Aaron Rouse, a former Virginia Tech football player and NFL safety, has made a remarkable transition from sports to politics. He is now a state senator in Virginia, representing the newly drawn 22nd district, after winning two elections in less than a year. Rouse, a Democrat, has been praised for his leadership, charisma, and vision for his community.
A Passion for Public Service
Rouse was born and raised in Virginia Beach, where he attended Bayside High School and excelled in football and basketball. He earned a scholarship to play football at Virginia Tech, where he was a standout defensive back and a team captain. He graduated with a degree in sociology in 2007.
Rouse was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2007 NFL draft. He played for three seasons with the Packers, and one season with the New York Giants, before retiring from football in 2010. He had four career interceptions, including one that he returned for a 99-yard touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in 2008.
After retiring from football, Rouse returned to Virginia Beach and founded a nonprofit organization called Rouse’s House, which provides mentoring, tutoring, and life skills training for at-risk youth. He also became involved in local politics, attending General Assembly meetings in Richmond and talking to lawmakers from both parties. He said he wanted to make a difference in his community and give back to the people who supported him throughout his life.
A Historic Victory in the Senate
In 2018, Rouse ran for the Virginia Beach City Council and won, becoming the youngest council member in the city’s history. He served on the council for four years, focusing on issues such as education, public safety, economic development, and environmental protection. He also advocated for racial justice and police reform, especially after the 2019 mass shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center that killed 12 people.
In 2022, Rouse decided to run for the Virginia Senate, after the incumbent Republican senator, Jen Kiggans, was elected to the U.S. Congress. He faced Kevin Adams, a Republican businessman and former Navy SEAL, in a special election for the 7th district, which covers parts of Virginia Beach and Norfolk. The district had been held by Republicans for decades, but had become more competitive in recent years.
Rouse ran a grassroots campaign, relying on his personal connections, his nonprofit network, and his social media presence. He also used innovative strategies, such as mailing more than 10,000 vote-by-mail applications and sending 124,000 text messages to potential voters. He emphasized his bipartisan approach and his vision for a more inclusive and prosperous Virginia.
On January 11, 2023, Rouse won the special election by a narrow margin of 51% to 49%, becoming the first African American to represent the district in the Senate. He was sworn in on January 19, 2023, and joined the Democratic majority in the General Assembly.
A Promising Future in Politics
Rouse did not have much time to celebrate his victory, as he had to run again in the regular election in November 2023, due to the redistricting process. He faced Adams again, but this time in the newly drawn 22nd district, which covers 70% of the same area as the previous 7th district. The new district was slightly more favorable to Democrats, but still competitive.
Rouse continued his campaign efforts, reaching out to voters through phone calls, door knocks, and events. He also received endorsements from prominent figures, such as former President Barack Obama, Governor Ralph Northam, and Senator Tim Kaine. He highlighted his achievements in the Senate, such as sponsoring bills to expand broadband access, increase teacher pay, and ban offshore drilling.
On November 7, 2023, Rouse won the election by a wider margin of 55% to 45%, securing his seat in the Senate for the next four years. He said he was humbled and honored by the trust and support of his constituents, and vowed to work hard for them in Richmond.
Rouse has been hailed as a rising star in Virginia politics, and a potential candidate for higher office in the future. He has been praised for his charisma, his leadership, and his ability to connect with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. He has also been recognized for his courage, his integrity, and his passion for public service.
Rouse said he is grateful for his journey from football to politics, and for the opportunity to serve his community. He said he hopes to inspire others, especially young people, to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in the world.
