Delegate Surovell seeks Puller’s seat in State Senate

Delegate Scott Surovell announced that he would be running for Linda “Toddy” Puller’s State Senate seat in the 36th district.

Puller has served in the State Senate since 1992 and announced her decision to retire from her seat this year.

Surovell grew up in Northern Virginia, graduating from James Madison University and the University of Virginia’s law school.

He has served as the delegate in the 44th district since 2010.

Puller and Surovell have worked together in the past, attempting to improve the Route 1 corridor in their respective districts.

“One of the main things I’ve done with Toddy [Puller] is focused on the improvement, redevelopment, widening and reinvesting in Route 1…Senator Puller and I secured $2 million dollars for what is called the ‘Route 1 Multimodel Alternatives Analysis’ study,” said Surovell.

The study was used to understand ways to improve the land use and road configuration for Route 1, and has led to plans to extend the Metro’s Yellow line and bus service in the corridor.

Surovell commented his motivation to move to State Senate is his desire to do more for his constituents.

“The State Senate is a smaller body, and it’s easier to achieve things for your constituents when you’re one of forty, instead of one of a hundred,” said Surovell.

During the campaign, Surovell intends to address education funding, an expansion of Medicaid coverage and ensuring that all school-age children have access to a computer.

“I strongly believe that every child ought to be given a computer…The digital divide is a real problem – and not just in rural areas, where they have a problem getting the wire to their house – it’s a problem in Northern Virginia, where a lot of people can’t afford high-quality broadband,” Surovell stated.

According to Surovell, he feels the work he’s been doing is consistent with what Puller has accomplished in her political legacy.

“Toddy [Puller] has been fighting to get Route 1 fixed for thirty years…and the improvements that are happening on Route 1 today are in large part because of the study that she pioneered back in 1994. I think it’s important to continue that work, to make sure that Route 1 gets the same attention other roads in Northern Virginia [receive],” said Surovell, continuing, “I don’t think there’s anybody that is a stronger advocate for veterans in the legislature.”

Dumfries Mayor Jerry Foreman has already announced his candidacy as the Republican candidate for the Senate seat.