Media

For press inquires please contact: jwilliams@senate.virginia.gov

"Virginia Attorney General touted work fighting discrimination, but voted against LGBTQ workplace protections" - Radio IQ/WTKR - 10/29/25

But Democratic state Senator Russet Perry said complaints were rolling in about Miyares' office failing to meet the 180-day deadline for complaint responses, and the legislature had to step in. "Under his leadership, Virginians who experienced discrimination were routinely denied timely 'right to sue' letters — delays so egregious that many victims lost their ability to seek justice in court altogether," Perry told Radio IQ. Her fix to the 2020 law went on to receive nearly unanimous support in both chambers.

"Round Hill celebrates 125 years" - Loudoun Now - 10/20/25

The Town of Round Hill celebrated its 125th anniversary on Saturday with the unveiling of a documentary highlighting its history and a display of artifacts in the elementary school gym. The program...included presentations from Sen. Russet Perry (D-31) and Purcellville Town Council member Erin Rayner. 

"Virginia could show how to manage data center growth. So far, it's a case study in stalling legislation" - Inside Climate News - 9/30/25

 “You can’t have your cake and eat it too,” said Sen. Russet Perry, a Democrat whose district encompasses parts of Loudoun and Fauquier counties. “You can’t continue to not regulate and to sign off on these massive data centers, each one of which often requires more power than your average city, and simultaneously say, ‘OK, we’re going to get to 100 percent clean energy on this deadline.’” 

"Dominion proposes increased rates citing higher costs" - Loudoun Now - 8/22/25

"Sen. Russet Perry (D-31) this year introduced legislation that would have mandated the SCC examine cost allocation among different classes, however that, and several other data center measures, failed to garner majority support. “My bill SB960 ensured that the drivers of new infrastructure -- data centers -- would be paying for that new infrastructure, and that the costs of neither the transmission or generation projects would fall on the backs of residential ratepayers. Families and small businesses should not be paying the way for some of the richest companies in the world,” she stated."

"Va. launches grant program to incentivize police purchases of American-made drones" - PoliceOne - 6/26/25

"The grant program was championed by State Sen. Russet Perry and Del. Paul Krizek, following the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act and a June 6 executive order by President Trump directing a shift to secure drone platforms." 

"Lawmakers preserve public safety while reducing long prison sentences" - Arnold Ventures - 6/25/25

"The bipartisan bill, SB 888, even received support from prosecutors via endorsement from the Virginia Association of Prosecuting Attorneys. In the General Assembly, it was sponsored by Del. Debra Gardner in the House and Sen. Russet Perry in the Senate. Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin ultimately signed SB 888 into law." 

"Commonwealth's Attorney's Office Honors Victim Services" - Loudoun Now- 4/11/25

"Sen. Russet Perry (D-31) who previously worked for the Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, said she knows the importance of the impact service providers have and pledged to continue working at the state level to enact law changes that help support them." 

 "Justice delayed: More Loudoun Circuit Court judges sought to expedite cases" - Loudoun Times Mirror - 4/10/25

 “State Sen. Russet W. Perry, D-Loudoun/Fauquier, said there needs to be a statewide, standardized system for counting cases to ensure caseload statistics are accurate.

For example, Perry noted one jurisdiction may classify a civil case involving a claim and counter claim as one case, while another classifies it as two cases. Or a criminal case involving multiple charges could be classified as one case or multiple cases depending on the jurisdiction.

 "Gov. Youngkin rejects bipartisan data center reform measure" - Fauquier Now - 4/4/25

 “Those findings prompted lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to pursue stricter oversight. Del. Michael Webert, R-Fauquier, and Sen. Russet Perry, D-Loudoun, introduced legislation that would have required the State Corporation Commission, which regulates electric utilities in Virginia, to examine whether data centers were being subsidized by other utility customers.” 

 "Youngkin acts on bills sponsored by Loudoun lawmakers" - Loudoun Times Mirror - 4/1/25

"While acknowledging Loudoun’s approximately 230 data centers generate enormous tax revenue — $666 million in property tax revenue and $229 million in business personal property tax revenue for the county in Fiscal Year 2025 — Perry said there is no system to regulate them. “I just worry about this industry that has taken such a deep foothold here in Loudoun and I worry about all the impacts of that for our communities,” she said. “I don’t think we did near enough this session and we should try to just own that. I’m hopeful there will be more of an appetite next year.”"

 "New roads lead to healing and justice for sexual assault survivors" - RAINN - 3/26/25

 “The final law tackles the geographic reality that many Virginians live far from trained medical professionals or face long ER wait times when they should be receiving care. H.B. 2088/S.B. 1041 expands access to forensic medical care for survivors. H.B. 2088/ S.B. 1041, led by Delegate Irene Shin and Senator Russet W. Perry, establishes the new Virginia Forensic Nursing Advisory Council. This council will strengthen access to trauma-informed forensic medical care, increase the number of trained forensic examiners, and expand access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners through telemedicine.” 

"Eight Loudoun bills signed by Governor in first release of legislation" - Loudoun Now - 3/20/25

 “Three of those were introduced by Sen. Russet Perry (D-31) and cover behavioral health, agriculture commodity boards and court-appointed counsel.” 

"Loudoun legislators recap local impact of General Assembly session" - Loudoun Times Mirror - 3/9/25

 “In a written statement, Perry said she has 17 bills headed to Youngkin’s desk, including 15 that passed as standalone bills. They include a bill allowing domestic violence, human trafficking, or stalking victims to terminate leases early if a preliminary protective order is granted or criminal charges are filed, and a bill eliminating costs for breast cancer screenings.” 

"A bipartisan group of General Assembly members introduced about 20 bills to deal with data centers. Only 4 survived." - Cardinal News - 3/7/25

 “They were meant to address issues including energy and water consumption, land use and location, all topics previously unchecked in commonwealth law. Sen. Russet Perry, D-Loudoun County, said in a news conference introducing the legislation that it represented a framework that would ensure economic growth while safeguarding natural resources and ensuring fairness statewide.” 

"Data Centers imperil the grid and climate action" - Clean Technica - 2/24/25

 “In January, Virginia lawmakers unveiled a package of legislation to put some guardrails on the data center industry.  “If we fail to act, the unchecked growth of the data center industry will leave Virginia’s families, will leave their businesses, footing the bill for infrastructure costs, enduring environmental degradation, and facing escalating energy rates,” state Senator Russet Perry, a Democrat representing Loudoun County which sits in the heart of Virginia’s ​“Data Center Alley,” told reporters at the state capitol in Richmond last month. ​“The status quo is not sustainable.”” . 

"Second-year lawmakers learning the ways of the General Assembly " - Richmond Times Dispatch - 2/21/25

 “State Sen. Russet Perry, D-Loudoun, clashed with Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, who also serves as chair of the Courts of Justice Committee, and state Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, over Deeds’ proposed amendment to a bill about parental rights. Perry convinced the Senate to reject the change, arguing that it undercut her concern that a rapist get no parental rights if the victim has a child. 

"Meet the Senator from Data Center Alley who stood up for rural Virginia" - Cardinal News - 2/20/25

“Why did Perry vote no and Aird intend to vote no? I never heard from Aird, but here’s what Perry told me in a phone interview: She represents a lot of rural residents, and she worries that they’d get paved over with solar projects they may not want.”

 "Bipartisan effort looks to expand breast cancer treatment access" - Radio IQ - 02/15/25

“In Virginia's legislative chambers, they call it finding “peace in the valley” when elected officials can agree on something. Democratic Senator Russet Perry and Republican Senator Tara Durant found such peace on a measure they say will reduce cost barriers for breast cancer testing.” 

 "Va. lawmakers cross partisan divide to address data center growth" - Washington Post - 01/16/25

“‘We aren’t here today to talk about reform because there are no laws to reform. The data center industry has grown largely unchecked,’ Sen. Russet W. Perry (D-Loudoun) said this week as she introduced a suite of bills with bipartisan backing and the support of a host of environmental groups.” 

 "Perry leads data center legislation for 2025 General Assembly Session" - Loudoun Now - 01/14/25

“During a Tuesday morning press conference, led by Sen. Russet Perry (D-31), she, Sen. Kannan Srinivasan (D-32) and legislators from across the state gathered to announce specific legislation planned to tackle what they’re calling “four pillars of key reforms” for the industry. Those are protecting families and businesses, enhancing transparency, responsibly managing resources and incentivizing efficiency.” 

 "Community Leaders, Legislators Look to Next Steps after JLARC Data Center Report" - Loudoun Now - 12/11/24

However, Sen. Russet Perry (D-31) said she was disappointed that the report did not more fully address several of her concerns including the cost distribution issue. She called the report a “critical step” but said there is still more to be learned and done. “As we set out in this legislative session, I’m cognizant of the ever burgeoning costs charged to rate payers to subsidize the data center industry while data centers receive large tax breaks and I look forward, along with my colleagues, to introducing legislation to start tackling the issues raised and not raised in this report.”

 "Former Republican lawmakers join Democratic candidates in Loudoun for final voter push" - Loudoun Now - 11/06/24

Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock and former Del. David Ramadan, both Republicans, joined with Sen. Suhas Subramanyam (D-32), Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Sen. Russet Perry (D-31) in Sterling on Saturday for a final push to elect Democratic candidates in Tuesday’s election.

 "Board eyes Old Wheatland Road for paving, grapples with sustaining County rural roads" - Loudoun Now - 10/10/24

 “Efforts by Del. David Reid (D-28), Sen. Russet Perry (D-31) and Del. Geary Higgins (R-30) resulted in changes to state law that expand the type of improvements allowed to be made using state funding beyond just paving.” 

 "Closed criminal investigative files exempt from Virginia's open record laws" - The Center Square - 9/25/24

“Before Perry’s bill was passed, agencies could deny victims, victims’ families, attorneys, or other relevant parties access to criminal case records if they didn’t live in Virginia. Now, residency no longer plays a role in that decision.” 

 "Expanded lease breaking power floated for victims of sexual assault in Virginia" - Loudoun Now - 09/04/24

“When victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking want to get out of their rented house, the process can be exhausting and take years. An effort to quicken that process in Virginia was debated at the capitol Wednesday. Loudoun County Senator and former sex crimes prosecutor Russet Perry said victims need more options when they share a lease with their abuser.”

 "Loudoun legislators rank 100% in Conservation Scorecard" - Loudoun Now - 07/26/24

“Sen. Russet Perry (D-31) and delegates Marty Martinez (D-29), Atoosa Reaser (D-27) and Kannan Srinivasan (D-26) gathered at Rebellion Bourbon Bar and Kitchen with league leaders to celebrate the scores and conservation legislation passed earlier this year.”

 "Loudoun delegation updates school board on 2024 Assembly session" - Loudoun Now - 04/29/24

 “Sen. Russet Perry (D-31) discussed the differences between the General Assembly’s budget, which she called “pro-education,” and the governor’s proposed budget. Perry said assembly’s adopted budget included an additional $1.2 billion for public schools—including $57 million more for Loudoun schools.” 

 "Youngkin signs rural roads bills" - Loudoun Now - 03/29/24

 “The bills were introduced by Sen. Russet Perry (D-31) and Del. David Reid (D-28) and resulted from collaboration with the Virginia Department of Transportation, county transportation staff members and Loudoun preservation leaders.” 

 "Youngkin split on Loudoun delegation's gun bills" - Loudoun Now - 03/28/24

 “Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Tuesday acted on 40 proposed gun laws sent over by the General Assembly, including two introduced by Sen. Russet Perry (D-31) and four patroned by Sen. Suhas Subramanyam (D-32). Of those six, the governor vetoed four, signed one and sent another back with a recommended amendment.” 

 "Youngkin vetoes assault weapons ban but signs two gun-control bills" - Washington Post - 03/27/24

 “Youngkin also signed identical House and Senate bills prohibiting the manufacture, sale or possession of an auto sear, a device used to convert a semiautomatic firearm into an automatic weapon. The measures — carried by Sen. Russet W. Perry (D-Loudoun) and Del. Michael J. Jones (D-Richmond) — passed both chambers by wide, bipartisan margins.” 

 "In Democrat-led session, gun safety advocates ask why Virginia Dems won't get more on gun safety" - NBC 4 - 03/07/24

 “[Auto sears are] small devices that turn a common handgun into an incredibly dangerous and lethal machine gun. They're already federally banned. Former Loudoun County prosecutor, now Democrat State Senator Russet Perry, led the charge in the Senate to outlaw them in Virginia.” 

 "Rock Ridge holds 'Rise To' summit" - Loudoun Now - 03/04/24

 “‘We’re still fighting this battle each and every day,’ Perry said. ‘Even with the people we hold up high, even with the people that are supposed to be the leaders, even here in Loudoun County in the wealthiest county in the country. And so then the question becomes, are you willing to do that?’” 

 "Senate committee advances legislation to end "boyfriend loophole" in Virginia" - Virginia Scope - 02/05/24

"Sen. Russet Perry, D-Loudoun, is sponsoring a bill that would create a misdemeanor for anyone who purchases or possesses a firearm after they have been found guilty of assault and battery against someone with whom they are in a relationship.”

 "Virginia Democrats lay out gun safety measures with help from David Hogg" - Courthouse News - 02/01/24

"State Senator Russet Perry introduced a bill prohibiting the sale and possession of auto sears, small devices made of metal or plastic that can make any handgun into a fully automated weapon. Auto sears are currently illegal on a federal level, but Perry said adding them to state law would give Virginians a vital tool to go after them.”

 "Loudoun Co. looks for state aid in safety improvements on historic unpaved roads" - WTOP - 01/30/24

"Bills introduced by Democratic Sen. Russet Perry, Republican Del. Geary Higgins and Democratic Del. David Reid look to clarify state law to allow state funds to be used to maintain rural secondary roads without paving them.”

 "Loudoun delegation pushes for flexibility in rural road improvements" - Loudoun Now -  01/29/24

"A bill by Sen. Russet Perry (D-31) that would clarify a part of state code to allow localities to provide maintenance for unpaved roads, outside of paving them, has passed unanimously in the Senate.”

 "Perry proposes 'recovery school' in Loudoun" - Loudoun Times-Mirror - 01/26/24

"State Sen. Russet Perry (D-Round Hill) has proposed a $2 million state budget amendment to fund a new “recovery school” in Loudoun.”

 "This gun safety bill is getting bipartisan support in Richmond" - WVTF - 01/23/24

"Most bills aimed at preventing gun violence end up as party-line votes. But one bill is moving forward with rare bipartisan support. When Democratic Senator Russet Perry, a Democrat from Loudoun County, presented her bill on auto sears...”

 "A bill to add transparency to independent expenditures" - Virginia Scope - 01/23/24

"Sen. Russet Perry (D-Loudoun) filed the companion bill and says she is sponsoring the legislation because she ran on a platform of transparency and accountability last year. She also noted the large increase in indenture expenditures over the last four years.”

 "Delegate Dan Helmer Endorses Russet Perry for State Senate" - 08/03/23

 "U.S. Senator Tim Kaine Endorses Russet Perry" - 08/01/23

 "Senate District 31 Will Be The Deciding Vote on Abortion Access in Virginia" - 07/26/23

"Sheriff Stacey Kincaid Endorses Russet Perry" - 07/10/23

"Russet Perry Earns Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia Endorsement" - 06/29/23

"Russet Perry Releases Statement On Winning The Democratic Nomination For Senate District 31" - 06/20/23

"The Washington Post Endorses Russet Perry " - 06/12/23

"VoteVets PAC Endorses Russet Perry" - 06/02/23

"Virginia’s List Endorses Russet Perry" - 06/01/23

"Mid-Atlantic Pipe Trades Association Endorses Russet Perry for State Senate" - 05/24/23

"Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger Endorses Russet Perry for State Senate" - 05/1/23

"Freedom Virginia Endorses Russet Perry for Virginia State Senate" - 05/18/23

"Delegate Wendy Gooditis Endorses Russet Perry for State Senate" - 05/10/23

"Russet Perry Receives 2023 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction" - 05/04/23

"Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney Endorses Russet Perry for Senate." - 04/19/23

"Russet Perry for Senate Continues to Build Momentum with Strong Q1 Performance." - 04/18/23

"Virginia National Organization for Women Endorses Russet Perry." - 04/07/23

"Russet Perry is First Candidate on the Ballot." - 03/21/23

"Senator Creigh Deeds Endorses Russet Perry for State Senate." - 03/14/23

"Russet Perry's Statement on Republicans’ Killing Bill to Protect Menstrual Data." - 02/23/23

"Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton Endorses Russet Perry for State Senate." - 02/14/23

"LiUNA Baltimore Washington Laborers' District Council Endorses Russet Perry for Senate District 31." - 02/01/23

"Governor Ralph Northam Endorses Russet Perry for Virginia Senate." - 01/19/23

"Russet Perry for Virginia Senate Raises Over $100,000 in 2022." - 01/19/23

"Climate Cabinet endorses Russet Perry for Virginia Senate." - 01/13/23

"Russet Perry responds to claims tying Jill Vogel to Kanye West's 2020 Campaign." - 12/02/22

"Former Loudoun County prosecutor announces Democratic campaign for new 31st District Senate seat" - Fauquier Now - 10/27/22

"Russet Perry recognized as one of Loudoun County's rising business and community leaders at annual 40 under 40 ceremony." - 09/22/22