her agenda, as her background as a teacher informs her understanding of the challenges faced by schools and educators. She aims to improve educational resources and support systems for students and teachers alike.

In addition to education, Laufer is dedicated to supporting local agriculture, recognizing its importance to the economy and culture of Virginia. Her legislative efforts to remove personal property tax on indoor agricultural equipment are indicative of her commitment to fostering a favorable environment for farmers and agricultural businesses in her district. By advocating for policies that benefit local agriculture, Laufer seeks to enhance the economic viability of rural communities.

Laufer's advocacy for women's reproductive rights is another significant aspect of her policy focus. Her efforts to promote reproductive health access and protect women's rights have positioned her as a key voice on these issues within the Virginia legislature. She has actively engaged with constituents and stakeholders to ensure that their concerns are addressed in legislative discussions.

As of June 2025, Laufer is involved in various commissions and committees, including the Appalachian Region Interstate Compact Commission, the Virginia Women’s Monument Commission, and the State Water Commission. She also serves as the chair of the Disability Commission, reflecting her commitment to advocating for individuals with disabilities and ensuring their voices are heard in the legislative process. Additionally, she is a trustee of the Center for Rural Virginia and the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia, further demonstrating her dedication to preserving and promoting the cultural and historical heritage of the region.

Laufer lives in Albemarle County with her husband, Aaron, and their three children. Her family life and experiences as a parent inform her perspectives on education and community issues, making her a relatable and engaged representative for her constituents.