Democrat Don Scott is making history in Virginia as the Commonwealth’s first-ever Black speaker of the House.
The U.S. Navy veteran and lawyer told
@MacFarlaneNews
about defying expectations and overcoming big hurdles, including spending nearly eight years in federal prison.
During legislative session, I said Governor Youngkin’s espoused Christian values didn’t match his actions. Today, he proved me right by failing to express his empathy and humanity to Nancy Pelosi. He chose to ridicule her pain and the the beating of an 82 year old man. Shameful.
Being Governor of Virginia is a tough and honorable job; please master that job before running for President 8 months in. It is beneath the dignity of the Office of the Governor to undermine law enforcement and smear the judiciary in this way. No person is above the law.
Governor Youngkin made one thing clear in his
#SOTC
: he plans to ban abortion in the Commonwealth. Not on our watch. Health care decisions are up to women - not Glenn Youngkin.
I am deeply honored to be the next Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates – the first Black person to serve in this role. The voters were clear on Tuesday that they wanted leadership that would move Virginia forward and that is exactly what I will do as your next Speaker!
57 years ago today, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ending public segregation and prohibiting many forms of discrimination. In calling for the law, JFK said: "This Nation, for all its hopes and all its boasts, will not be fully free until all its citizens are free.”
Congratulations
@GovernorVA
for creating jobs…. in Michigan! Gov turned down a 3.5 billion
@Ford
plant in Southside Virginia to protect us all from China. Hard working Virginians lose out again from a person who made millions in China. Unbelievable.
No judge in their right mind would sign off on a warrant targeting a former president’s home without carefully considering all the facts and circumstances. To be clear, the former president appointed the Director of the FBI, and the republican controlled senate confirmed him.
I know I stand on the shoulders of giants and I am beyond blessed to be able to take up this mantle.
Thank you to
@CBSMornings
for the opportunity to tell my story!
Democrat Don Scott is making history in Virginia as the Commonwealth’s first-ever Black speaker of the House.
The U.S. Navy veteran and lawyer told
@MacFarlaneNews
about defying expectations and overcoming big hurdles, including spending nearly eight years in federal prison.
Trump’s campaign manager and the MAGA movement hates me because I am a symbol for everything that isn’t supposed to happen in their world. Thirty years ago I went to prison and now I am the first Black Speaker of the House in Virginia. Deal with it Chris.
House Republicans just killed our effort to protect access to reproductive health care & enshrine abortion rights in the Virginia Constitution. The good news is that most Virginians agree with us – and we’re not backing down.
Tonight, the work begins to protect and defend the rights and freedoms of hardworking Virginia families and make this economy work for everybody.
Virginia is the last safe haven for abortion rights in the South and that will be protected with this Democratic majority!
As a refresher on the judicial system, for a judge to issue a search warrant, there must be two things: 1. probable cause that a crime was committed and 2. probable cause that the items sought are at the location.
VA Dems handed Youngkin record surpluses & a booming economy. 6 mos later, the gov has toppled VA from our
#1
spot on CNBC's list of best states for business. Turns out making VA a less welcoming place for workers makes it less welcoming for business, too
With the 2024 session now underway, I’m grateful for the trust that my colleagues have placed in me.
Let’s meet this historic moment, and set our sights on moving Virginia forward.
This morning was heart wrenching. After seeing the news about the white supremacist shooting in Buffalo, my 13 year old daughter asked why would any white person want to kill Black people for being Black. I want to protect her from this but she has to know all the ugly out here.
A stunning new development:
@GlennYoungkin
is being sued by firefighters and police officers. Most workers play by the rules and pay their taxes. Apparently Youngkin does not. While his party was slashing teacher pay, he was lining his pockets at the expense of public servants.
Tonight, I watched
@cnn
and
@jaketapper
give
@GovernorVA
millions of dollars in free time unchallenged to speak practiced , coached, and plastic answers. The questions were soft or if they were slightly difficult, they went unanswered and he deftly pivoted.The consultants won .
What? I was just congratulating
@GovernorVA
on his historic achievement. Underwater disapproval in record time. So bad so fast. You have to do that on purpose. Let’s course correct. I will be there for that.
Youngkin’s a businessman. If he didn’t like the Ford deal, he should have made a new one. He decided to make a splashy announcement. Instead, he chose to kill 2.5k jobs. Working with his constituents is less critical than protecting some presidential debate talking points.
My name is Don Scott and I am proud to be your new Dem leader in the House of Delegates. My story has been called the ultimate in Criminal Justice Reform but it won’t be complete until we get change that allows millions of others the same success.
Please RT and join our movement
This is historic!!! I'm incredibly proud and excited to support Vice President
@KamalaHarris
and look forward to electing her as the first woman President of the United States.
Nancy Pelosi’s husband was attacked and beat in his home. And
@GovernorVA
Mr. “tough on crime” is antagonizing the victims and joking about their suffering. The Governor doesn’t get it. This is cruel and divisive. It’s beneath his office.
While speaking at a rally with 7th District GOP candidate Yesli Vega this afternoon, Gov. Youngkin condemned this attack by saying: "There's no room for violence anywhere, but we're gonna send her(Nany Pelosi) back to be with him in California."
This is beneath
@GovernorVA
. He should immediately reimburse the Commonwealth from his PAC which has millions and vow not to reward his political consultants with state contracts. This is government corruption at its height. It’s a campaign ad.
The
@VA_GOP
finally deleted their antisemitic tweet but given their history of racism, sexism and now antisemitism they should just delete their entire account.
.
@GlennYoungkin
has decided to leave Virginia to stump for an unabashed racist in Maine. He chooses to ignore the Virginians that spoke out in favor of reproductive freedom today but instead uplifts extreme MAGA Gubernatorial candidate, Paul Lepage.
Senator
@timkaine
was the blowout winner in tonight's debate.
It was a masterful display and he had total command of the issues.
He spoke of solving problems for everyday hardworking Virginians. He mentioned how he worked with Republican US senators to solve the border issues
The SC overruled 50 years of precedence. I stand with all those who are experiencing grief, anger, and fear today. Know this: Here in Virginia, the fight is far from over. We will always work to defend access to safe, legal abortion for ALL.
The
@GovernorVA
is now trying to hide the fact that they tried to remove MLK from all elementary school curriculum including the mention of the the MLK holiday.He must have gotten this idea campaigning in Maine with that overt racist Governor in Maine. The worst Gov ever.
If you think the extremists trying to limit abortion got their teeth kicked in tonight in Kansas then just wait until they get to Virginia!!! These bills are coming to my committee and they should be prepared to be DRAGGED.
This gaslighting and political pandering by a LT. GOVERNOR who LITERALLY campaigned holding a picture of an assault rifle is lecturing others on preventing gun violence. She runs out to the scene with no empathy for the victims just thinking of how to appeal to MAGA.
Republican Lieutenant Governor, Winsome Sears follows the press conference after Mayor Stoney left with utter disrespect she made this political by bringing up gangs, bail, and gun owners.
Having been born in Texas where I grew up celebrating Juneteenth and reflecting on those enslaved people who were desperate for a just a word of hope and freedom.I am grateful to my ancestors who preserved through the brutality and crime of government imposed slavery.Never again.
All citizens of the commonwealth should join
@VaBlackCaucus
in rejecting this 18th century version of history that
@GovernorVA
is trying to force on our children. Shameful.
The VLBC condemns & rejects the revisionist draft standards proposed last week by the Gov’s Administration. The VLBC has deep concerns w/the politically-drafted revised standards that literally revise, whitewash & omit important history in schools.
VLBC letter to the Board:
Virginians saw their leaders pass a bipartisan budget, that boosts funding for education, healthcare, and transportation. In response, the Governor is threatening to shut down the government. We cannot let this stand. We'll remain steadfast in our commitment to working families.
Y’all, last night, the energy at
#DNC2024
was insane!
Alongside my fellow Virginia Democrats, we proudly cast 119 votes for
@KamalaHarris
to be the first woman President of the United States!
When we fight, we win!
The appointment of a Confederate Lost Cause apologist to the VA Board of Historic Resources is appalling. We are ready for Glenn Youngkin to stop working for a radical fringe and start working with Democrats to make life affordable for working families
Polls are open until 7:00 PM; please join me today by getting out and voting! If you live in VA-10, VA-07, and VA -02, then get out there and help re-elect
@JenniferWexton
@SpanbergerVA07
and
@ElaineLuriaVA
. Vote like your life depends on it!
So let me understand this: black people account for 19% of Virginia population but account for 55% of DOC prison population and we’re talking reform of police practices without talking about the destruction that has been brought about by this criminal punishment system.
Newsflash: In the house of delegates the budget was bi-partisan with 11 Republicans voting for this historic budget. With leadership like this, no wonder so many Republicans joined Democrats to vote for a responsible budget.
Are there any currently serving Virginia Republicans in the General Assembly who will admit that what Pres. Trump is doing now is wrong? Will one admit that Pres-elect Biden won? If any body finds one , let me know. Is respecting the will of America’s voters not bipartisan?
Several GOP governors are banning TikTok from government devices over security concerns. Sen.
@ryanmcdougle
says he’ll introduce a bill to do the same in Virginia in 2023.
@GarrenShipley
says similar legislation is in the works on the House side. No comment yet from
@GovernorVA
Republicans campaigned on an abortion ban, and Virginians said NO.
Voters stood up to say private medical decisions should be between a woman and her doctor, NOT politicians.
When we vote we win!
.
@cToddGilbert
, and I put out the following statement. In America, we settle our political differences through free and fair elections. We are praying for President Trump.
We made history today in the Va General Assembly. I’m proud to have adjourned on time and with the budget complete. Discussing budget with
@DelegateTorian
@SenLouiseLucas
and
@SenatorLocke
in the photo below is one for the books.
Also, when you create a culture of attacking teachers through tip lines and you don’t want to investigate a 6 year old shooting a teacher in school because it will upset the NRA , you construct a fake controversy that in no way impact educational outcomes in schools.
When you don't have a real plan on teacher's salaries or learning loss and you want to steal public school funding, you make up fake investigations - Arlington, Alexandria and Prince William are next!
@hannah_natanson
@LVozzella
@SchneiderG
Steering government contracts to campaign consultants is corrupt. The government RFP process should not be used to reward political cronies. We need to know how this happened.
“This is a clear misuse of taxpayer dollars for Youngkin’s own political gain. There should be an immediate investigation into this corruption” (VA House Dems Leader
@DonScott757
: "The [OIG] needs to investigate how this was able to happen.")
“Bringing people together” by campaigning with an avowed racist, campaigning with election deniers, creating a teacher snitch line, restricting women’s reproductive freedom, and rewarding almost $300k of taxpayer money to your political consultants. That’s the short list!
Today, too many see a system where one side must win and the other lose. I believe that is zero-sum thinking. My administration is focused on bringing people together and delivering results for all Virginians.
“I thank whatever Gods may be, For my unconquerable soul”
Just as the words of Invictus have guided many Brothers before me, they guide the me now as I take on this role. Thank you to my beloved Alpha phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for your well wishes! 🤙🏾
Continuing the ableist trend today (R) Delegate Scott justifying his HB1040 to allow sub-minimum wage employment at small firms says: “Maybe someone with Down’s Syndrome just wants to get a job sweeping floors.”
I've seen enough: in a major victory for the pro-choice side, Ohio Issue 1 (a measure to raise the threshold to pass a state constitutional amendment to 60%) fails.
Proud to endorse Abigail Spanberger for Governor!
It’s time we have a chief executive who will protect reproductive rights, fight for working Virginians, and deliver results!
🚨NEW: I’m truly grateful for Speaker Don Scott’s endorsement to serve as the next Governor of Virginia.
All Virginians are lucky to have
@DonScott757
in their corner as House Speaker. Together, we’ll build a stronger future for the Virginia we all love.
Another awful video of a black man being beaten to death and dehumanized by PEACE officers sworn to protect us.Tyre Nichols life was stolen. For nothing! Anger, sadness and prayers are nice, but we have the power and responsibility to change policy and procedure. Let’s do that!
Proud to be with Portsmouth music legend
@MissyElliott
and
@SenLouiseLucas
for the street naming celebrating Missy’s amazing career and her contributions to our beloved city!
@TeamYoungkin
Attacking a high school kid is really low but not unexpected. As I said before, Day 1 splash but Day 2 and Day 3 incompetence. Dangerously incompetent.The election is over. Govern for all.Find common ground. I’m here for you. Check with me moving forward.I can help.
Excuse me, did this come from an official account of the Governor of Virginia?!?!
Every reporter in the state needs to get on this immediately. The Governor is attacking a high school student.
Governor- this is a disgrace and you owe Ethan a public apology immediately.
It was an honor to have
@IAmWesMoore
join us today to get out the vote for Virginia Democrats. His presence and passion are an inspiration to us all. Thank you, Governor Moore, for going all in on a Democratic majority this Tuesday!
This morning is another sad day for America’s inability to face its gun violence epidemic. Our hearts go out to the families in Chesapeake. You can’t say you’re serious about crime and not address the proliferation of guns. Gun violence prevention is crime prevention.
Better question
@JasonMiyaresVA
: why does the top law enforcement officer in the Commonwealth stand proudly with a person who among many other convictions and alleged crimes caused the Capitol to be stormed which required Va. state police to go in harms way to restore order in
VA Dems are split on if
@JoeBiden
should remain their nominee for President, with Mark Warner/Don Beyer saying he needs to move on while others defend him.
Where do
@SpanbergerForVA
and
@timkaine
stand? Do they believe he is able to serve as President for 4 more years?
After I learned
@GovernorVA
appointed an extremist author of Project 2025, I asked the governor to remove this individual from the Board of Visitors at George Mason University — a bedrock institution, that promotes diversity, leadership, and excellence.
Inbox: House Speaker
@DonScott757
writes to
@GovernorVA
urging him to remove Dr. Lindsey Burke - who authored the education chapter of Project 2025’s mandate for leadership - from George Mason University’s Board of Visitors. Youngkin writes back that he won’t.
On abortion rights, criminal justice reform, helping working families-it’s difficult for a guy who doesn’t pump his own gas or buy his own groceries to understand.
#Glenndoesntgetit
Retweet if you agree.
KKK imagery on GOP website in 2022. It’s time for
@GovernorVA
to tell us where he stands on this. Is there any accountability in the leadership of the GOP. Racist imagery on Patrick County GOP website 'a mistake,' Republican leaders say
As we honor Dr. King today, don’t forget that he was assassinated not for his beautiful and elegant speeches, but for his actions. He was uncompromising in the fight against injustice and hate. We honor him by continuing the fight.
It’s sad that
@JasonMiyaresVA
and
@GovernorVA
are awol in what now appears to be either gross incompetence or purposeful undermining of the election process. The Governor is all over the country campaigning and not fulfilling his basic responsibilities here in Virginia.
⚠️Attention Herndon Voters⚠️
Unfortunately,
@GlennYoungkin
's Department of Elections sent out false voting information to over 13,000 voters in the Town of Herndon. If you received this letter, rest assured that you do not need to drive to the City of Fairfax in order to vote.
Thank you
@MeekMill
for amplifying the efforts to reform this criminal justice system. We got probation reform done. We don’t forget where we come from ever. You a real one, bro. We are not finished. Godspeed.
On this MLK day, don’t forget that Dr. King had a 75% disapproval rating in the US. I am emboldened to keep fighting for the least of these and the ideas that allow everyone to hold their head up high. True freedom and equality has never been popular.
I told
@TheRevAl
about the resounding message that Virginia voters sent this week.
Virginians rejected MAGA extremism. They want to protect reproductive freedom, keep our communities safe from gun violence and lower costs for families.
Under
@VAGovernor73
, Virginia was
#1
for business 3 years in a row because he was focused on supporting our educational system not tearing it down for private investment. He understood that diversity and equity makes our economy work for everyone.
Everyone should be shown dignity and respect when they testify, and likewise, that same respect should be shown to our elected officials. We will not tolerate folks coming into hearings disrespecting
@SenLouiseLucas
. Please see my statement below.
The extreme MAGA GOP stood on the house floor and said that “the vast majority” of abortions are “matters of lifestyle convenience.”
They want to insert themselves in difficult and personal medical decisions that should be left to a woman and her doctor. They want to shame and
It’s been a big week! I’m live in studio with
@rolandsmartin
talking about how Virginia voters rejected MAGA extremism, defended women’s rights, and flipped the House from red to blue. Tune in!
Youngkin’s tough-on-China act is just performative. He made serious $$ partnering with Communist China at Carlyle Group. Now he’s taking TikTok derivatives in cash from TikTok donors.
Retweet if the Gov. should give back the $ from the app he banned and claims to loathe.
Jeff Yass, one of TikTok’s biggest investors and co-founder of the trading firm Susquehanna International Group, gives
@TeamYoungkin
a $2 million donation.
With the continuing threat of coastal flooding in Hampton Roads and other parts of the commonwealth, this is no time for
@GovernorVA
to continue to threaten to pull out of RGGI which provides one of the few tools the state has to fight and fund our resiliency efforts.
Yesterday’s SCOTUS ruling is a big win for Virginia - we will now have fair districts, fair fights and each voter will have a fair voice in the democratic process!
#FairMaps
“Proud Boys-stand by and stand up!” We’re beyond dog whistle now. Will any active Virginia Republican call this crap out or will you continue to celebrate this behavior? I’ll wait.
More than 10,000 Virginians have been removed from the state's voter rolls over the last 8 months. Youngkin's admin admitted some were wrongfully removed. We need an independent investigation.
Watch my discussion with
@rolandsmartin
about the high stakes of this election:
Today, I had the honor of presiding over this historic VA General Assembly session where we passed (gov signed)a budget (96-4) that invested in the environment, education, healthcare, economic growth and public safety. Thank you to all house members for serving your communities.
I never thought I would live in a world where my 88-year-old mother will have more rights than my 14-year-old daughter. Extreme Republicans will take us backward on everything.
With
@rolandsmartin
at the
#RolandMartinUnfiltered
live show in Virginia Beach last night:
When the Governor has a fundraiser it’s treated as nothing to see here.
Likewise with other elected officials; unless of course, you happen to be Black.
When
@DonScott757
and I have an event, it’s called "Pay for Play" but we know exactly what word you wanted to say.