State legislative Democrats fight for progress despite obstruction from Republican governor and a now hostile federal government
WASHINGTON—Virginia Democrats today used their majority in the House of Delegates to pass three constitutional amendments that would enshrine abortion rights, secure marriage equality, and restore voting rights for people who have finished serving time for a felony. Progress on these issues is only possible after the DLCC and Virginia Democrats defended the one-seat majority in the House last week in a must-win special election. This builds on the monumental progress Virginia Democrats have prioritized since clinching legislative control in 2023 – from strengthening health care to bolstering the economy and public education– despite Republican Gov. Youngkin’s repeated obstruction.
As Republicans take full control in Washington next week, Democratic majorities in state legislatures like Virginia will be the most important counterweight to the incoming Trump administration. That’s precisely why the DLCC wasted no time in making a six-figure investment last month to build infrastructure ahead of when the entire House of Delegates will be on the ballot in November. The best defense against MAGA extremism is durable Democratic power in state legislatures, and Virginia is a top DLCC priority in 2025.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Interim Communications Director Sam Paisley issued the following statement:
“It’s been one week since Virginia Democrats in the House of Delegates protected their one-seat majority, and already they have proven the impact of their power. The constitutional amendments passed today are just a snapshot of what Democrats prioritize when they control state legislatures – enshrining key rights couldn’t be more important as we prepare for the extremism of the incoming presidential administration. State legislatures will remain on the frontlines of every major policy fight, and protecting Democratic majorities is crucial.
“The DLCC looks forward to the impactful legislation the Democratic majorities will continue to pursue this session as we work to elect a Democratic trifecta in the commonwealth this November.”
The DLCC is the official arm of the Democratic Party with the sole mission of building Democratic power in the states and setting the national agenda at the state level. Over the last decade, we have fought cycle-over-cycle to gain a dozen new legislative chamber majorities and we are leading the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.
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