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Government | Politics | Lobbying 2025: DON SCOTT JR.
SPEAKER, VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES, PORTSMOUTH
Virginia Business //September 1, 2025//
Government | Politics | Lobbying 2025: DON SCOTT JR.
SPEAKER, VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES, PORTSMOUTH
Virginia Business //September 1, 2025//
After bumping longtime Del. Eileen Filler-Corn from the top House role in a 2022 shakeup, Scott became Virginia’s first Black speaker in 2024 when Democrats retook the chamber. It wasn’t the only unexpected turn in his history: In 1994, as he was finishing up his law degree, Scott was arrested on federal drug charges. He would serve more than seven years in prison. In January, he received a pardon from outgoing President Joe Biden.
While Scott, now a well-regarded defense attorney, has faced sporadic attacks from Republicans over his criminal record, he is forthright about his past and has made criminal justice reform a priority.
First elected to the General Assembly in 2019, he quickly got attention for his progressive politics and sharp tongue. As speaker, he has negotiated a working relationship with Gov. Glenn Youngkin, although Scott criticized the governor for not standing up to President Donald Trump over federal job cuts.
A former executive at KRA, Scott is a partner at the law firm of Breit Biniazan. He is seeking his fourth term in the House of Delegates.
