Virginia Democrats Push Massive Tax Hikes, Then Vote Themselves a 150% Raise

Critics accuse lawmakers of prioritizing themselves over taxpayers after campaigning on 'affordability'

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Democrats in Virginia are facing growing criticism after moving to more than double their own salaries, just months after campaigning on affordability and relief for working families. At the same time, lawmakers are advancing a wave of new taxes, which Republicans warn could push Virginia's tax burden to among the highest in the nation.

Why it matters

The proposed pay hike for Virginia lawmakers comes as they are also pushing for significant tax increases, which critics say contradicts the Democratic party's messaging on affordability during the campaign. This issue is seen as an early test of how voters respond to Democratic governance in the state.

The details

Democratic lawmakers have introduced a budget amendment that would raise legislative salaries by roughly 150%, effectively more than doubling current pay for members of both chambers of the General Assembly. The amendment to Virginia's state budget, SB30, was introduced by L. Louise Lucas in the Senate and Vivian Watts in the House of Delegates. At the same time, lawmakers are advancing a wave of new taxes, which Republicans warn could push Virginia's tax burden to among the highest in the nation.

  • The proposed pay hike and tax increases are currently working their way through the Virginia state budget process.

The players

Abigail Spanberger

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 7th congressional district.

L. Louise Lucas

A Democratic member of the Virginia State Senate who introduced the budget amendment to raise legislative salaries.

Vivian Watts

A Democratic member of the Virginia House of Delegates who introduced the budget amendment to raise legislative salaries.

Virginia Senate Republican Caucus

The group of Republican members of the Virginia State Senate who criticized the proposed pay hike as a "TOTAL CON JOB".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They ran on 'affordability,' but all they've done is introduce insane left-wing policies and take from your pocket to line their own.”

— Virginia Senate Republican Caucus

What’s next

The proposed pay hike and tax increases are still working their way through the Virginia state budget process, and will likely face continued scrutiny and debate.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the potential disconnect between the Democratic party's campaign messaging on affordability and the actions they are taking once in power, which critics argue prioritize politicians' own interests over those of Virginia taxpayers.