Who We Are
The Virginia House Democrats are devoted to creating a better future for Virginia families by guiding efforts to elect Democratic leaders of character, integrity, ability, and vision.
Our official site, vahousedems.org, represents the authoritative Democratic voice in the House of Delegates. The Virginia House Dems are committed to recruiting and electing leaders who will fight for education, jobs, and equality for all Virginians.
What We Do
As the leading organization supporting Democrats for the Virginia House, we’re focused on recruiting candidates for critical seats and supporting them through the entire election cycle.
We offer full-cycle guidance for campaigns, including:
- Recruiting and training candidates.
- Training campaign staff.
- Connecting campaigns with consultants.
- Assisting with the funding of polls.
- Coordinating media needs like TV ads.
- Assisting with campaign fundraising.
- Helping candidates hone their strategies and find their voice.
The House Democratic Caucus assists elected Democratic delegates with research and public relations during the legislative session. We also raise money to recruit and fund candidates for the House and supervise their campaigns.
We owe our success to our Democratic leadership, the unity of our delegates, and supporters like you.
Don Scott
Speaker, House of Delegates
More About Don
Speaker Don Scott was unanimously elected by his colleagues to serve as the first Black Speaker in the history of the House of Delegates. He represents the people of the Portsmouth,
Speaker Scott has been a champion for reproductive freedom and uplifting working families by ensuring a strong, equitable economy. His legislative priorities also include strengthening Virginia’s public schools, improving healthcare quality and affordability, and criminal justice reform.
Speaker Scott has lived in Portsmouth for 17 years. He is a member of the Portsmouth Bar Association, the Old Dominion Bar Association, the Virginia State Bar Association, the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. He served as the Immediate Past President of the Southeastern Employment and Training Association, Chair of the Portsmouth Economic Development Authority, Chair of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, on the Board of the California Workforce Association, and as a member and Board Member of 200+ Men of Hampton Roads. He is a member of the Eureka Club and a lifetime member of the NAACP, VFW, Post #993 Craddock, and the American Legion.
Charniele Herring
Majority Leader
More About Charniele
Leader Charniele Herring represents the people of Virginia’s 4th House District. She previously represented the 46th District since 2009, during which time she’s fought to restore funding for homeless services, passed a bill to give small businesses competitive advantages, and worked to make the Commonwealth safer. Her environmental protection efforts were recognized by the Virginia League of Conservation Voters with the “Legislative Hero” award. The Virginia Education Association recognized her with the “Rookie of the Year” award in 2009 and with the “Solid as a Rock” award in 2013 and 2015. As chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia, she helped sweep statewide offices in 2013. She was elected chair of the House Democratic Caucus in 2015, and became House Majority Leader in 2024.
Leader Herring has lived in Northern Virginia for more than 30 years, mostly in Alexandria, where she’s been a member of the Rotary, chair of the West End Business Association, and chair of the Alexandria Commission for Women. She currently serves on the board of the Parent Teacher Leadership Institute of Alexandria and as a trustee of Hopkins House, where she advocates for pre-K education.
Staff
Virginia House Dems staff members are dedicated local leaders with experience working on campaigns, as part of local organizations, or in elected office.
Jenner Foster
Acting Executive Director
Jacob Dretzka
Acting Finance Director
Morgan Hopkins
Communications Director