Virginia Senate Dems roll out ‘2026 affordability agenda’

Virginia Senate Democrats held a press conference on Tuesday laying out their legislative priorities for this year’s General Assembly session.

On the eve of this year’s Virginia General Assembly session, Senate Democrats are touting their plans to lower costs for the commonwealth’s residents. 

Speaking at a press conference in Richmond on Tuesday, Senate Democrats highlighted what they billed as their “2026 affordability agenda” to tackle the costs of health care, education, transportation, child care, housing, groceries, and energy. They also aim to expand job access. 

State Sen. Mamie Locke (D-Hampton) said affordability is Democrats’ top priority. 

“Families across Virginia are being squeezed by rising costs from housing and health care to child care and everyday necessities,” Locke said. “They deserve real relief.” 

Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) said Democrats will take up bills that would increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour; establish a state program for paid family and medical leave; and give collective bargaining rights to the 700,000 Virginians who work in either local or state government. 

There will also be bills to address the affordable housing crisis by making it easier for developers to build houses; expand solar power across Virginia; and fund public transportation, Surovell said. 

Democrats’ focus on affordability came into focus this past fall, when Abigail Spanberger’s emphasis on bringing costs down helped her win the gubernatorial election by 15 points. 

Senate Democrats focused on President Donald Trump’s failure to bring down prices and his policies that have exacerbated the issue for working people. Surovell said that Trump’s tariffs and his administration’s blocking of an offshore wind project are keeping the costs of groceries, electricity, and housing high in Virginia. 

“President Trump’s policies have failed Virginia,” Surovell said at the press conference. “The question now is whether we’re going to let that happen or whether we’re going to do something about it. This caucus stands ready to take action, and you’re going to see it this session.”

Democrats are well-positioned to advance their agenda given they control both chambers of the General Assembly and will have control of the Governor’s Mansion once Spanberger is sworn in at her inauguration this Saturday. 

Speaking with late-night television host Stephen Colbert on Monday, Spanberger chalked up Democrats’ gains in Virginia to voters wanting leaders focused on the issues that keep working people up at night. 

“That is: can they afford to live their life, keep their house, pay for their medicine; are their kids getting a good education to set them up; and are they safe in their communities,” Spanberger said. “It’s really pretty straightforward, and in Virginia on Saturday we’re going to get to work.”