January 19, 2026 - Joint Assembly

Monday, January 19, 2026·1h 44m·▶ Watch / Listen

Governor Abigail Davis Spanberger delivered the State of the Commonwealth Address to a joint assembly, presenting her 'Affordable Virginia Agenda' — a legislative package covering health care, housing, and energy — and calling on the General Assembly to pass the proposals as soon as possible. The session was largely procedural, with all motions agreed to by voice vote.

Key Actions

·Joint Assembly Organization ResolutionNo Vote

+ 5 more actions

Controversies

Affordability as a policy concern

Governor Spanberger stated that 'there are some who have even called affordability a hoax or a con job' and responded: 'this is not a hoax. This is real life.' The critics were not named.

+ 3 more controversies

Notable Quotes

“Virginians did not elect me to pursue a particular ideological agenda. Nor did they elect me to settle scores or add noise to our politics. They did not elect me to grandstand. My mandate is simple. To get things done for Virginia's families, Virginia schools, Virginia businesses, and our community. Period.”
Governor Abigail Davis Spanberger — Governor Spanberger opened her State of the Commonwealth Address by describing her governing philosophy and the mandate she believes voters gave her.

+ 4 more quotes

Votes

Adoption of resolution to appoint a committee of 10 (six delegates, four senators) to notify the Governor the joint assembly is duly organizedNo Vote

Motion by Senator identified as 'Senator Morki' [UNCLEAR SPELLING] from Mecklenburg — content unclearNo Vote

Motion by Senator Michael J. Jones (Richmond City) — content unclearNo Vote

Delegate Charniele L. Herring moves that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to reconvene tomorrow at 12 noonNo Vote

Delegate Charniele L. Herring moves that the House do now adjournNo Vote

Unlock the full summary

Subscribe to see all key actions, controversies, quotes, and what's next.

TranscriptPreview

I also come to order. House will be ads. House will come to order. Sergeant at Arms. Mr. Speaker. The Senate of Virginia. The members of the house will rise and receive the Senate of Virginia. The joint assembly will come to order. The clerk of the Senate will call the roll of the Senate. Senator aird. Senator bagby. Senator boisko. Senator carol foy. Senator cyphers. Senator craig. Senator deeds. Senator de steff. Senator diggs. Senator durant. Senator eben. Senator favola. Here. Senator french. Here. Senator hackworth. Here. Senator head. Here. Senator jones. Senator jordan. Here. Senator locke. Senator lucas. Here. Senator marsden. Here. Senator mcdougal. Here. Senator mcpike. Here. Senator mulcai. Senator obenshaine. Senator peake. Here. Senator bukarski. Senator perry. Senator pillian. Senator reeves. Senator rohn. Senator rouse. Senator saleem. Senator sindevassen. Senator stanley. Senator stewart. Senator sturtevant. Senator suderline. Senator saravel. Senator van valkenberg. Senator williams. Graves. You have a quorum. Madam president. Mr. President. Whatever. Sergeant of norms, get her out here. No, I'm joking. The members of the house will indicate their presence on the electronic voting board. It. Clerk will close the roll. Mr. President. Quorum is present. Clerk will report a resolution. Resolution. Joint…

Subscribe to unlock the full transcript, summary, and search across all Virginia committee hearings.