The Senate of Virginia is composed of 40 members who are elected to serve four-year terms. A Senator represents approximately 215,000 citizens of the Commonwealth. Each Senator receives an annual salary of $18,000. Senators’ terms are not staggered, meaning all members stand for election every four years. Following an election of the Senate, the body reorganizes by electing new leadership, adopting committee membership and rules which govern the body, and electing its chief administrative officer. The chamber’s organization includes elected leadership, a strong committee system, and administrative staff.
The Lieutenant Governor is the presiding officer of the Senate, pursuant to the Constitution of Virginia. The Lieutenant Governor is elected in a statewide election for a four-year term. In the event of their absence, the President pro tempore carries out the duties of the presiding officer. A senior member from the majority party, the President pro tempore is elected by the Senate for a term of four years.
The Clerk of the Senate serves as the chief administrative officer for the Senate of Virginia. The 40-member body elects a Clerk of the Senate to serve a four-year term. Duties with which the Clerk is tasked include the following: overseeing the daily operations of the Senate, maintaining all Senate records, keeping the daily Journal, referring bills to committees, overseeing personnel, coordinating information technology needs, and managing facilities.