Schuyler van Valkenburg

Schuyler van Valkenburg is a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 72nd District. A member of the Democratic Party, he served in the legislature for two terms, concluding his service in 2017. In addition to his political career, van Valkenburg is an educator, having taught at various middle and high schools in Virginia. His legislative work has focused on a range of issues, including education, housing, labor rights, and legal reform.

Early life and career

Schuyler van Valkenburg was born on January 1, 1982. He pursued a career in education, which has played a significant role in shaping his political perspectives and policy priorities. Before entering the political arena, van Valkenburg worked as a teacher at Short Pump Middle School and later at Glen Allen High School. His experience in the classroom has informed his legislative focus, particularly in areas related to education and youth development.

Van Valkenburg's entry into politics was marked by his election to the Virginia House of Delegates. He was elected to represent the 72nd District on November 7, 2017, succeeding retiring delegate Jimmie Massie. His election was part of a broader Democratic wave in Virginia, which saw many Democratic candidates gain ground in various districts across the state. This shift in political dynamics was reflective of changing voter sentiments and priorities within the Commonwealth.

Legislative service

During his time in the Virginia House of Delegates, van Valkenburg served two distinct terms, focusing on a variety of legislative issues. His committee assignments included the Education Committee and the Privileges and Elections Committee, where he contributed to discussions and decisions on educational policies and electoral processes.

In the 2017 election, van Valkenburg defeated Republican candidate Edward Whitlock III, solidifying his position in the legislature. He continued to serve in the 2019 election, where he faced Republican candidates again, demonstrating his ability to maintain support within his district. His tenure in the House of Delegates was characterized by a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents and advocating for policies that aligned with his Democratic values.

Van Valkenburg's legislative efforts included a focus on education reform, labor rights, and housing policies. He was known for introducing and sponsoring various bills aimed at improving the quality of life for Virginians. His work in the legislature was not only about representing his district but also about engaging with broader issues affecting the state and its residents.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, van Valkenburg concentrated on several key policy areas that reflected both his professional background as an educator and his commitment to social justice. His legislative agenda included initiatives related to gambling, housing, labor rights, legal reform, and redistricting.

In the realm of gambling, van Valkenburg filed a bill in January 2024 aimed at legalizing betting on college sports. He argued that legalizing and regulating gambling would enhance safety and accountability, acknowledging that prohibitions often do not eliminate the practice but rather push it underground.

Housing was another significant focus of van Valkenburg's legislative work. In 2026, he sponsored a bill designed to facilitate "housing near jobs" by allowing by-right zoning for apartment buildings, townhomes, and mixed-use developments in commercial districts. He also proposed legislation to permit manufactured homes in residential zoning districts that already allowed traditional site-built housing, addressing the need for affordable housing options in Virginia.

Labor rights were a critical aspect of van Valkenburg's policy initiatives. In 2020, he introduced a bill that banned non-compete clauses for low-wage workers, which was subsequently signed into law by Governor Ralph Northam. This legislation aimed to enhance job mobility and protect workers' rights. In 2022, he attempted to extend this protection to healthcare workers by introducing a similar bill, although this effort did not pass.

Legal reform was another area where van Valkenburg sought to make an impact. In 2020, he introduced a bill to expand Virginia's anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) laws. This legislation aimed to provide defendants in defamation cases with the ability to dismiss potentially frivolous lawsuits earlier in the legal process and recover attorney fees if they were successful. This initiative was inspired by high-profile cases that highlighted the need for stronger protections against abusive litigation practices.

Redistricting was a significant issue during van Valkenburg's tenure. In 2020, he sponsored a bill to amend the Virginia constitution to establish an independent commission for redistricting congressional and state legislative districts. This measure was intended to curb partisan gerrymandering and promote fair representation. The bill passed the General Assembly and was subsequently approved by voters in a ballot measure.

In response to changing political landscapes, van Valkenburg also supported a bill in October 2025 to amend the Virginia constitution, allowing the General Assembly to redraw congressional districts mid-decade. This proposal was a reaction to similar actions taken by Republican-led states and was framed as a necessary response to ensure fair representation in the face of opportunistic redistricting efforts.

Overall, Schuyler van Valkenburg's legislative career was marked by a commitment to education, social equity, and responsive governance. His work in the Virginia House of Delegates reflected an understanding of the complexities of policy-making and the importance of addressing the diverse needs of his constituents. As a former educator and legislator, van Valkenburg's contributions to Virginia's political landscape continue to resonate in discussions about education, labor rights, and fair representation.