Draft:Karina Lipsman

Karina Lipsman (born in Odesa, Ukraine) is an American politician and national security professional. She was the Republican nominee for Virginia's 8th Congressional District in the 2022 United States House of Representatives election.

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Early Life and Education

Lipsman was born in Odesa, Ukraine, which was then part of the Soviet Union. She immigrated to the United States as a child with her single mother and grandparents, settling in Baltimore, Maryland. The family faced economic challenges, relying on food stamps and living in public housing.

Lipsman attended Towson University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics in 2009. She later obtained a Master of Science in Engineering from Johns Hopkins University in 2012.

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Professional Career

Lipsman has over a decade of experience working in the United States defense and intelligence sectors. She held positions at major defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman and Peraton, where she focused on corporate strategy development and strategic planning in national security programs.

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Political Career

In 2022, Lipsman ran for Virginia's 8th Congressional District as the Republican candidate. Her campaign focused on issues including:

Economic growth and affordability.

Education reform.

Public safety and law enforcement support.

Lipsman won the Republican nomination but lost in the general election to Democratic incumbent Don Beyer.

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Personal Life

Lipsman became a naturalized U.S. citizen at the age of 18. She serves on the Johns Hopkins University Alumni Council and is a member of the Virginia Conservative Women’s Coalition Advisory Board. In 2024, she was ​appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to the Office of New Americans Advisory Board.