The Virginia Political news letter reports that Woodstock Republican Todd Gilbert was elected in a unanimous vote as speaker of the house.

Gilbert is only the second speaker of the house from Shenandoah County in history.

The other being Democrat Henry Clay Allen from 1877 to 79.

According to the Montana Standard the Virginia General Assembly opened their 60 day session with Todd Gilbert as speaker yesterday.

Over those 60 days members of the house will craft a two year budget and discuss bills covering a range of issues including education, marijuana policies, voting rights and public safety.

The chamber will soon be presided over by Winchester Republican  Lt. Gov. Elect Winsome Earle Sears who will be sworn in on Saturday.

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