Virginia Democrats Give Themselves Nearly 300% Pay Raise

Lawmakers increase their salaries while only providing teachers a 3% raise

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Democrat-controlled Virginia legislature has passed a state budget that includes a near-300% pay raise for lawmakers, increasing delegate salaries from $17,640 to $45,000 and senator salaries from $18,000 to $45,000. This comes as the budget only provides a 3% pay raise for teachers, sparking criticism over the contrast between the raises for politicians and educators.

Why it matters

The pay raises for Virginia lawmakers have drawn criticism due to the stark contrast with the smaller 3% raise for teachers. This highlights concerns about politicians prioritizing their own financial interests over supporting key public services like education, especially as many Virginians are facing affordability challenges.

The details

The Virginia Senate and House of Delegates, both controlled by Democrats, passed a state budget that includes significant pay increases for lawmakers. Delegates will now make $45,000 annually, up from $17,640, while senators will make $45,000, up from $18,000. Lawmakers will also receive additional benefits like per diem payments and office stipends. In contrast, the budget only provides a 3% pay raise for teachers.

  • The Virginia legislature passed the budget on Thursday, March 1, 2026.
  • The new lawmaker salaries will take effect immediately upon the budget being signed into law.

The players

Virginia Senate

The upper chamber of the Virginia General Assembly, currently controlled by Democrats.

Virginia House of Delegates

The lower chamber of the Virginia General Assembly, also currently controlled by Democrats.

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic governor of Virginia, who is expected to sign the budget bill into law.

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What’s next

The budget bill will now go to Governor Spanberger for her signature, which is expected given the Democratic control of the legislature.

The takeaway

The Virginia Democrats' decision to significantly increase their own salaries while only providing a modest 3% raise for teachers raises concerns about politicians prioritizing their own financial interests over supporting key public services. This contrast undercuts the party's messaging on affordability and could erode public trust in government.