Passion For Public Service
Emily Virgin was first introduced to Oklahoma’s political system at the tender age of 4 when her grandfather ran for Cleveland County commissioner. She would go on to spend many of her childhood years helping her grandfather with his campaigns.
“I grew up working on his campaigns and many others,” remembers Virgin. “I always knew that I wanted to be active in politics and perhaps run for office. It became something that I was very passionate about and loved doing.”
Just two decades later, at the age of 23, Virgin was elected to the Oklahoma State House of Representatives, representing district 44.
“All my dad had to say was, ‘I think you could win that seat,’ and I was sold,” says Virgin. “I knew it was something I wanted to do, and I knew I was qualified from my time volunteering at nonprofits in Norman and the fact that I grew up here and knew the issues very well.”
While still in law school at the University of Oklahoma, Virgin won her first election with 63 percent of the vote. She is now in her third term serving the citizens in her district. Virgin says she wants her time in the Oklahoma House to be spent working for those who may not otherwise have a voice.
“I feel like I am making a difference by speaking for the people who don’t necessarily have a lobbyist representing them at the Capitol,” says Virgin.
One of those voices she feels a strong connection to is that of women.
“We have such a low number of women in the legislature, I feel it’s important that every female legislator speak out for women,” she says.
[pullquote]Study after study has shown that women are more likely to be open-minded when it comes to solving the big problems at all levels of government. I think this is a big reason why we need more women in politics.”[/pullquote]
Virgin currently sits on the Education Budget and Appropriations Committee as well as the Committee for Higher Education and Career Technology and Judiciary and Civil Procedure. During her term, she has been an outspoken advocate on many issues impacting women and children, from health care and incarceration rates to education budgets.
“I also always propose legislation to increase access to optional and comprehensive sex education in public schools. I believe that’s a great way to decrease teen pregnancies, and its effectiveness has been proven in other states,” says Virgin.
As the assistant minority leader, Virgin informs and unites the Democratic members of the House.
“It’s a role I really enjoy, as it enables me to form relationships with new members of the caucus and help guide them through learning about the legislative process,” says Virgin.
Wearing yet another hat at the House, Virgin spends a lot of her focus championing against legislation she feels would be detrimental to Oklahoma.
“I often say that a lot of what I do is like playing defense,” says Virgin. “I work against proposals that I think would be detrimental to the populations I care about, and I also try to advocate for funding for certain areas of government.”
However, Virgin feels the most important part of her job is not only making an impact herself but inspiring others to get involved as well.
“I have the opportunity to speak to so many young women and girls about the opportunities ahead of them and encourage them to run for public office someday,” says Virgin. “Study after study has shown that women are more likely to be open-minded when it comes to solving the big problems at all levels of government. I think this is a big reason why we need more women in politics.”
Running for a political position is not the only way to be involved, adds Virgin. Never be afraid to talk with your legislator about issues that are important to you.
“Most legislators are very willing to talk to citizens about the problems they’re facing or the issues they see as important to Oklahoma,” says Virgin. “Contacting a legislator is not hard. Most of us are available via email or phone, and some of us are very active on social media as well.”
