Last week, I was stuck in I-95 traffic outside D.C., staring at a license plate that read “RICH.
Turns out, the richest person in the Old Dominion isn’t just some random tech bro. It’s Jacqueline Mars, of the Mars candy empire. Yes, the same family that gave us M&M’s, Snickers, and that weird moment when you find a stray Starburst at the bottom of your purse. She’s worth a cool $38.5 billion as of 2025, give or take a few hundred million—not that she’s counting.
Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, doesn’t Mars, Inc. have its headquarters in Virginia?” Exactly. The company is based in McLean, a super-wealthy suburb that smells like ambition and freshly paved driveways. Jacqueline, along with her brother John and their late sibling’s family, owns the whole sugary, pet-food-laden pie. She’s the quiet billionaire—the kind who rarely makes headlines unless it’s about her horse farm or a charity donation.
Must Read
But here’s the ironic bit: most people couldn’t pick her out of a lineup. She’s not on Instagram flaunting her private jet (though she probably has one, likely filled with Peppermint Patties). Her fortune comes from candy and pet food, which feels almost humble, right? I mean, I’ve definitely funded her lifestyle via a few too many bags of Skittles during movie nights. You probably have too.
So, who else is in the running?
Amy Adams Strunk doesn’t crack the top spot, but she’s a fun mention. She’s the owner of the Tennessee Titans football team—and yes, she lives in Virginia. Her net worth hovers around $1.5 billion, which sounds massive until you realize Jacqueline Mars could buy the Titans’ entire franchise with pocket change. Perspective, people.
6 VA Billionaires Among America's Richest People: See New List
Then there’s William Conway Jr. from the Carlyle Group, a private equity giant based in D.C. but with deep Virginia roots. He’s worth about $3.5 billion, which puts him in the “rich enough to buy a small island” category. But he’s still looking up at Mars. Way up.
Oh, and let’s not forget Janet and Randy Rolfe. No, they’re not billionaires, but they did win the Virginia lottery in 2023—a cool $43.4 million. For about a week, they were probably the richest feeling people in the state. Then taxes happened, and they bought a new truck. I’m not bitter; I’m just saying, play the lottery, folks.
The 10 Richest People in Virginia
But here’s the real tea: where does all this money live?
Virginia’s richest zip codes are in McLean, Great Falls, and Vienna. These are the places where “humble” means a five-bedroom house with a heated driveway. Jacqueline Mars has a home in McLean, but she’s famous for keeping a low profile. I’ve read she still occasionally shops at the local Target. Target. With her billions. That’s either deeply relatable or a genius tax move. You decide.
The state itself is a weird mix of government salaries, military pensions, and corporate wealth. Northern Virginia, where the Mars family hubs, is basically a money magnet. It’s also where you’ll find defense contractors, tech millionaires, and lobbyists who wear $5,000 suits to argue about oatmeal regulations. The contrast is wild: drive ten minutes west, and you’re in rural farm country where the richest person might own a John Deere dealership.
Virginia’s Richest Residents Featured on the Forbes 400 List | citybiz
And let’s be real—if you’re not a Mars heir, your best bet to top the list is to invent something involving crypto, AI, or a better way to fast-track mail. But for now, the crown stays with candy. Honestly? I’m okay with that. At least she’s not making billions off something boring, like insurance. She’s selling joy—even if that joy comes with a sugar crash and a dental bill.
So next time you’re stuck in I-95 traffic and see a car that screams “new money,” just remember: the richest person in Virginia is probably at home, unwrapping a Milky Way, and not giving a single thought to that license plate. And if you ever see her at that Target in McLean? Don’t ask for free samples. Trust me on this.
