RICHMOND, Va. – Lawmakers return to Richmond Wednesday for what promises to be an interesting legislative session. Virginia’s new governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general – all Republicans – will be sworn in on Saturday. And the GOP now enjoys a new majority in the House after wresting control from Democrats in the November elections.
Lawmakers will be meeting for 60 days to craft a two-year state budget and take up issues ranging from education to marijuana policy to public safety.
In the 40-member state Senate, where no seats were up for grabs last year, Democrats will maintain slim majority. Incoming Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears will preside over the chamber after she’s sworn in, also Saturday. Sears will be the first woman to serve in the role and only the second in Virginia’s history to hold statewide office.
Outgoing Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam will deliver his final annual “State of the Commonwealth” address to lawmakers tonight. Northam, a pediatric neurologist who was prohibited by Virginia law from seeking a second consecutive term in office, is set to rejoin his medical practice in Norfolk next week.
Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin will take the oath of office at noon on Saturday.