RICHMOND, VA - As a new General Assembly gavels in today, Democratic Party of Virginia Chairwoman Susan Swecker issued the following statement on the beginning of a historic legislative session in which Democrats have full control of Virginia's government for the first time in decades:

"Today marks a new era in our Commonwealth. With a historically diverse set of leaders in both the Senate and the House of Delegates getting sworn in today, Virginia will have the most representative legislature in its 400-year history. Congratulations to Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn for becoming the first woman and first Jewish Speaker of the House of Delegates; to Senator Louise Lucas for becoming the first woman and first African American President Pro Tempore; and to Delegate Charniele Herring for becoming the first woman and first African American House Majority Leader. 

I'm incredibly excited to see what we as Democrats achieve this year. We have the power to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, pass common sense gun safety laws, raise the minimum wage, make it easier for Virginians to vote, and accomplish so much more. Virginians gave us a mandate in November to build a better Commonwealth for everyone, and I'm thrilled that Democrats have a chance to deliver on the promises we have been making for years. 

We have a unique opportunity to send a message to Virginians that when Democrats are in charge we can make progressive change in a responsible way and deliver real results for people across the Commonwealth. We have a short time to make big progress, but I'm confident that our party can get it done. Now let's get to work!"

##