January 17, 2024
Virginia Del. Don Scott Jr., a Democrat from Portsmouth, has made historical past by changing into the state’s first Black speaker of the Home of Delegates.
In line with CBS Information, Virginia Del. Don Scott Jr., a Democrat from Portsmouth, has made historical past by changing into the state’s first Black speaker of the Home of Delegates on Jan. 9. The historic swearing-in ceremony occurred in Richmond, a metropolis steeped in custom and historic significance.
Scott, who was unanimously chosen by his celebration for the speakership in November, expressed gratitude for the belief his colleagues have positioned in him. He took to X on Wednesday after the swearing-in, stating, “With the 2024 session now underway, I’m grateful for the belief that my colleagues have positioned in me. Let’s meet this historic second, and set our sights on transferring Virginia ahead.”
Scott’s journey to the speakership is something however conventional. After serving as a Navy officer and through his third yr of legislation college, he spent almost eight years in federal jail following a responsible plea in a drug conspiracy case. Reflecting on his previous, Scott admitted, “I made the dreadful mistake of going to select up some cash, some drug cash,” emphasizing that he had by no means been in hassle earlier than.
Publish-prison, Scott efficiently accomplished his legislation diploma, established a legislation observe, and finally entered Virginia’s legislature. His political trajectory noticed a fast ascent, serving as minority chief since 2022 earlier than gaining celebration backing for the chamber’s high put up.
Acknowledging his unconventional journey, Scott remarked, “Broken items generally can turn into okay. We’re much more attention-grabbing than the folks that adopted all the principles and did all the things excellent.”
As the primary Black speaker within the state’s 400-year historical past, Scott faces vital challenges. A vocal critic of Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, he should navigate a slim majority within the Home amid divided authorities. In a shocking flip of occasions in November, Democrats flipped the Home of Delegates, retaining management of the Senate, opposite to GOP expectations of securing a Republican trifecta.
Reflecting on the historic significance of his place, Scott acknowledged, “We’re only some miles from the place the primary slaves got here into this nation in 1619. Now 405 years later, you’ve got your first Black speaker. So I’m very cognizant of the shoulders that I stand on. I take it very critically. And I’m humbled and I’m, I’m grateful for the chance.”
With a listing of priorities, together with divisive points like abortion and gun management, Scott is poised to handle essential issues going through the Previous Dominion State. The historic swearing-in ceremony occurred in Richmond, a metropolis that not too long ago eliminated its final city-owned Accomplice statue.