In a historic moment for the state of Virginia, Democrat Don Scott has been unanimously elected as the first Black speaker in the history of the Virginia House of Delegates. The Virginia General Assembly celebrated this landmark occasion on Wednesday as Del. Scott approached the podium to take the oath of office.

Expressing his gratitude, Del. Scott became emotional as he thanked his 88-year-old mother and his wife, who were present in the gallery. Recognizing the significance of this moment, he told the House, "The historic nature of this moment is not lost on me."

Del. Luke E. Torian, in his nomination speech, highlighted the symbolic importance of Scott's election. Referring to the contributions of African Americans in building the Capitol over 400 years ago, Torian emphasized that it was fitting and appropriate for Del. Scott, a person of color, to now lead the House of Delegates.

Del. Scott's journey to the Virginia House of Delegates has been unique and inspiring. A 58-year-old Navy veteran and lawyer from Portsmouth, he distinguished himself in the Democratic Caucus due to his unconventional path to the statehouse.

Scott's past includes a conviction on a drug-related charge in 1994, which resulted in his spending nearly eight years incarcerated in federal prison. However, after his release, he embarked on a successful career as a trial lawyer in Portsmouth, where his experiences drew attention to his commitment to criminal justice reform.

Motivated by his own experiences on both sides of the legal system, Del. Scott won his first race for the Virginia House in 2019, running on a platform of criminal justice reform. With a desire to bring about positive change, Scott introduced numerous bills to reform the state's parole, records expungement, and probation policies, although initially facing opposition within his own Democratic party.

The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the subsequent protests brought Scott's legislative agenda into the spotlight. He successfully revived some of his earlier bills on earned sentence credits and limited probation, which passed during the session.

Del. Scott's confrontational style and quick wit on the floor further elevated his standing within the Democratic caucus. His outspokenness was particularly prominent when he confronted Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin over the controversy surrounding teaching Critical Race Theory. This exchange further raised Scott's profile and resulted in his selection as house minority leader.

After winning control of the legislature in the 2022 election, Virginia Democrats chose Del. Don Scott as their nominee for speaker. Now, serving as the first Black speaker in the Virginia House of Delegates, Scott is responsible for leading the chamber and seeking to advance the party's agenda.

As he embarked on his new role, Del. Scott reflected on his journey from a child raised by a single mother in Texas to becoming the leader of America's first statehouse. He expressed gratitude to the Black legislators who paved the way before him and acknowledged the enslaved Virginians who built the state Capitol, recognizing their enduring legacy.

Del. Don Scott's historic election serves as a significant milestone in Virginia's political landscape, symbolizing progress and inclusivity. As he takes on the responsibilities of his new role, his journey serves as an inspiration to others, showcasing the power of overcoming challenges and making a positive impact in society.