Legislative Accomplishments of our State Representatives

It was a busy legislative session for our Henrico representatives in the General Assembly.

This year’s session brought tangible wins for Richmond, with State Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg (D SD16) and Delegate May Nivar (D HD57) helping advance key legislation on education, affordability, and fundamental rights. Read Senator VanValkenburg’s article for the New Deal titled In 2025 Democrats Ran on Affordability. In 2026 We Delivered.

VanValkenburg continued his leadership on public education and supporting the state budget, which included teacher pay raises and increased funding for support staff and student services. He also backed voting access legislation expanding early voting and improving voter registration processes, along with transparency measures to strengthen public access to government records and decision-making. Read more here.

Nivar, in her first term, made an immediate impact by supporting constitutional amendment efforts to protect reproductive rights in Virginia, as well as legislation to expand access to affordable healthcare and reduce prescription drug costs. She also backed housing measures aimed at increasing affordable housing supply and strengthening tenant protections for working families. More information is on her website.

Both supported public safety legislation, including funding for community violence prevention programs and expanded behavioral health services, as well as gun safety proposals such as safe storage requirements designed to reduce accidental injuries and deaths.

Together, VanValkenburg and Nivar helped deliver a session focused on investing in schools, lowering costs for families, and protecting Virginians’ rights—bringing meaningful results back to the Richmond community.