Delegate Mitchell Cornett

06/22/2026

Today, I voted against the state budget.

I don’t take that vote lightly.

A budget is the clearest statement of a government’s priorities, and when I measured this one against the needs of Virginians, I could not in good conscience support it.

Across our region, families continue to shoulder the rising cost of nearly everything, from groceries to utilities. Yet this budget grows government spending by roughly $9 million per day over the current fiscal year while offering only limited tax relief to the hardworking Virginians who are paying the bills.

I was also disappointed to see the budget include a nearly 200 percent pay increase for legislators at a time when many Virginia families are still struggling to make ends meet. At a minimum, I believe government should hold itself to the same standard of restraint and responsibility that it expects from taxpayers.

To be clear, there are provisions in this budget that I support. I was pleased to see investments in teacher pay raises, law enforcement pay raises, state employee raises, and bonuses for our correctional officers. Those are important priorities, and the men and women serving our communities deserve our support.

However, I was equally troubled to see significant policy decisions written into the budget rather than debated openly and voted on their own merits. Major policy changes should stand on their own and receive the public discussion they deserve. That is how transparent government is supposed to work.

No budget is ever perfect, but I could not support a plan that expands government, provides too little relief for Virginia families, and includes priorities that I believe are out of step with the people I represent.

You sent me to Richmond to fight for affordability, public safety, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Those principles guided my vote today, and they will continue to guide me going forward.

06/20/2026

I’m honored to have earned a 100% rating from Turning Point USA Action this General Assembly session. I will always vote to put the 46th District, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and America first.

It’s an honor to have the opportunity to represent the people of Southwest Virginia and stand up for our values and God given rights!

06/16/2026

Wow! We are just 14 days away from a government shutdown and millions of Virginian’s lives being uprooted and the Governor’s administration has no plan on how to handle this situation.

This is not to mention that the House was set to convene Thursday and that was just cancelled because there is still no budget deal.

06/15/2026

This evening, I updated the Wythe County Republican Party on the continued Democrat budget impasse and the fact that we are only 15 days from a government shutdown.

It’s a great honor to represent Wythe County and the 46th District in Richmond and I will continue to fight for Southwest Virginia and the things that we hold dear.

06/14/2026

The House and Senate patrons can’t even agree on what their bill does.

The truth is, there’s no sugarcoating it, this bill is an unconstitutional gun grab from Democrats that turns law-abiding Virginians into criminals overnight.

Some law enforcement agencies across Virginia say they are being inundated with questions from gun owners who are confused about how the state’s new law will be enforced.

06/12/2026

Thank you to the Chilhowie Police Department, Marion Police Department, Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, and all of the agencies that worked together to safely bring this situation to a close yesterday.

Most of us never see the countless hours that go into keeping our communities safe. This was yet again another reminder of the professionalism and dedication of the men and women who wear the badge.

We appreciate your service and all that you do for Southwest Virginia.

06/10/2026

Need assistance with a state agency?

My office will be holding traveling office hours across the 46th District this month. A member of my staff will be available to assist constituents who may be experiencing issues with state agencies or need help navigating state government services.

Whether it’s the DMV, VEC, Medicaid, a professional licensing board, or another agency of the Commonwealth, we’re happy to see how we can help connect you with the appropriate resources and work toward a resolution.

Providing constituent services is one of the most important parts of representing the 46th District, and these office hours allow my office to bring that assistance directly into our communities.

Please see the graphics below for dates, times, and locations. If we can be of assistance, we hope you’ll stop by!

06/09/2026

Democrats in Richmond are increasing your power bill. After running on affordability, they have once again increased monthly bills with a “carbon tax.”

Some Virginians are having to choose whether to pay their electric bill, buy food, or purchase their medications.

Meanwhile, Democrats still have not delivered a state budget to fund important and necessary services and we are barreling towards a government shutdown. It is time to put politics aside and put Virginians first!

Executive Summary In July 2026, Virginia is set to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which sets a total carbon dioxide emissions cap for the electricity market; the change was made in a rushed manner, exacerbating a host of challenges and putting significant upward pressure on en...

06/06/2026

Before they were known as the Greatest Generation, they were young Americans who answered their country’s call. 82 years ago today, many of them landed at Normandy.

From the citizen soldiers of our founding to those who stormed the beaches of Normandy, generations of Americans have answered the call when freedom was under threat.

D-Day was one of the greatest displays of courage the world has ever known. The men who fought there helped secure victory in Europe and defended the ideals that make our nation worth fighting for. They faced one of humanity’s darkest moments and met it with uncommon courage and determination.

As we reflect on their sacrifice, may we never take for granted the freedoms they defended and the country they helped preserve. Their legacy lives on in every generation of Americans who continue to serve something greater than themselves.

May we remember them today, and thank them.

06/04/2026

Always good to spend an evening with the Pulaski County GOP. Tonight I gave them an update on this year’s General Assembly session: what we fought for, what we were able to get done, and what’s still ahead. But the biggest topic of the night was the budget, and for good reason.

The honest truth is we should not be returning to Richmond. This budget was supposed to be finished in March. It is almost June, and Democrat leadership still has not delivered. Come July 1, schools could lose funding, state troopers could go without a paycheck, road projects shut down, and Medicaid payments stop. The teachers, deputies, and first responders in our communities deserve better than this. They show up every single day, rain or shine, no excuses. It is long past time Virginia Democrats did the same. Get a clean budget done and stop leaving Virginia hanging.