Virginia Governor Pledges to Sign Minimum Wage Hike

Legislation would raise state's minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2028.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger announced she will sign legislation passed by the state's Senate and House of Delegates that would incrementally increase the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour by January 1, 2028. The governor cited the need to provide financial stability for working families struggling with rising costs.

Why it matters

This legislation represents a major policy shift in Virginia, where the minimum wage has remained at the federal level of $7.25 per hour since 2009. The gradual increase to $15 per hour is expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of low-wage workers across the state and provide more financial security for working families.

The details

The legislation, SB1 and HB1, would codify the current state minimum wage of $12.77 per hour that went into effect on January 1, 2026. It would then increase the minimum wage to $13.75 per hour on January 1, 2027 and subsequently to $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2028.

  • The current state minimum wage of $12.77 per hour went into effect on January 1, 2026.
  • The minimum wage will increase to $13.75 per hour on January 1, 2027.
  • The minimum wage will increase to $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2028.

The players

Governor Abigail Spanberger

The governor of Virginia who pledged to sign the minimum wage increase legislation.

Virginia Senate

The state legislative body that passed the minimum wage increase bill, SB1.

Virginia House of Delegates

The state legislative body that passed the minimum wage increase bill, HB1.

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What they’re saying

“Across our Commonwealth, I've heard from Virginia families who are stretching their paychecks more than ever but still coming up short at the end of each month. I've heard from Virginians who have had to choose between refilling their prescriptions, heating their homes, or keeping up with their rent or mortgage — all the while worrying about saving for their kids' futures.”

— Governor Abigail Spanberger (pcpatriot.com)

“Every Virginian who works full time deserves the financial stability to support their families, plan for the future, and continue building a life here in the Commonwealth. But Virginians' wages have not kept up with rising costs.”

— Governor Abigail Spanberger (pcpatriot.com)

What’s next

The governor is expected to sign the minimum wage increase legislation into law in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a significant victory for low-wage workers in Virginia, who will see their pay gradually increase to a $15 per hour minimum wage by 2028. The move is aimed at providing more financial security for working families struggling with rising costs of living.