ABOUT SAM

Republicans, Democrats, and Independents Alike Unite to Support Sam Rasoul
COMMUNITY ENDORSEMENTS

Get To Know Sam.

Sam was raised and educated in Southwest Virginia. Growing up in a working class family, Sam attended Roanoke City, Roanoke County and Botetourt County Schools. After graduating from Lord Botetourt High School, Sam furthered his education in the area by obtaining a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Roanoke College in Salem, VA.

After the atrocities of September 11, 2001, Sam believed that the best way to improve the world around him was through economic development because with quality jobs and adequate wages comes an improved quality of life, reduced violence, and a better future for our district. At 22, Sam completed a Masters Degree in International Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University. 

As a small business entrepreneur, Sam started several small businesses in women's fitness, tanning, movie rentals, and real estate. With his business background, Sam was recruited to begin a new medical sales and distribution firm in the Roanoke Valley. Sam Rasoul continued to wait for the day when he could fight for working families.

Joining Valley Character, Sam began working to improve character development in our youth around the region. Working with The Hope Fund, the Congressional candidate has helped to develop an avenue to provide a college education for poor refugees. In addition, participating with organizations such as the Williamson Road Business Association, The Kiwanis Club of Roanoke City, The Virginia Defense Force, and youth sports, he has stayed active in our community.

Sam and his wife, Layaly, now live in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, just outside of Roanoke in Botetourt County.

Getting Personal.

I have been blessed with the opportunity to live the American dream not by accident of birth, but because my parents consciously made the decision to provide their children with that opportunity. I am the child of immigrants who decided, first, to move to America and, then, while visiting relatives in Roanoke, made a second decision that southwestern Virginia was the perfect place to raise a family. On that same visit, my father saw the house he and my mother now live in, but it would take years of hard work, long hours, and economic struggle before he could buy that house.

Coming from a working class family, I embraced both the promise and the work ethic that serve as the foundation of the American dream. During high school I worked at two jobs, helping my family and securing my own future at the same time. I took on student loans and worked diligently to achieve another part of that dream, a solid college education, and then as a small businessman, joined the base of economic opportunity in America.

My wife, Layaly, and I have settled into our own home in Botetourt County, starting the second generation of the American dream. I have gratefully taken the advantages America offers and faced the same challenges as all other Americans. Nowhere else would I, the son of immigrants, be able to ask my fellow citizens to allow me to represent them, a fact that both humbles and encourages me. We have lived the American dream together and together we can ensure that dream continues for our own sons and daughters.

Click here to take a look at Sam's extended biography.