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May Nivar
May Nivar
Virginia House of Delegates | District 57 | Challenger
2025: Running
May Nivar is using her experience spanning business, nonprofits, and government to build a Virginia where hard work is rewarded, opportunity is accessible, and the American Dream is within reach. Her story reflects that of many families who came to this country seeking the American Dream—the belief that success is possible through hard work and determination. If elected, May would be the first Chinese American in the Virginia General Assembly.
Born in Philadelphia to immigrant parents from China, May grew up in low-income housing and worked in her family’s small takeout restaurant. She put herself through college with grants, student loans, and a job at a local supermarket—where she met her husband, Carlos, and witnessed firsthand the vital role unions play in supporting working Americans. After college, May built a 30-year career in corporate communications while raising three children.
A 20-year Richmond resident, May has witnessed the challenges Virginians face and was inspired to take action. She has held leadership roles on numerous boards, including as vice chair and chair of the Virginia Asian Advisory Board, where she has championed the voices of women, Asian Americans, and other underrepresented communities. Now, she’s running for office to bring that same spirit of advocacy, inclusion, and results-driven leadership to Richmond—so every Virginian has a fair shot at success.
Why This Race Is Important
Electing May Nivar to Virginia’s House of Delegates is crucial for expanding the Democratic majority and advancing progressive policies across the Commonwealth. Running in the highly competitive 57th District, May brings decades of leadership as a business executive, community organizer, and advocate for women’s rights and racial equity. Flipping this seat is a top opportunity for Democrats to solidify control of the House and deliver real results for working families.
May's Stand On the Issues
May's Stand On the Issues
Costs and Economy
May is committed to building an economy where hard work pays off and every family can thrive. She supports good-paying jobs, higher wages, tax relief for working families, and less red tape for small businesses. She’ll invest in career and technical education to prepare workers for tomorrow’s economy, while tackling the rising cost of housing, health care, and everyday essentials. May believes no one should struggle to access care, and she’ll work to lower health care costs, improve quality, and expand access for all.
Education
As a public school graduate and a parent of three Virginia public school graduates, May has seen how quality education shapes lives. She is committed to raising teacher pay, addressing teacher shortages, and ensuring schools have the specialists and counselors needed to support our children. Investing in our schools is investing in Virginia’s future.
Reproductive Freedom
As a mother of two daughters, May is deeply committed to protecting reproductive freedom. She is outraged that her daughters could have fewer rights than she did and is determined to ensure every woman has the ability to make personal health care decisions—including access to abortion, contraception, and IVF. May will fight to enshrine these protections in Virginia’s Constitution and ensure that providers can offer care without fear. Her opponent, Delegate David Owen, supports banning abortion and stripping women of their bodily autonomy. May believes these decisions belong to women—not politicians.
Equal Protection for All Virginians
May will fight for equal protection under the law so that every Virginian—regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, ability, or age—has a fair shot at success. In the General Assembly, she will vote to safeguard marriage equality, restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated Virginians, and expand protections through constitutional amendments. Her goal is clear: a more inclusive, just, and equitable Virginia for all.
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