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Zahra Karinshak

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Zahra Karinshak (born 1968) is an American attorney and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, Karinshak will assume office as a member of the Georgia State Senate in January 2019, representing the 48th district.

Early Life and Career

Karinshak was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as the oldest of five children. Vote Smart: Zahra Karinshak's Biography Her father is an immigrant of Iranian descent, and her mother is a native of LaFayette, Georgia. Karinshak grew up in LaFayette, Georgia, where she attended LaFayette High School. Her family struggled financially, moving from housing projects to trailer parks and relying on food stamps.

In 1985, Karinshak was nominated by Congressman George Darden to attend the United States Air Force Academy, where she served as a soaring instructor pilot. She graduated in 1989 with a degree in International Affairs. She was subsequently commissioned as an intelligence officer in the United States Air Force.

As an Air Force officer, Karinshak served on the START I task force and supported Operation Desert Storm. During her military service, she received the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Vote Smart: Zahra Karinshak's Biography She left the Air Force as a Captain in 1994.Vote Smart: Zahra Karinshak's Biography

After her military service, Karinshak attended the Emory University School of Law.Vote Smart: Zahra Karinshak's Biography She served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Atlanta from 2003 to 2011, prosecuting fraud and violent crime cases.Vote Smart: Zahra Karinshak's Biography She also served as Deputy Executive Counsel to Governor Roy Barnes from 1993 to 2003, where she helped change the then-controversial Georgia state flag and managed law enforcement affairs.Galloway, Jim (November 9, 2018). "Atlanta's northern 'burbs have put Georgia in play for 2020". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved November 14, 2018.

Karinshak has served as a partner at Atlanta-based law firm Krevolin and Horst since 2011, where she leads the company's whistleblower practice.Vote Smart: Zahra Karinshak's Biography

Political Career

In August 2017, Karinshak announced her candidacy for the Georgia State Senate, seeking to represent the 48th district. She received high-profile endorsements from President Barack Obama, Planned Parenthood, and the AFL-CIO. Prabhu, Maya (October 26, 2018). "Duluth-based state Senate seat up for grabs for first time in 16 years". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved November 14, 2018. On November 6th, 2018, Karinshak was elected to the Georgia State Senate with 53.6% of the vote. Georgia Secretary of State She defeated Republican attorney Matt Reeves.

Karinshak was the first Iranian American elected to the State Senate. Paigah, Irandokht (November 7, 2018). "Anna Eskamani And Shireen Ghorbani's Message To Iranian Americans". The Iranian. Retrieved November 14, 2018.

Personal Life

Karinshak has lived in Lawrenceville, Georgia, since 1994 with her husband and two daughters. Her family is Catholic. Two of Karinshak's four siblings are also military veterans.

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