Alyia Gaskins

Alyia Gaskins (born May 1, 1989) is an American public health professional, urban planner, and politician serving as the mayor of Alexandria, Virginia. She assumed office as Alexandria's first black female mayor in January 2025, having previously served on City Council from 2021-2023.

Early life and education Gaskins was born May 1, 1989. Her mother experienced health issues, including diabetes, sarcoidosis, and asthma, which led to frequent hospitalizations and financial strain on the family. Growing up in a household where her mother prioritized health insurance over other essentials, Gaskins encountered challenges such as a mold- and rodent-infested home, which influenced her early aspirations toward healthcare.

During the 2024 Alexandria, Virginia mayoral election Gaskins won the Democratic primary, a position she ran for unopposed in the November general election.