Virginia's Election Results: What They Mean for Your Workplace Safety Compliance

November 2025 • Source: Willcox Savage, The Virginia OSHA Advocate

Democrats sweep Virginia's statewide offices, expand House majority

The Virginia election results will change the political leadership that shapes the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) priorities, rulemaking, and enforcement strategies within the federal framework. Here’s what to expect moving forward:

Governor-Elect Spanberger's Stance on Workplace Safety and Health

On Tuesday night, Democrats achieved a clean sweep in statewide elections in Virginia. Abigail Spanberger won the governor's race, Ghazala Hashmi was elected as lieutenant governor, and Jay Jones will serve as the next attorney general.

Political Appointees and the Safety and Health Codes Board

The Governor of Virginia appoints the Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) and members of the Safety and Health Codes Board, which is responsible for adopting and revoking VOSH standards. A change in administration will likely lead to a shift in regulatory philosophy and priorities surrounding workplace safety.

Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger’s campaign primarily focused on broader economic issues and her opposition to certain workforce policies from the Trump Administration. As a result, specific details about her plans for VOSH regulations remain unclear. However, as she prepares to take office in January 2026, a shift in the state's approach to occupational safety and health is anticipated. Spanberger's commitment to worker protection and fostering a safe, stable environment suggests a potential move toward enhanced VOSH enforcement and regulations compared to her predecessor.

Regulatory Approach and Enforcement

The number of inspections and the aggressiveness of enforcement can fluctuate based on the administration’s priorities and funding allocation for VOSH inspector positions. While VOSH generally follows federal penalty methodologies, the emphasis on pursuing maximum penalties can vary. In the event of a contested VOSH citation, the Virginia Attorney General’s office plays a pivotal role, providing legal support and assistance in enforcement actions, which are handled in Virginia’s circuit courts rather than through an administrative law judge system.

Federal Oversight

As a state plan approved and monitored by federal OSHA, VOSH must maintain effectiveness comparable to the federal program. Federal OSHA retains the right to oversee the Virginia plan and can intervene in areas where VOSH is unable to exercise jurisdiction effectively.

Legislative Changes

In addition to winning the statewide offices in the election, Democrats expanded their majority in the Virginia House of Delegates, increasing it from 51-49 to a projected 64-36. The Democrats further control the Senate in Virginia with a 21-19 majority. The legislature has the authority to propose new laws related to workplace safety legislation. The Governor can sign them into law or veto them.

For example, Virginia Governor Youngkin recently vetoed a bill (HB 1919) that would have required employers with 100 or more employees to develop and implement workplace violence prevention policies by January 1, 2027. He argued existing VOSH programs were sufficient. The proposed policy would have required comprehensive procedures for incident reporting, risk assessment, employee training, and documentation for a minimum of 5 years, with non-compliance resulting in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. At the time, the General Assembly lacked the votes to override the Governor’s veto, killing the bill.

Key Takeaways

Employers need to stay informed about the changes in Virginia's political landscape. To proactively address potential regulatory and enforcement shifts, companies should regularly review their workplace safety and health policies and procedures. This includes improving training and compliance measures to prevent citations and penalties under the new administration.