From Fox News: The Virginia State Senate and its Democratic majority may have voted to nearly triple their pay if a provision inserted into their final budget survives the House reconciliation process and reaches Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s desk.
The development comes as Spanberger has centered her campaign on “affordability,” with Richmond Democrats echoing that they are working to improve their constituents’ personal finances.
Virginia’s legislature itself was founded as a part-time, gentleman’s chamber, where lawmakers would return to their day jobs when Richmond wasn’t holding session.
Proponents of raising the current 1988-established salary of $18,000 for senators and $17,640 for delegates say the structure restricts who can afford to serve as a lawmaker today. Lawmakers also qualify for a $237 per diem, mileage reimbursements, and coverage of office, meeting and other expenses.
Senators’ new salary would be $50,000.
However, Fox News explains that the senators’ pay raise “could be moot if the Democrat-controlled House of Delegates does not amend its own budget proposal to include the provision.”
The Virginia GOP blasted the state Democrats in a post on X:
Virginia Democrats in 2025:
“We promise to make your life more affordable!”Virginia Democrats in 2026:
*Proposes 50+ new taxes*
*Enacts massive carbon tax on families*
*Blocks repeal of grocery tax & car tax*
*Gives themselves a 300% raise*
Virginia Democrats in 2025:
“We promise to make your life more affordable!”
Virginia Democrats in 2026:
*Proposes 50+ new taxes*
*Enacts massive carbon tax on families*
*Blocks repeal of grocery tax & car tax*
*Gives themselves a 300% raise*— Virginia GOP (@VA_GOP) February 27, 2026
Virginia Senate Republicans also slammed the proposal, writing, “Virginia Democrats just voted to give themselves a 300% pay increase. Teachers got a 3% raise. But Democrats give themselves 300%.”
Virginia Democrats just voted to give themselves a 300% pay increase.
Teachers got a 3% raise. But Democrats give themselves 300%. pic.twitter.com/K65cnZB0K3
— VA Senate GOP (@VASenateGOP) February 26, 2026
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