MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Missy Cotter Smasal!
Background and Career
Missy Cotter Smasal, a veteran, former small business owner, and mother, is running for Congress to bring a brighter future to Coastal Virginia. She served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy and deployed aboard the U.S.S. Trenton during Operation Enduring Freedom. After her military service, Missy settled in Hampton Roads, where she opened and operated a Rita’s Italian Ice for over a decade. Currently, she is the Executive Director of a nonprofit that honors service women through running events and also serves as an adjunct professor.
Community Involvement
Missy is deeply involved in her community. She serves as the Virginia Citizen representative on the Chesapeake Bay Commission, a bipartisan, multi-state body dedicated to Bay restoration and the health of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. For over 20 years, she and her husband, Bryan, an Army Officer, have lived in Virginia Beach, raising their two children who attend Virginia Beach Public Schools. Missy’s community service includes coaching youth sports, leading Girl Scouts, and participating in Clean the Bay Day cleanups.
Missy Cotter Smasal’s Advocacy and Leadership
Missy has been a passionate advocate for school safety in Virginia Beach and supported the city’s ERA resolution. Her dedication to public service is evident in her efforts to ensure children and families in Coastal Virginia have the opportunities they need to succeed. She is a steadfast champion for families, military families, and veterans, committed to standing up for the values of Hampton Roads.
Missy Cotter Smasal’s Congressional Bid
Missy is running for Congress with a focus on enhancing the future of Coastal Virginia. Her military background, business experience, and deep community roots position her as a strong advocate for the region. She aims to bring practical solutions and dedicated leadership to Congress, ensuring that the needs and values of her community are represented and addressed at the national level.