Virginia Democrats Vote to Triple Their Pay
They ran on affordability. Voters heard that. Now Richmond Democrats put a big raise for themselves into the budget.
Right now, Virginia state senators earn $18,000 and delegates earn $17,640. Those numbers date back to 1988. The proposal in the Senate’s budget would move senators to a $50,000 base salary. That’s a large jump.
Supporters argue the pay has to rise so more people can serve and still pay their bills. There’s some truth to that. Part-time legislatures can lock out folks who can’t afford low pay. But timing matters. This comes while Democrats are pushing new taxes and demanding sacrifices from everyday folks.
Republicans were blunt. They pointed out the gap between rhetoric and action. One GOP statement said: “teachers got a 3% raise, but Democrats give themselves 300%.”
Democratic leaders say the change will make the General Assembly more representative. Critics say it looks like lawmakers are rewarding themselves in the first weeks in office.
Conservative voices also flagged the broader tax plans driving the conversation. Law professor Jonathan Turley wrote: “Democratic legislators just voted themselves almost a 300% increase in salaries. https://t.co/7lI3DUxX5h They will need it. They are moving to increase taxes on ride shares, concerts, counseling, leaf blowers, Amazon deliveries, Door Dash, Uber Eats, ammunition, and other areas.”
Democratic legislators just voted themselves almost a 300% increase in salaries. https://t.co/7lI3DUxX5h They will need it. They are moving to increase taxes on ride shares, concerts, counseling, leaf blowers, Amazon deliveries, Door Dash, Uber Eats, ammunition, and other areas.
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) March 2, 2026
And the Virginia Senate GOP posted: “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”
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
The budget still needs reconciliation and final approval. It also must reach Governor Abigail Spanberger’s desk. If the pay changes survive, lawmakers would still get per diems, mileage, and other expense coverage on top of the new base.
Voters who prioritized affordability are watching closely. They wanted relief in their pockets. Instead, they’re seeing lawmakers vote to boost their own pay while debating new taxes on common services and goods. That contrast is fueling the anger and deserved scrutiny.