Elaine Luria served her country in uniform for 20 years with the philosophy, “Be good and do good work.”  

When her peers were heading off to college, Elaine was compelled to be part of something bigger than herself and joined the Navy at 17.   She served for 20 years as a Surface Warfare Officer and nuclear engineer deploying six times and retiring at the rank of Commander after commanding a combat-ready unit of 400 sailors.  

After leaving the armed forces she was inspired to help her community. She created a family business, the Mermaid Factory, that began as a block of clay on her kitchen table. From 2013-2018, Mermaid Factory created jobs in the community, donated over fifty thousand dollars to charity, and infused more than a quarter of a million tax dollars into our economy. Over 50,000 people experienced Mermaid Factory– by spending time with family or friends, expressing their creativity, and taking home a souvenir of Hampton Roads’ iconic mermaid and dolphin symbols. Mermaid Factory continues to manufacture our products locally and give back to organizations in the community that support youth and the arts.

In 2018, she ran and won her election to represent Virginia’s 2nd district.  She became a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, She leads the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, and is Vice Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces. Of all members in the House Democratic Caucus, she served the longest on active duty, having completed 20 years of active military service with the U.S. Navy. Elaine graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and received a master’s in engineering management from Old Dominion University.  

In Congress, Elaine states she will continue to use her experience in the Navy and as a small-business owner to protect our country and create an economy that works for everyone – not just those at the top. Her 20-year Navy career makes her a compelling  choice to represent this military-rich district with the world’s largest navy base and among the highest concentration of veterans, including the largest number of female veterans nationwide. Through her experience as an entrepreneur, she can relate to the challenges and potential of small businesses and their impact on the community. And, as a mother, she will fight to ensure a brighter future for every child.