The 2025 Virginia General Assembly session is shaping up to be a contentious one, with significant divides between Democrats and Republicans. On the one hand, Democrats, who control both the House of Delegates and the State Senate, are celebrating several legislative accomplishments.
Key proposals include raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2027, banning the sale of new assault weapons, and advancing constitutional amendments to protect abortion rights in Virginia. House Majority Leader Charniele Herring touted the efforts to protect reproductive care, emphasizing access to contraception, IVF, and abortion.
On the other hand, Republicans, like Senator Glen Sturtevant, are critical of the session’s direction, labeling several proposed bills as extreme. Sturtevant expressed disappointment over Democrats’ failure to prioritize car tax relief—an issue that affects a wide spectrum of Virginians.
Additionally, he criticized Democrats for blocking efforts to ensure local jails cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a priority for many Republicans focused on immigration enforcement.
The session remains highly polarized, with Democrats pushing for progressive changes and Republicans advocating for more conservative measures.
The next steps will hinge on how Governor Glenn Youngkin, who has different policy priorities, reacts to the bills that make it out of the General Assembly.