Thank You 36th District Voters!

The final results are in and thanks to all of your hard work, financial support, and most of all, your votes, I will be sworn in as the next Senator for the 36th District in January.

 

The results were decisive across the board:

• We prevailed in 16 of 17 precincts in Fairfax County and won Fairfax County 68% to 31%
• We prevailed in 20 of 26 precincts in Prince William County and won Prince William County 57% to 43%
• We split Stafford County precincts 2 v. 2 and only lost the County by 131 votes
• We won the district by 60%, but the absentee by 68% and showed the state the difference that a real absentee voting program can have in a race.

Although we did not regain control of the Senate of Virginia last night, we had many results in the 36th District to be happy about.  When I run a campaign, it is very important to me to help all of the candidates that I run with - up and down the ticket.  We are all stronger when we work together.

 

Endorsement of Senator Puller in 36th District

I am proud to announce that State Senator Toddy Puller has endorsed my campaign for State Senate.

Senator Puller has served the 44th and 36th Districts with distinction for 24 years.  Her passion for veterans, improving U.S. 1, education, and the legacy of George Washington will leave big shoes to fill, and I am honored to have her support.

Below is an email she sent out this afternoon on my behalf:

For 24 years I have served in the state legislature, and for the past 15 years serving the people of the 36th senatorial district. But now it is time for the next generation.

I am pleased to endorse Delegate Scott Surovell for Senate, because I know he is not only a capable leader and passionate advocate, but he is always upbeat and looking to the future.

He was one of the best chairmen the Fairfax County Democratic Committee has ever had. He created new programs and fundraising events to promote Democrats. He showed he was a capable leader willing to work with others to accomplish large goals. 

Scott grew up in Mount Vernon and graduated from West Potomac High School, but has never used that familiarity as entitlement. He takes nothing for granted and is a tireless canvasser, knocking on the doors of every one of his constituents along Rt. 1. 

Weekly Column: The First Ten Days: Sunshine, Pregnancy Discrimination and Firearms Safety

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette and The Mt. Vernon Voice in the week of January 26, 2015.

The First Ten Days: Sunshine, Pregnancy Discrimination and Firearms Safety

The first ten days of the General Assembly session are usually slow, but were full of surprises this year. 

First, while on my way to Governor Terry McAuliffe’s State of the Commonwealth Address, I learned that Senator Toddy Puller had announced her retirement. After digesting the shock and speaking to Toddy, I walked into the House of Delegates chamber to hear the governor’s address.  

Most of the first week was focused on organizing committees, passing non-controversial bills developed over the summer and putting the finishing touches on our own bills. 

I introduced several bills that I did not cover in my prior columns. First, I introduced legislation prohibiting a Virginia employer with more than 15 employees from either discriminating against or firing a woman because she is pregnant. This issue, as it is addressed in federal law, is currently pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. However, Maryland adopted similar legislation last year and nothing prohibits Virginia from strengthening its own laws.

Announcing Scott Surovell for State Senate!

In June of 2009, I announced my run for the Virginia House of Delegates and declared my intention to fight for the people of Southeastern Fairfax County's where I have lived my entire life.

Since that time, we have achieved much together:

• I have brought back over $300 million in new funding for Fairfax, Prince William and Stafford County's public schools since 2009.
• Worked with Senator Toddy Puller to secure $2 million for the U.S. 1 Multimodal Transit Alternatives Analysis which recommended extending the Yellow Line to Hybla Valley and bus rapid transit to Woodbridge
• Fought the expansion of predatory lending on U.S. 1
• Repealed Virginia's wrong-headed $100 tax on hybrid vehicles with Senator Adam Ebbin
• Expanded mental health services at Virginia's community colleges.
• Led the fight to make texting while driving a primary offense
• Passed legislation to allow parents to protect children from identity theft.