Virginia House of Delegates

Virginia House of Delegates
Name	Virginia House of Delegates
Legislature	Virginia General Assembly
House type	Lower house
Body	Virginia General Assembly
Term limits	None
New session	January 12, 2022
Leader1 type	Speaker
Leader1	Todd Gilbert
Party1	(R)
Election1	January 12, 2022
Leader2 type	Majority Leader
Leader2	Terry Kilgore
Party2	(R)
Election2	January 12, 2022
Leader3 type	Minority Leader
Leader3	Don Scott
Party3	(D)
Election3	January 12, 2022
Members	100
Political groups1	Majority (52), Republican (52), Minority (46), Democratic (46), Vacant (2), Vacant (2)
Term length	2 years
Authority	Article IV, Constitution of Virginia
Salary	$17,640/year + per diem
Voting system	First-past-the-post voting
Last election1	November 2, 2021
Next election1	November 7, 2023
Meeting place	House Chamber, Virginia State Capitol, Richmond, Virginia
Website	http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/house.php

Virginia House of Delegates. The Virginia House of Delegates is the lower chamber of the Virginia General Assembly, the state legislature of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is one of the oldest continuous law-making bodies in the Western Hemisphere, tracing its origins to the first meeting of the House of Burgesses at Jamestown in 1619. Composed of 100 members elected from single-member districts, the body shares legislative power with the upper house, the Senate of Virginia.

History

The institution's lineage begins with the establishment of the House of Burgesses by the Virginia Company of London in 1619, making it the first elected legislative assembly in the New World. This body evolved through the colonial period and continued after American independence, being renamed the House of Delegates under the Virginia Constitution of 1776. Notable historical figures who served include future U.S. Presidents such as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. The chamber was the site of pivotal debates, including those on the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and the state's secession prior to the American Civil War. Throughout the 20th century, it was dominated by the Democratic Party under the influence of the Byrd Organization, led by Harry F. Byrd.

Membership and elections

Members of the House of Delegates are elected to two-year terms with no term limits. Elections are held in odd-numbered years, a practice that separates them from federal elections for President and Congress. Candidates must be at least 21 years old, a resident of their district for one year, and a qualified voter in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The 2021 election saw the Republican Party regain a narrow majority, following two years of Democratic control after the 2019 elections. Vacancies are filled by special election.

Powers and duties

The chamber possesses the sole power to initiate legislation for raising revenue, as stipulated in the Constitution of Virginia. It shares general legislative authority with the Senate of Virginia, including passing the state's biennial budget, enacting laws, and confirming gubernatorial appointments. The House also holds the power of impeachment, with trials conducted by the Senate of Virginia and the Chief Justice presiding. All bills, except revenue bills, are subject to amendment or veto by the Governor of Virginia.

Leadership and organization

The presiding officer is the Speaker, elected by the full membership; the current Speaker is Todd Gilbert. Other key leaders include the Majority Leader (Terry Kilgore) and the Minority Leader (Don Scott). The Speaker appoints members to standing committees, such as the powerful Appropriations, Finance, and Courts of Justice committees, which review most legislation. The Clerk and the Sergeant at Arms are non-member officers who manage chamber operations and security.

Current session and composition

Following the 2021 elections, the 100-member chamber is composed of 52 Republicans, 46 Democrats, and two vacancies. This majority allows the Republican Party to control the floor agenda, committee chairmanships, and the legislative calendar. The current session operates alongside a Republican-led Senate of Virginia and a Democratic governor, Glenn Youngkin, creating a divided government dynamic in Richmond.

Districts and redistricting

Delegates are elected from 100 single-member districts established by the Virginia General Assembly following each decennial census. For most of the state's history, the legislature controlled the redistricting process, often leading to accusations of gerrymandering. However, a 2020 referendum approved a bipartisan redistricting commission to draw new maps, which were implemented for the 2021 elections. These districts must comply with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and constitutional requirements for population equality as interpreted by the Supreme Court of the United States.

Category:Virginia House of Delegates Category:Lower houses of state legislatures of the United States