Skip to main content

Governor Spanberger pledges to sign legislation to raise minimum wage

Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger during an interview at the Capitol Tuesday Jan. 6, 2026, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) (Steve Helber, Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Governor Spanberger released the following statement on Monday after both the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates passed legislation that would incrementally increase the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by Jan. 1, 2028.

“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. 

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. 

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.” 

Gov. Abigail Spanberger

Recommended Videos



The legislation passed by the Senate and the House of Delegates would codify the adjusted state hourly minimum wage of $12.77 per hour that went into effect Jan. 1 of this year.

Officials said the legislation would increase minimum wage to $13.75 per hour by Jan. 1, 2027, and then to $15 by 2028.