Democrats have begun filing legislation ahead of the 2026 legislative session that convenes in January. Of the bills they have announced — Democrats, who have control of both chambers in the General Assembly and the Executive Mansion for the first time since 2021 — appear to be prioritizing increasing the minimum wage and providing paid leave for workers across the commonwealth.
The first bill filed in the Senate and House of Delegates will increase Virginia’s minimum wage to $15/hr in 2028 if passed. It is sponsored by Finance and Appropriations Chair Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, in the Senate and Del. Jeion Ward, D-Hampton, in the House.
After multiple vetoes from Gov. Glenn Youngkin in past years, incoming governor Abigail Spanberger has vowed to sign the bill if it reaches her desk.
Democrats are also hopeful of finally championing legislation that establishes paid family medical leave, with a bill once again sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, in the Senate, and Del. Brianna Sewell, D-Prince William, in the House.
Youngkin has vetoed paid family medical leave multiple times, but Spanberger has vowed to sign it, and advocates are excited.
“We’re grateful for the prioritization of Paid Family and Medical Leave for the 2026 General Assembly session,” said Rhena Hicks, the co-executive director of Freedom Virginia — a group that has been advocating for this legislation for years.
“Virginians need the certainty of a paycheck more than ever amid skyrocketing costs, and no one should have to forgo a paycheck just to care for a loved one or a new baby,” Hicks continued.
Democrats are also pushing legislation sponsored by Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler, D-Virginia Beach, that would require all private and government employers in Virginia to provide some form of paid sick leave system to employees
“Virginians elected the largest House Democratic Majority in nearly four decades because they trust us to fight for them and deliver real results,” said Speaker of the House Don Scott, D-Portsmouth. “These first bills honor that trust. Our agenda is focused on lowering costs, lifting wages, expanding opportunity, protecting Virginians’ rights, and ensuring fair representation.”
Republicans, noting that Democrats ran on making Virginia more affordable, believe the new proposals — which are likely to pass — run counter to that promise.
“For a group that ran on lowering costs, this sure looks like it’s going to make things more expensive,” said House Republican Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, who was just reelected to serve as leader of his caucus.
Other Democratic legislation that has already been filed includes a child care employee assistance program sponsored by Sen. Lashrecse Aird, D-Petersburg, a universal free breakfast program sponsored by Senator Danica Roem, D-Prince William, establishing a weatherization task force sponsored by Del. Destiny LeVere-Bolling, D-Henrico, and the Right to Contraception Act sponsored by Del. Marcia Price, D-Newport News.
The legislative session begins Jan. 14.