Virginia Senate Democrats

05/28/2026

Yesterday, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed two important childcare bills into law that will help working families across Virginia.

SB 134, chief patroned by Senator Mamie Locke, helps Virginia better understand and respond to the growing need for affordable childcare by improving how the Commonwealth plans for childcare funding, access, and waitlists.

SB 3, chief patroned by Senator Lashrecse Aird, creates the Employee Child Care Assistance Program to encourage employers to help working parents with the cost of childcare through a state matching program.

Families across the Commonwealth are struggling with the rising cost of childcare, and Virginia Senate Democrats are continuing to fight for real solutions that support parents, children, and working families.

Affordable childcare is not a luxury; it is a necessity!

05/20/2026

In case you missed it, Monday we celebrated the signing of Senator Lashrecse Aird’s legislation to strengthen and continue the work of the Commission on School Construction and Modernization. This is a another step forward in investing in Virginia’s students, schools, and future.

Virginia Senate Democrats remain committed to pouring into public education and creating safe, updated learning environments for every child across the Commonwealth.

05/12/2026

In case you missed it: Yesterday, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed landmark legislation into law making Senator Jennifer B. Boysko’s Paid Family and Medical Leave bill a reality.

Virginia is now the first Southern state to establish a paid family and medical leave program, giving Virginians access to up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a sick loved one, welcome a new child, or recover from a serious medical condition.

Before the start of this year’s General Assembly session, Virginia Senate Democrats made clear their focus would be putting families firs and making life more affordable for working Virginians. Paid Family and Medical Leave delivers on that promise by ensuring families no longer have to choose between caring for a loved one and keeping a paycheck.

05/06/2026

May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 🌸

We’re proud to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of AAPI communities who help shape Virginia every day. From the Capitol to our neighborhoods, leaders like Kannan for Virginia and Senator Saddam Azlan Salim are making a difference.

05/04/2026

A HUGE step forward for affordable housing in Virginia. The Faith in Housing law, led by Jeremy McPike empowers faith communities to turn unused land into affordable homes.

This means less bureaucracy, more housing and stronger communities.

The “Yes in God’s Backyard” movement is celebrating after the Faith in Housing bill, supporting expedited church-based affordable housing development, has been signed into law.

04/23/2026

We’ve got BIG news 🎉 Senator Lashrecse Aird has been elected Vice Chair of the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus and Senator Kannan for Virginia will serve as Caucus Treasurer.

Together, both will lead our work to expand our majority, strengthen outreach, and keep delivering for VA!

04/22/2026

Happy Reconvene Session! Listen in as Senator Stella Pekarsky explains how a reconvene session work in the General Assembly and what Virginians could be expecting from the Senate Democrats today!

03/08/2026

Happy International Women’s History Day from the women of the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus! This month, we’re celebrating and uplifting the bold, powerful, change-making women who have shaped our past, are leading today, and are building a brighter future. We see you, we celebrate you, and we thank you. 💜🩷

03/01/2026

Happy International Women’s Month, Virginia! 👸🏼👸🏽👸🏿

Every March, we celebrate the bold and dynamic women leaders and doers who are shaping our Commonwealth every day. Here in the Virginia and around the world, we’re committed to fighting for equality and success for every woman!

02/28/2026

✨ Senators Making Black History ✨

Today is the last day of Black History Month and we honor three trailblazing leaders whose impact on Hampton Roads and Virginia overall cannot be overstated: Senator L. Louise Lucas, Senator Mamie E. Locke, and Senator Angelia Williams Graves.

While breaking barriers and shaping policies in the Senate, each of these women have dedicated their careers to expanding opportunity, protecting civil rights, and strengthening communities across the Commonwealth.

We are proud to celebrate their legacy and their continued impact as Black history in the making. 🖤✊🏾