About
Speaker Don Scott
Virginia’s House of Delegates
In the legislature, Don has been a champion for reproductive freedom and uplifting working families by ensuring a strong, equitable economy. Don’s legislative priorities also include strengthening Virginia’s public schools, improving healthcare quality and affordability, and criminal justice reform. In 2019, Don was elected to represent the people of Portsmouth as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. In 2022, Don was elected by members of his caucus to serve as House Democratic Leader, and in 2024 became the first Black Speaker of the House of Delegates in Virginia’s history. Don is committed to building a stronger Democratic caucus and winning back the majority.
Early Years
Don Scott was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He was one of six children, raised by a single mother. Even with few resources, Don performed well in school and eventually enrolled in an aerodynamics magnet program at a Houston-area high school. Don was accepted to and graduated from Texas A&M University. From there, he enrolled in the Navy’s Officer Candidate School in Rhode Island. Don proudly served his country as an officer in the United States Navy before earning his law degree from Louisiana State University.
In 2005, he landed his big break in Portsmouth, Virginia with KRA Corporation, a workforce development company. Don quickly climbed the ladder to the number three post in the company, attributing his meteoric rise to a love of helping others maximize their potential.
In 2015, Don started his own law practice before becoming a partner at Breit Biniazan P.C. Don now serves his clients as a personal injury attorney and serves his community as an active member of several boards and commissions. Don is married to Dr. Mellanda Colson Scott, who practices dentistry in Norfolk. They are the proud parents of a 15-year-old daughter.
A Community Activist
Don is a member of the Portsmouth Bar Association, the Old Dominion Bar Association, the Virginia State Bar Association, the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. He is also the former Chair of the Portsmouth Economic Development Authority and former President of the Southeastern Employment and Training Association. He is also a member of the Eureka Club and holds lifetime memberships in the NAACP, V.F.W., Post #993 and American Legion Post #190.
As Don says, “Don’t let your past predict your future.”
Priorities
Economy
Lowering costs so you can keep more of what you earn.
Public Safety
Fighting crime for safer streets and schools.
Reproductive Freedom
Women should always be the decision maker for their bodies.
Education
A better public education system means a brighter future for our residents.
Jobs
More green jobs is a way to a more prosperous future for hardworking Virginians.