Janet Howell, a former Democratic state senator who had represented parts of Fairfax County for decades, has died at age 82.
Howell was first elected to the Virginia Senate in 1991, taking office in 1992 as senator for the 32nd Senate District. The district included Reston, Tysons, Wolf Trap, northern Chantilly and portions of McLean and Arlington County. Before retiring on Jan. 10, 2024, Howell was the longest-serving woman in the state Senate alongside current President pro tempore Louise Lucas (D-18). When Democrats took control of the chamber in 2019, she was the first woman to chair the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.
Howell did not seek re-election in the 2023 election, when Virginia’s 2021 redistricting process would implement new districts. The longtime state senator would have been paired in a race with state Sen. Jennifer Boysko — who was elected to the newly created 38th Senate District.
Virginia officials shared tributes to Howell on how she shaped Virginia budgets and policies over 32 years in the state Senate.
“I’m saddened by the passing of former Virginia Senator Janet Howell,” Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) said. “A fierce advocate for strengthening Virginia’s schools, Senator Howell spent her career serving her community in Fairfax County and our entire Commonwealth. She set a powerful example for so many of the women who have followed her in Virginia politics.”
Boysko (D-38), who represents parts of Reston and McLean, said Howell was a “model, a mentor, a leader.”
“I was lucky enough at different times over the past 4 decades to be represented by her, to serve as her colleague, and then once she retired to serve as her senator,” Boysko shared on social media. “She’s gone way too soon. I send love, peace and comfort to her husband Hunt and to her entire family, our General Assembly community, her beloved Reston community and to all who knew and admired her.”
Lucas, who started serving in the state Senate with Howell in 1992, said they “served side by side” for over three decades.
“Her work touched the lives of countless Virginia families, and our Commonwealth is stronger because of it,” Lucas shared on social media. “I am lifting up her family and all who loved her in prayer during this difficult time.”
Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi (D) said Howell mentored her and many others.
“The first woman in Virginia’s history to serve as the Chair of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, Senator Howell was, first and foremost, a committed public servant and a strong voice on the issues that impact our communities,” Hashmi shared on social media. “My thoughts are with her loved ones today.”
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-34) called Howell “a true giant of the Senate of Virginia” and a champion for women’s rights.
“For over three decades, Janet served Northern Virginia with fierce determination, sharp intellect, and unwavering integrity,” Surovell wrote in a social media post. “As the first woman to co-chair the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, she paved the way for generations of women leaders while leaving an indelible mark on our Commonwealth’s budget, mental health system, and public schools.”
House Speaker Don Scott (D-88) said Howell paved the way for women and shaped a generation of Virginia budgets.
“Education, children, and families were always at the heart of her work. She strengthened Virginia’s public schools, overhauled our family violence laws, protected children from harm, and led mental health reform in the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy,” Scott said in a statement. “She was one of the longest-serving women in Virginia history, and she used every one of those years to strengthen our schools, protect families, and open doors for the women who came after her.”
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) also shared a tribute, saying, “Anne and I were so saddened by the news that former Fairfax Senator Janet Howell has passed away. For 3+ decades she championed public education, mental health, women’s rights and so much more. Virginia will miss her.”
