On Wednesday, Virginia’s General Assembly took on a new look, with new members being sworn in and a historic first for the House speaker.
Democrats regained control of the House of Delegates last fall and bolstered their thin majority in the Virginia Senate. Members of the House and Senate will have considerable influence over the only budget Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration has control over due to the way Virginian electoral and budget cycles line up.
In a historic first for the Commonwealth, Del. Don Scott was unanimously voted in as Virginia’s first Black speaker of the House.
"The historic nature of this moment is not lost on me," he told his fellow delegates.
Scott, a Navy veteran and attorney, had previously been incarcerated. He shed tears as he thanked his wife for her support: "I was at my lowest, you looked at me and you saw me exactly where I'm standing right now.”
“There are those who will tell you that you should be defined forever by a mistake,” Scott said, “I'm here to tell you do not believe them. God's grace and mercy are sufficient. Duty, honor, country; I take those words very seriously.
Scott comes into the role with a thin majority in both legislative chambers. He hinted that passing major legislation would only be possible through bipartisan work but also recognized that partisanship would be present this session.
“Sometimes we all get emotionally attached to some stuff, and that's good,” he said. “That's why we were elected, because we care.”
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— Speaker Scott waves to his supporters in the gallery
Don Scott, speaker designee of the Virginia House of Delegates, points to his supporters in the gallery during Wednesday's proceedings in Richmond.
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— Delegates are sworn in
Speaker-designee Don Scott (D–Portsmouth) takes the oath of office with fellow Del. Jackie Glass (D–Norfolk) and other lawmakers during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday.
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— Del. Scott is voted as Speaker of the House
Member of the House of Delegates takes pictures of the results as Del. Don Scott is elected as Speaker of the House.
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— Speaker Scott arrives
Speaker Don Scott shakes hands with Del. Mike Jones (D–Richmond) as he heads to take his speakership oath of office on Wednesday.
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— Speaker Scott arrives
Del. Don Scott arrives on the floor after being elected to lead the Virginia House of Delegates on Wednesday, Jan. 10.
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— Speaker Scott arrives
Speaker Don Scott arrives after being elected to lead the House of Delegates during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Helen Scott looks on
Helen Scott looks on as her son, Del. Don Scott, is elected Speaker of the House.
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— Helen Scott looks on a from her seat 2
Helen Scott, 88, had a prominent seat for her son's swearing-in as both a delegate and as House speaker.
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— Scott looks on
Helen Scott listens as her son, Don, gives remarks after being sworn in as Virginia's first Black speaker of the House of Delegates on Jan. 10.
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— Speaker Scott is sworn in
Speaker Don Scott takes his oath of office as the 58th speaker of Virginia's House of Delegates on Wednesday, Jan. 10.
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— Speaker Scott wipes tears
Speaker Don Scott sheds a tear as he talks about his family during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Speaker Scott precides
Speaker Don Scott sheds tears as he delivers his first remarks as Speaker during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Speaker Don Scott gives remakrs
Speaker Don Scott looks on before Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivered the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Gov. Youngkin delivers remarks as Lt. Earle-Sears apllaud
Speaker Don Scott applauds along Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears as Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivers the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Speaker Scott chats with his mother, Helen
Speaker Don Scott shares a moment with his mother, Helen, after being sworn in as Speaker of the House on Wednesday in Richmond.
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— Speaker Scott gives remarks
Speaker Don Scott gives remarks in response to the Governor’s the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Speaker Scott leaves with his team
Speaker Don Scott leaves after Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivered the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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Democrats from both chambers packed into a briefing room Wednesday morning to unveil their priorities for the session, which included education, affordability, abortion access and infrastructure.
“This state spends 14%, less than the national average, on K-12 [education],” said Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, referencing a report by the General Assembly’s research arm. “It's incomprehensible to us that that's something that Virginians have to tolerate.”
During his State of the Commonwealth address, Youngkin said that he was committed to replacing the Standards of Quality formula, which funds schools “with a system that puts students first.”
After the speech, Scott told a group of reporters said that he’d heard in Youngkin’s an opportunity to negotiate on the SOQs.
“It's one critical reason that underscores why any of these discussions about tax cuts are completely unrealistic,” Surovell said.
Meanwhile, Youngkin signaled he may not accept proposals to raise taxes.
“I am not interested in any increase in taxes that don't facilitate an overall decrease in taxes for Virginians,” he told reporters following his speech, warning them “don't go grab tax increases until we're working also on tax decreases. We need to reduce the tax burden on Virginians.”
Democrats appear to not have reached a consensus on Youngkin’s proposal to remove a sales tax exemption for digital purchases.
Wide policy gulfs also were apparent Wednesday. While Democrats have proposed bills for a retail market for adult recreational use of cannabis, Youngkin said it was “an area that I really don't have any interest in.”
In light of the Democratic control of the statehouse, he asked lawmakers to send him bills that cut taxes and increased penalties for crime. He said if a repeal of Virginia’s Right to Work law made it to his desk, he’d strike it down with the “business end of my veto pen,” which won applause from the Republican side of the chamber.
Still Youngkin, like Scott, said that Virginia’s government would still work despite different parties in control of their respective branches.
“We've been we've been successful with divided government. And we can continue to be successful with divided government,” he said.
2024 State of the Commonwealth address
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— Lawmakers arrive
State Sens. David W. Marsden (R–Burke) and Emily Jordan (R–Isle of Wight) arrive for the first day of the 2024 Virginia General Assembly in Richmond.
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— Sen. Lucas talks to the media
State Sen. L. Louise Lucas (D–Portsmouth) gives remarks to members of the media before the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 in Richmond
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— Surovell chats with pages
State Sen. Scott Surovell (D–Fairfax) shakes hands with General Assembly pages on Wednesday, Jan. 10 in Richmond.
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— A pin a paper sit on a desk
A House of Delegate pin is left on top of the oath all delegates must take during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly.
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— Del. Jones embraces Sen. Roem
Del. Michael Jones (D–Richmond) embraces State Sen. Danica Roem (D–Prince William) on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 in Richmond.
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— Sen. Roem fists bumps Del. Tran
State Sen. Danica Roem (D–Prince William) bumps fists with Del. Kathy Tran (D–Fairfax) during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly.
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— Del. Knight shakes hands with Miyares
Attorney General Jason Miyares shakes hands with Del. Barry D. Knight (R–Virginia Beach).
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— Speaker Scott looks emotional as he walks away
Don Scott, speaker designee of the Virginia House of Delegates, sheds tears after embracing his mother, Helen Scott, 88, before he was sworn into his office during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Speaker Scott wipes tears
Don Scott, speaker designee of the Virginia House of Delegates, gets emotional before being sworn into his office during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Speaker Scott waves to his supporters in the gallery
Don Scott, speaker designee of the Virginia House of Delegates, points to his supporters in the gallery during Wednesday's proceedings in Richmond.
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— Torian Shakes hands with Scott
Del. Luke Torian shakes hands with Don Scott, speaker designee of the Virginia House of Delegates, during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Speaker Scott wipes tears
Don Scott, speaker designee of the Virginia House of Delegates, gets emotional before he is sworn into office with his fellow lawmakers during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
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— Delegates are sworn in
Speaker-designee Don Scott (D–Portsmouth) takes the oath of office with fellow Del. Jackie Glass (D–Norfolk) and other lawmakers during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday.
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— Delegates are sworn in
Del. Mike Jones (D-Richmond) takes the oath of office with fellow Delegates during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Del. Scott is voted as Speaker of the House
Member of the House of Delegates takes pictures of the results as Del. Don Scott is elected as Speaker of the House.
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— Speaker Scott arrives
Speaker Don Scott arrives after being elected to lead the House of Delegates during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Keys-Gamarra is emotional as she applauds
Karen Keys-Gamarra applauds as Del. Don Scott is elected as Speaker of the House during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Speaker Scott arrives
Speaker Don Scott arrives after being elected to lead the House of Delegates during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Speaker Scott is sworn in
Speaker Don Scott takes the oath of office after being elected to lead the House of Delegates during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
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— Speaker Scott is sworn in
Speaker Don Scott takes his oath of office as the 58th speaker of Virginia's House of Delegates on Wednesday, Jan. 10.
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— Glass looks on
Del. Jackie Glass (D-Norfolk) looks on as Del. Don Scott is sworn in as Speaker of the House during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— People applaud from the gallery
Del. Mike Jones applauds along with other attendees after Del Don Scott is elected as Speaker of the House during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— LeVere wipes tears
Del. Destiny LeVere Bolling wipes away tears as Speaker Don Scott delivers remarks during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Speaker Scott precides
House Speaker Don Scott delivers his first remarks during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 in Richmond.
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— Willett looks on
Del. Rodney Willett (D-Henrico) listens as Speaker Don Scott gives remarks during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Speaker Scott presides 1
Speaker Don Scott gives his first remarks after being sworn in on Wednesday, Jan. 10 in Richmond.
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— The honrable McDonnell looks on
Former Governor Bob McDonnell, center, looks on as Speaker Don Scott gives remarks during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia. The former Governor restored Speaker Scott’s, a former felon, rights.
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— Del. Jones applauds
Del. Mike Jones (D-Richmond) applauds as Speaker Don Scott gives remarks during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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29 of 45
— Gilbert gives remarks
Former Speaker of the house Todd Gilbert gives remarks as he nominates G. Paul Nardo as Clerk of the House during the first day of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Gov. Youngkin shakes hands with Speaker Scott
Gov. Glenn Youngkin shakes hands with newly installed House Speaker Don Scott before delivering the State of the Commonwealth on Wednesday.
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— Speaker Scott shakes hands with Lt. Gov. Earle-Sears
Speaker Don Scott shakes hands with Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears as Gov. Glenn Youngkin prepares to deliver the State of the Commonwealth address.
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— attendee applaud as the First Lady is recognized
First Lady Suzanne Youngkin is recognized by Gov. Glenn Youngkin as he delivers the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Gov. Youngkin delivers remarks
Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivers the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Gov. Youngkin delivers remarks
Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivers the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Gov. Youngkin delivers remarks
Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivers the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Gov. Youngkin delivers remarks
Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivers the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Gov. Youngkin delivers remarks
Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivers the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Gov. Youngkin delivers remarks as Lt. Earle-Sears apllaud
Speaker Don Scott applauds along Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears as Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivers the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Gov. Youngkin delivers remarks
Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivers the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Gov. Youngkin leaves after giving remarks
Gov. Glenn Youngkin leaves delivering the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Gov. Youngkin leaves after giving remarks
Gov. Glenn Youngkin leaves delivering the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Gov. Youngkin delivers remarks
Gov. Glenn Youngkin gives remarks after delivering the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Gov. Youngkin delivers remarks
Gov. Glenn Youngkin, joined by First Lady Suzanne Youngkin, answers questions after delivering the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Gov. Youngkin delivers remarks
Gov. Glenn Youngkin gives remarks after delivering the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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— Gov. Youngkin leaves in an elevator
Gov. Glenn Youngkin leaves delivering the State of the Commonwealth to the joint session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.
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