About

ABOUT THE SENATOR

Dick
Saslaw

Dick Saslaw proudly serves Virginia’s 35th Senate District and as Majority Leader in the Senate of Virginia. His distinguished public service has brought about real, positive results for families in Northern Virginia and across the Commonwealth. Throughout his tenure in the General Assembly, Senator Saslaw has championed investments in public K-12 and higher education and fought to strengthen the social safety net. He has worked tirelessly to maintain Virginia’s business-friendly climate and find solutions to Northern Virginia’s transportation problems. In Richmond, he has distinguished himself for his ability to work across the aisle to get results.

Senator Saslaw helped lead the charge to expand Medicaid for hundreds of thousands of Virginians without access to healthcare. Virginia no longer leaves billions of federal dollars unclaimed. Instead, these monies now benefit more than 400,000 of our Commonwealth neighbors in need of affordable healthcare and provide hope for the otherwise desperate. In 2018, the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association honored Senator Saslaw as a “Healthcare Hero” for his multi-year dedication to expanding Medicaid in the Commonwealth. He continues the fight to ensure that all Virginians have access to quality, affordable healthcare coverage.

Majority Leader Saslaw plays a key role in working with Governor Ralph Northam to grow the New Virginia Economy. Competing in a 21st-century global economy, Virginia must focus on building a talented workforce pipeline that can attract and retain businesses and investment. Senator Saslaw has advocated for innovative new programs like the Workforce Credentials Grant, which provides funding for workers looking for education and training in high-demand industries like cybersecurity. Virginia boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation and ranks 1st on CNBC’s list of “America’s Top States for Business.”

Awards

In the General Assembly, Senator Saslaw serves on the Senate Committees on Finance, Commerce & Labor, Courts of Justice, Education & Health, and Rules. Dick has been honored by groups far and wide for his efforts to make Virginia a great place to live, work, and raise a family. These awards include:

Virginia Education Association “Legislator of the Year”
The Hispanic Alliance “Leader of the Year” League of Conservation Voters “Legislative Hero”
Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce “NOVAForward Legacy Award”
Virginia Chamber of Commerce “Leadership in Energy Award” & “Free Enterprise Award” (Transportation Category)
Virginia Transit Association “Distinguished Legislative Leadership Award”
Virginia Professional Fire Fighters “Legislator of the Year”
Virginia FREE “Virginia’s Most Effective Senator”
VA Autism Project & Autism Speaks “Autism Champion”

Personal

Dick grew up in Washington, D.C. He served in the U.S. Army for two years prior to earning a B.S. in economics from the University of Maryland. In college, he was a member of the track team, and is still an active runner. He is a successful local businessman in the gasoline and auto service industry. Dick and his wife, Eleanor, are proud grandparents and have lived in Northern Virginia since 1968. Eleanor currently serves on the State Board of Virginia’s Community Colleges and is a previous chair of the board. She also previously served as president of the State Board of Education. Dick and Eleanor’s adult daughter, Jennifer, is a graduate of the 35th District’s own Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, the University of Virginia, and the Stanford School of Law. She is also a former Peace Corps volunteer.

CONTACT US

Phone: (703) 978-0200
Email: District35@senate.virginia.gov
Address: P.O. Box 1856
Springfield, VA 22151