Virginia Democrats block GOP efforts to condemn political violence
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Virginia Democrats ignored calls to condemn political violence this week after calling the legislature back into special session to introduce a redistricting amendment aimed at reshaping state maps ahead of the 2026 general election.
R-Front Royal’s Del. Delores Oates has been scheduled to speak at the House hearing on Wednesday; She establishes a women’s group called “Mothers Say No to Violence against Children”.
But Oates’ introduction was short-lived as she began talking about how “our children are the future of Virginia, the heart of our families, and a gift from God.”
“When anyone, especially a public figure, wants to harm a child, to have his mother die in his arms to score a political point, these mothers refuse to remain silent.”
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After telling Oates to “die in their mother’s arms,” House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, banged his gavel and declared Oates “flawless.”
Scott, a staunch defender of Jones who told reporters after the gubernatorial debate that Republicans should pay more attention to President Donald Trump’s past comments about former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, appeared to accept Oates’ reference as another one of Jones’ messages about a former Republican leader.
Scott then said “sergeant-at-arms” as if he were threatening Oates with formal punishment for continuing to speak.
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On the other side of the Capitol, on the Senate side, Republicans unsuccessfully attempted to add an amendment to the original resolution outlining the special session that would recognize the problem of political violence in Virginia.
Sen. Mark Peake, R-Lynchburg, who is also the party chairman, has drafted legislation that would “condemn politicians who want the children and families of elected officials dead.”
That, in turn, was quickly rejected by Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell of Mount Vernon, who advised his colleagues to reject it.
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“I don’t think this is an issue that we need to address as part of this special session,” Surowell said. he said.
“This is something we can easily address later in regular session; it’s not something that’s urgent right now.”
The Senate GOP caucus responded angrily, writing of
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Shortly after Surovell’s formal recommendation, the Senate followed his advice and rejected the amendment, voting 21-17 along party lines.
Del from R-Short Pump. According to David Owen, the move would add such language to the state Constitution.
“That’s why elections matter,” Owen said. “Don’t sit on the sidelines. Make a plan to vote today.”
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Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell of Mount Vernon, left; Portsmouth House Speaker Don Scott Jr., right (Minh Connors for The Washington Post via Getty Images; Shannon Finney/Getty Images for SEIU)
Del., R-Petersburg, who was personally the subject of a death threat that led to the arrest of a Dinwiddie County man. Kim Taylor was outraged at the Democrats’ rejection.
“As someone who has personally experienced politically motivated threats, I am appalled,” he said.
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“Violence has no place in our politics and refusing to condemn it is indefensible.”
Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears called the situation “shameful” in a statement.
