Virginia Democrats Unite to Back Bobby Scott for Education Committee Chair

Seven Democratic representatives from Virginia announced on Friday that they are supporting Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., for the position of chair of the House Education and Labor committee in the upcoming Congress. The group, which includes incumbent members and newly elected colleagues, is urging the broader Democratic caucus to reappoint Scott to the leadership role.

The statement was signed by Reps. Don Beyer, Jennifer McClellan, Suhas Subramanyam, Eugene Vindman, and James Walkinshaw. They were joined by Representatives-elect Elaine Luria and Shannon Taylor. Together, these lawmakers are pushing for Scott to retain his position, a role he has held for more than a decade.

Scott is facing internal competition for the top slot. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., and Jahana Hayes, D-Conn., are also challenging for the chairmanship. The Virginia delegation believes Scott is the strongest candidate to lead the committee Democrats in the next term.

In their joint letter, the Virginia lawmakers argued that no other member is as well-positioned to hold the Trump Administration accountable. They specifically cited the administration's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and erode student civil rights as key areas where Scott’s leadership is needed.

“Nobody else is better positioned to hold the Trump Administration accountable for dismantling the Department of Education and eroding the civil rights of students,” the Virginia lawmakers wrote. They added that his leadership over the past two years helped expose the administration’s actions ahead of their midterm victories.

The delegation also highlighted Scott’s suitability for overseeing other agencies. They noted that he is well-suited to hold the secretaries of Labor and Health and Human Services accountable for their actions and policies.

Earlier this month, Scott sent a letter to various agency heads to clarify his oversight stance as he campaigns for the committee chair. In that correspondence, he demanded that agency leaders, including Education Secretary Linda McMahon, guarantee the preservation of official documents. He warned that officials and employees who violate the law are subject to criminal penalties.

Beyond his oversight record, the Virginia Democrats praised Scott’s deep understanding of the federal budget process and his knowledge of civil rights laws and the Constitution. They also pointed to his previous efforts to fund K-12 schools and increase financial support for historically Black colleges and universities.

“We strongly encourage House Democrats to re-appoint Bobby Scott as Chair of the House Committee on Education & Labor because of his dedication, his ability and proven record to hit the ground running to rein in the Trump Administration,” they wrote. The statement concluded by asserting that under Scott’s leadership, the committee will deliver for America’s students, workers, and families.

The push for Scott’s reappointment comes as the House Education and Labor committee prepares to structure its agenda for the new session. With multiple candidates vying for the role, the unified support from the Virginia delegation signals a significant bloc of influence within the Democratic caucus.