Emily Virgin
American politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Emily Virgin (born October 1, 1986) is an American politician who was the Minority Leader of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 2018 to 2022. She previously served as House Democratic Caucus Chair. She was first elected in 2010 at the age of 24 and represents the 44th district, which includes Norman, Oklahoma. Virgin retired from the Oklahoma House at end of 2022 due to term limits.
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Emily Virgin | |
|---|---|
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| Minority Leader of the Oklahoma House of Representatives | |
| In office November 15, 2018 – November 16, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Steve Kouplen |
| Succeeded by | Cyndi Munson |
| Member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from the 44th district | |
| In office November 17, 2010 – November 16, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Bill Nations |
| Succeeded by | Jared Deck |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 1, 1986 Norman, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Education | University of Oklahoma (BA, JD) |
Education
Virgin completed an undergraduate degree in criminology and political science at the University of Oklahoma in 2009. Virgin was elected to the House while attending law school at the University of Oklahoma, from which she earned her J.D. in 2013.[1]
Political career
In 2010, she won election to the House[2] against Mike Hunt, a self-employed lawn care professional.[3] At the time she was the youngest representative in the Democratic caucus, at 24 years old,[2] although two younger Republicans were elected that same year.[4] She campaigned on improving education in Oklahoma and fighting education cuts.[2][3]
In 2015, the Oklahoma Legislature considered a religious freedom bill that would allow businesses to refuse services to individuals based on the business owner's religious beliefs, mainly in reference to bakers and photographers opposed to same-sex marriage. Virgin gained notice for proposing an amendment that would require the businesses to publicly post a notice specifying what classes of patrons they would refuse services to, in an attempt to derail the bill.[5][6] The bill stalled the following week.[7]
In May 2017, Virgin was elected House Democratic Caucus Chair; her term was to start the following year.[8] As of 2017, Virgin is on the Appropriations and Budget Committee, Higher Education and Career Tech Committee, Judiciary – Civil and Environmental Committee, and Public Safety Committee.[9]
On November 15, 2018, Virgin was named the Minority Leader for the Oklahoma House of Representatives, succeeding Steve Kouplen.
