(RICHMOND, January 15, 2026) — Cia Price, a Democrat representing Newport News, was present as Virginia House Speaker don Scott, also a Democrat from Portsmouth, delivered remarks on the opening day of the 2026 Virginia General Assembly.
Virginia’s legislative session began wiht House Speaker Don Scott addressing lawmakers, including delegate Cia Price, signaling the start of the state’s lawmaking process for the year.
- The Virginia General Assembly convened for its 2026 session.
- House Speaker Don Scott addressed members of the House of Delegates.
- Delegate Cia Price was in attendance during Speaker Scott’s remarks.
The 2026 session of the Virginia General Assembly commenced with opening remarks from House Speaker Don Scott, as Delegate Cia Price listened, according to reports from the event. Scott outlined his legislative priorities for the year, focusing on education funding, affordable healthcare, and criminal justice reform. Price,a member of the House Appropriations Commitee,is expected to play a key role in budget negotiations related to these issues. The session’s opening day also included the swearing-in of newly elected delegates and the traditional presentation of the Governor’s priorities for the upcoming year.
Background and Context
The Virginia General Assembly is the state legislature of Virginia, consisting of the House of Delegates and the Senate. It is responsible for enacting laws for the Commonwealth of Virginia.Don Scott’s election as Speaker of the House in December 2023 marked a historic moment, as he became the first African American to hold the position in Virginia’s history. Cia Price represents the 96th district, which includes parts of Newport News, and has served in the House of Delegates as 2020, advocating for increased funding for public schools and workforce development programs.
The opening day of the General Assembly typically involves ceremonial proceedings, the swearing-in of new members, and the presentation of the Governor’s state of the Commonwealth address. the session will continue through a set period, currently scheduled to adjourn on March 13, during which lawmakers will debate and vote on a variety of bills covering a wide range of issues. This year, lawmakers are expected to consider proposals related to tax relief, environmental protection, and gun control.
Why It Matters
The start of the legislative session is a crucial moment for policy-making in Virginia. The priorities set by Speaker Scott and the debates that unfold during the session will shape the direction of the state on issues ranging from education and healthcare to the economy and criminal justice. Delegate Price’s presence and participation in the proceedings will be notable as she represents the interests of her constituents in Newport News. The session is expected to be closely watched by advocacy groups and stakeholders across the Commonwealth,as manny significant policy decisions are anticipated. the 2026 session is scheduled to conclude in March, at which point any bills not passed will need to be reintroduced in a future session.
