We now know that the minimum wage in Virginia will increase to $15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2028, with Gov. Abigail Spanberger signaling on Monday that she will sign legislation that has passed both houses of the General Assembly.
“I look forward to signing this legislation into law to give Virginia workers a pay raise, and I’m grateful to the members of the General Assembly who have made stronger wages for working Virginians a priority,” Spanberger said in a statement released by her office.
It’s rather pathetic that the measure only passed by a 20-19 vote in the State Senate on Monday; remember next year when you’re voting here locally in the Chris Head vs. Whoever the Democrats Run Against Him race in the Third Senate District that he voted against the minimum-wage increase.
For that matter, I’ll make sure to remind our local readers that Ellen McLaughlin voted against the proposed increase in the House when she’s running for re-election in the 36th House District next year as well.
And then, there’s Tony Wilt, who won re-election in the 34th House District in 2025 by a scant 257 votes over Democratic challenger Andrew Payton.
I’ll do my part to ensure that Wilt comes to regret casting his lot on this the way he did.
Payton is gearing up for a rematch in the 2027 cycle; expect his campaign to remind folks that Wilt voted against their interests, early and often, next fall.
The one I’m most disappointed in: my Republican buddy Chris Runion.
Just when I go and say nice things about the guy …
ICYMI
Taking steps to make sure people at the bottom end of the wage scale can earn a living wage shouldn’t be a partisan issue, but it obviously is.
“Across our Commonwealth, I’ve heard from Virginia families who are stretching their paychecks more than ever but still coming up short at the end of each month. I’ve heard from Virginians who have had to choose between refilling their prescriptions, heating their homes, or keeping up with their rent or mortgage — all the while worrying about saving for their kids’ futures,” Spanberger said.
“Every Virginian who works full time deserves the financial stability to support their families, plan for the future, and continue building a life here in the Commonwealth. But Virginians’ wages have not kept up with rising costs,” Spanberger said.
Under the terms of the legislation that Spanberger is going to sign into law, the current $12.77-per-hour rate that went into effect on Jan. 1 will increase to $13.75 per hour on Jan. 1, 2027, and then to $15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2028.
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Chris Graham
