Virginia Democrats Vote to Nearly Triple Their Own Pay

The move comes despite campaign promises to focus on affordability

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Virginia's new Democratic-controlled legislature has voted to nearly triple their own salaries, from $18,000 to $50,000 per year. This comes despite campaign promises from Governor Abigail Spanberger and other Democrats to focus on affordability for constituents. Republicans have criticized the move, saying teachers only received a 3% raise while lawmakers gave themselves a 300% increase.

Why it matters

The pay raise for Virginia legislators raises questions about the sincerity of Democratic campaign promises around affordability and fiscal responsibility. It also highlights the potential for self-interest and disconnect between lawmakers and the people they serve.

The details

The Virginia State Senate, with its Democratic majority, voted to increase their own salaries from $18,000 to $50,000 per year. This would be a nearly 178% increase, which some have characterized as a 300% raise. Proponents argue the current salary structure restricts who can afford to serve as a lawmaker, while critics say the timing and scale of the increase undermine the party's affordability messaging.

  • The Virginia legislature voted on the pay raise in late February 2026.
  • Governor Abigail Spanberger and other Virginia Democrats campaigned on affordability in the 2025 election.

The players

Abigail Spanberger

The newly elected Democratic governor of Virginia who campaigned on affordability.

Virginia State Senate

The Democratic-controlled state senate that voted to nearly triple their own salaries.

Virginia Senate Minority Caucus

The Republican members of the Virginia state senate who criticized the pay raise.

Jonathan Turley

A law professor who pointed out that the Democrats will need the salary increase to afford the new taxes they are proposing.

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What they’re saying

“Teachers got a 3% raise, but Democrats give themselves 300%.”

— Virginia Senate Minority Caucus (Twitter)

“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, Law Professor (Twitter)

What’s next

The pay raise provision must still pass through the Virginia House of Delegates and be signed by Governor Spanberger before taking effect.

The takeaway

The Virginia Democrats' move to dramatically increase their own salaries, despite campaigning on affordability, raises concerns about the party's priorities and commitment to serving the best interests of their constituents.