As the Virginia General Assembly gears up for its annual judicial appointments, questions are swirling around Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell’s ability to remain impartial in the process. Surovell, a Democrat from Fairfax County, has a long history as a criminal defense attorney, where he spent years representing defendants in court. This background, conservatives argue, could cloud his judgment when it comes to selecting judges who must uphold law and order without bias.

Surovell founded his law firm in 2002 and has specialized in criminal and traffic defense, among other areas, arguing cases before the Virginia Supreme Court. His career has included defending individuals accused of various crimes, a role that places him squarely on the side of those facing prosecution. Now, as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee—a position he assumed in 2025—he holds significant sway over who gets nominated to the bench. In Virginia, the legislature elects judges, and with the Senate evenly divided, Surovell’s vote could tip the scales toward candidates who share a more lenient view of the justice system.

Republicans have long criticized what they see as Democratic overreach in stacking the courts with progressive judges, and Surovell’s dual role as a former defender and current gatekeeper raises red flags. “We need judges who prioritize victims and public safety, not those handpicked by someone with a track record of getting criminals lighter sentences,” said a GOP spokesperson. This isn’t just about politics; it’s about ensuring our judiciary remains fair and tough on crime, values that have been eroding under Democratic control.

As the 2026 session begins, calls for Surovell to recuse himself from certain nominations are growing louder, especially amid ongoing debates over criminal justice reform that he has championed, including expungement expansions and death penalty repeal. Virginians deserve a system where justice is blind, not influenced by personal legal histories.

To watch the original discussion highlighting these facts, visit: https://x.com/LoudounGOP/status/2008115852944478640