Virginia Democrats have dismissed claims of political violence while reconvening the Legislature in a special session to advance redistricting amendments ahead of the 2026 general election.
During Wednesday’s session, Democratic Rep. Delores Oates from Front Royal spoke up, introducing a women’s group named “Mothers Who Say No to Violence Against Children.” However, her speech was cut short by an emotional statement, “Our children are the future of Virginia, the heart of our families, and a gift from God.”
She continued with a powerful assertion against public figures who might wish harm upon children: “When someone, especially a public figure, wants a child to be harmed – to die in a mother’s arms in order to gain political support – mothers refuse to remain silent.” Her comments seemed to evoke strong reactions.
House Speaker Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) interrupted her, declaring that she had “broken down” after she mentioned a specific violent scenario. Scott has previously defended Jones, showing support after a heated gubernatorial debate where he suggested Republicans should acknowledge past comments made by Donald Trump regarding Liz Cheney.
Moving to the Senate side, Republicans attempted to introduce an amendment during the special session addressing political violence in Virginia, but it was swiftly rejected by the Democratic majority. Sen. Mark Peek (R-Lynchburg), party chair, had authored an editorial condemning those politicians who seemingly wish for harm against opponents’ families.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell of Mount Vernon recommended against addressing the proposal, deeming it non-urgent. His remark was met with frustration from Senate Republicans, criticizing the idea that it wasn’t pressing to condemn such divisive political rhetoric.
The Senate voted 21-17 along party lines to reject the amendment, following Surovell’s recommendation. This amendment aimed to add language to the state constitution regarding the issue of political violence. Rep. David Owen expressed the importance of elections, urging constituents not to be passive in their participation.
Rep. Kim Taylor (R-Petersburg), who had personally faced political threats recently leading to an arrest, voiced her outrage over the Democrats’ refusal to acknowledge violence in politics. “As someone who has personally experienced politically motivated threats, I am appalled,” she stated, asserting that “Violence has no place in our politics, and refusing to condemn violence is indefensible.”
Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears weighed in as well, describing the situation as “disgraceful” in a statement.
