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Lionell Spruill Sr.
DEMOCRAT
Lionell Spruill Sr. is running for Virginia State Senator, District 18, Democratic Primary.
Personal background
Lionell is from Hampton Roads. He has a bachelor's degree from Pacific Western University. He attends St. Joseph A.M.E. Zion Church.
Professional background
Lionell used to be a technician for Bell Atlantic, a telephone company.
Political background
Lionell Spruill Sr. is currently the state senator representing district 5. He was first elected in 2016 and has been in office for two terms. He is the chair of the privileges and elections committee. He used to be the state delegate representing district 77 from 1994 until 2016. He was also a member of the Chesapeake City Council.
Energy & the Environment
Supports the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which will transition Virginia to renewable energy sources with zero carbon emissions by 2050.
As a state senator, voted for a bill that will lower energy bills for Virginian’s by $6-$7 per month by changing the way Virginia’s monopoly energy provider, Dominion Energy, can set prices.
As a state senator, voted for a bill that would have given lowand middle-income Virginians loans and funding to install solar panels or make their homes more energy efficient.
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Economy
Supports raising the minimum wage.
As a state senator, voted for a bill that lowered taxes on groceries from 2.5% to 1%, except for alcohol, tobacco, and prepared hot foods. Diapers and feminine hygiene products were included in the tax decrease.
As a state senator, voted for a bill that limits the amount of THC in hemp products to 0.3% of the product and 2 milligrams total. Possession of marijuana is decriminalized in Virginia but there is no legal market for sales of THC products.
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Healthcare
Supports abortion.
As a state senator, supported expanding Medicaid in Virginia, which provides health insurance for low-income, senior, and disabled Virginians.
As a state senator, voted for a bill that would have put a fundamental right to reproductive freedom in Virginia’s constitution, which would have made abortion constitutionally protected in the state.
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Education
Wants to raise teacher pay.
As a state senator, voted for a bill that requires schools to improve reading skills in students from kindergarten through third grade to address learning loss from the pandemic.
As a state senator, voted for a bill that lets companies be sued for publishing or distributing online content that is “harmful to minors” without checking the age of the internet users accessing the content.
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Public Safety
Supports gun control, including universal background checks.
As a state senator, did not vote on a bill that gets rid of the option for drivers without insurance to pay a $500 fee when registering their car and be allowed to drive without insurance.
As a state senator, voted for a bill that gives people $300 off their taxes if they buy a gun safe or lock box. The credit expires in 2027.
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