Arrr! The Virginia Senate be choosin' their shipmates to lead 'em through th' upcoming legislative expedition, mateys!
2023-11-15
Arrr, me hearties of both parties in Virginny's state Senate be choosin' seasoned scallywags to lead their factions in the comin' legislative voyage. Yo ho ho, let the grand plunderin' begin!
In a news release, it was announced that both the Democrats and Republicans in the Virginia Senate have chosen veteran legislators to lead their caucuses in the upcoming legislative session. Scott Surovell, an attorney from Fairfax County, was selected by Senate Democrats to serve as majority leader, succeeding outgoing Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw. The Democrats not only maintained their majority in the Senate, but also gained control of the House of Delegates, preventing Republicans from achieving a GOP trifecta with Governor Glenn Youngkin. However, the Democrats will have a slim majority in the Senate, with a 21-19 split and Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears having the tie-breaking vote.Scott Surovell, who has been serving in the General Assembly since 2010, expressed his commitment to fulfilling the trust placed in the caucus by Virginia voters. Mamie Locke of Hampton, another experienced legislator, had also been competing for the leadership role but did not comment on the outcome. On the Republican side, Ryan McDougle of Hanover was chosen as the GOP leader. McDougle, an attorney, has been a member of the Senate since 2006 and previously served in the House.
Both the Senate and the House of Delegates will experience significant turnover in January, with retirements and election losses resulting in many new members. The leadership elections for the Democratic and Republican House caucuses have already taken place, with Del. Don Scott becoming the next speaker of the House, making history as the first Black person to hold the post. Del. Todd Gilbert, the current speaker, will transition to become the Republican leader in January.