Club member keeps Kiwanians up-to-date on state government

When the Kiwanis Club of Arlington wants the inside scoop on the state government, it can call upon one of its members.

Patrick Hope has represented portions of Arlington in the House of Delegates since first winning election in 2009, and currently chairs the House Courts of Justice Committee. On May 21, he briefed Kiwanians on the 2026 legislative session.

Legislators convened in Richmond in mid-January for a 60-day session that has since wrapped up, with the exception of finalizing the state budget. Hope, who represents the 1st House District, said he expects that to follow shortly.

The budget “has yet to be passed, but will be” in time for the start of the state government’s fiscal year on July 1, Hope said.

“We’re very close — we’ll have a deal,” he said of the negotiations between the House of Delegates and Senate now taking place.

Democrats control both houses of the legislature and last November won all three statewide offices (governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general) previously held by Republicans. But the 2026 General Assembly session has been marked by Gov. Abigail Spanberger wielding her veto pen against a number of pieces of legislation championed by legislative Democrats.

“There’s been some growing pains,” Hope said of Spanberger’s first months in office. But, he said, “we got a lot across the finish line.”

“It’s a give and take,” he said of the typical relationship between the governor and General Assembly.

The delegate also discussed Democratic efforts, since overturned by the Virginia Supreme Court, to enact new congressional districts, and also detailed three constitutional amendments that will be on the statewide ballot on Nov. 3.

Arlington has five legislators representing the county in Richmond: Sens. Barbara Favola and Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and Dels. Alfonso Lopez, Adele McClure and Hope.

“We work really well together,” Hope said.

The program offered a chance for interactions between Hope and his fellow Kiwanis members on public-policy issues.

“This has been beautiful,” club president Andres Tobar said. “Very substantive.”

In addition to being a member of the Kiwanis Club of South Arlington, Hope is also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Arlington, among other organizations.