Elaine Luria

Elaine Luria (born August 15, 1975) is an American politician and retired U.S. Navy officer who served as the Democratic U.S. representative for Virginia's 2nd congressional district from 2019 to 2023. A 1997 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Luria commissioned as a surface warfare officer and served 20 years in the Navy, including duty aboard six ships as a nuclear-trained propulsion division officer, retiring in 2017 at the rank of commander. During her congressional tenure, Luria sat on the House Armed Services Committee, where she advocated for military readiness and national security priorities informed by her naval experience. She also served on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, leading public hearings on the events. Luria's reelection bid in 2022 ended in defeat amid a Republican wave, after which she joined the board of directors of BAE Systems, Inc., a major defense contractor. Her service drew scrutiny, including accusations of ethics violations for fundraising tied to her January 6 committee role and opposition to proposals banning congressional stock trading.

Luria's family maintained Jewish heritage with roots in Alabama; her great-grandfather had immigrated from Poland in 1906 and settled in the region. Her mother was involved in Birmingham's Jewish community, participating in organizations affiliated with Temple Emanu-El, such as the National Council of Jewish Women. The family's connection to naval hubs like Norfolk, Virginia—where relatives had passed through since World War II—later influenced Luria's career path, though her early years remained centered in Alabama.

Elaine Luria was raised in a Jewish family in Birmingham, Alabama, where her mother, Michelle Goodman, was actively involved in Temple Emanu-El, including organizations like the National Council of Jewish Women. Luria has described her Jewish upbringing as instilling values of justice and moral responsibility, influenced by parental teachings and her experiences as a Jewish woman in the military.

Luria's faith has shaped her public positions, particularly on correcting perceived injustices, which she links to Jewish ethical obligations. In, she stated, “As a Jew, I'm responsible to correct injustice when I see it... If I don't, it's a broken vow,” applying this to her support for Israel's security and criticism of U.S. policy shortcomings. She has positioned herself as an "unabashed supporter" of the U.S.-Israel alliance, viewing Israel as America's strongest Middle East ally essential for regional stability, and has advocated against threats like Hezbollah and Iran's influence.