Deshundra Jefferson

Deshundra is drawn to the eye of the storm.

Deshundra understands the power of asking tough questions and holding those in power accountable to the people they serve. As a TV reporter for Fox 40 News in Jackson, Mississippi, Deshundra saw firsthand how public policy could shape—and sometimes limit—the opportunities available to working families and communities of color.

Reporting on underfunded schools, voting rights, and policies affecting low-income communities compelled her to move beyond simply covering the issues. She broke her silence, found her voice in advocacy, and discovered a deeper calling to public service.

But not every assignment was political. One of her favorite assignments was chasing tornadoes—a reflection of the curiosity, courage, and tenacity she would later bring to her work in government.

Earlier in her career, Deshundra wrote for CNN/Money (now CNN Business), the Associated Press, New York Magazine, and other major news outlets. She later spent time on Capitol Hill, where she worked to preserve voting rights, expand access to rural broadband, and protect federal funding for education.

Her commitment to public service is also deeply personal.

A single mother, Deshundra once lived with her son in a one-bedroom apartment while saving for a home of their own. She eventually made that dream a reality when she moved to Prince William County. Over the years, she became deeply involved in her community—from serving on her homeowners' subassociation in Montclair to raising money for her son's football team.

She ran for public office because she believed residents deserved leadership focused on the everyday challenges facing working families: the rising cost of living, educational opportunity, and the ability to afford a home and build a future in the community they love. And of course, she was one of the first elected officials to stand up to data center development.

In 2023, Deshundra was elected Chair At-Large of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors and took office on January 1, 2024, making history as the first person of color to serve as Chair of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors.

For Deshundra, being the “first” is a source of pride—but it is also a responsibility. Her leadership is rooted in the belief that public office is about putting residents first, bringing people together, and delivering results for the entire community.

Deshundra graduated cum laude from Columbia University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and earned a master’s degree in communication from Johns Hopkins University.