Laura Jane Cohen was born in Georgia and lives in Fairfax County, Virginia. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science and government from the University of Georgia. Cohen's career experience includes working for the Democratic lieutenant governor and secretary of state of Georgia, as director of outreach for a national Parkinson’s nonprofit in Fairfax County, as a preschool and substitute teacher, and as a small business owner. Cohen became a volunteer for Moms Demand Action. She was elected to the Springfield District school board.