Photo courtesy of Sen. Ebbin
State Sen. Adam Ebbin announced his resignation Jan. 7.
State Sen. Adam Ebbin announced Wednesday his resignation to join the Spanberger Administration. He currently represents Virginia's 39th District which includes Alexandria (75%), Arlington (14%) and Fairfax County (11%).
Here's his open letter:
After 22 years in the General Assembly, I just submitted my resignation from the Virginia Senate, effective February 18, in order to join Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger's administration as a Senior Advisor at the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. As a friend, ally, and supporter, I wanted you to be among the very first to know.
2026 is the year we will move cannabis sales off the street corner and behind the age-verified counter. I share Governor-elect Spanberger's goal of providing adults 21 and over who choose to use cannabis, and those who use it for medical treatment, with access to a well-tested, accurately labeled product, free from contaminants. 2026 is the year we will finally move cannabis sales off the street corner and behind the age-verified counter.
In 2020, I passed legislation decriminalizing marijuana (SB 2) alongside House Majority Leader Charniele Herring (D-Alexandria). The following year, with Senator Louise Lucas as Co-Chief Patron and Delegate Herring in the House, we passed legislation legalizing possession of marijuana in Virginia (SB 1406). However, the General Assembly has yet to pass legislation -- and have signed into law by the governor -- that provides for a regulated retail marketplace for the sale of adult-use cannabis products.
With the support of the people of 39th District, I have been privileged to pass an array of legislation to advance public safety, [banning firearms in state owned buildings and on the grounds of the State Capitol (SB 1215, 2021), prohibiting public and private school personnel from recommending to a prospective employer a current or former staff member suspected of sexual misconduct (SB 605, 2018; SB 832, 2020)], protect the rights of Virginians [ passing a comprehensive ban on discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity (SB 868, 2020), establishing statutory penalties for unlawful evictions (SB 1215, 2021)], and work for pragmatic solutions [passing legislation to enable lower interest rates on deferred property taxes for seniors (HB 2635, 2005), and providing prenatal care for immigrant mothers (SB 568, 2012)].
Stay tuned for news of a special election to elect our next Senator from the 39th District, possibly as soon as February 10. Before the election occurs, political parties will have to choose a nominee quickly, likely through an "unassembled caucus" or "firehouse primary."
I'll be working to advance our shared progressive priorities in the Senate starting Wednesday, January 14, through "Crossover" and look forward to seeing you soon.
I can not thank you enough for your support, counsel, and encouragement over my 22 years of elected service to the people of Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent the people of the 39th District.
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Adam P. Ebbin
Member, Senate of Virginia
