Editor’s note: Between now and Election Day on Nov. 4, the Free Press is inviting candidates for state office whose constituencies include the Fredericksburg area to make their case in their own words through a candidate questionnaire. The following responses have been edited only for formatting.
Please provide a brief bio outlining your background and qualifications for office.
Phillip Scott is the incumbent Delegate representing Virginia’s 63rd District, covering parts of Spotsylvania and Orange Counties. A committed Christian and family man, Scott lives in Spotsylvania with his wife and five daughters. His legislative work reflects his values, focusing on reducing taxes, enhancing personal freedoms, and improving the healthcare system, inspired by his daughter’s medical needs. He serves on Health and Human Services, Education, and Privileges and Elections committees, where he advocates for practical solutions to problems facing his Community.
Why are you running for office?
I was called to step up and run for office in 2021, when Fmr. Del. Mark Cole retired. It was my duty to our community to serve, I could not sit by on the sidelines and watch as our Commonwealth was passing laws that made us less safe, made life harder for small businesses, and hurt our education system. I want my daughters to grow up in a Virginia they can be proud of, where they can feel safe, and where they can learn and grow.
What is one piece of legislation you plan to introduce if elected?
I will be bringing back a common-sense piece of legislation that died in the committee process last year. HB2399(2025) was a simple fix to the code, which included state-run hospitals in the requirement that the parent be given access to online health portals for a minor patient.
This arose when a constituent had to jump through hoops to gain access to his sick son’s online medical records. As a dad of a medically complicated child, the thought of having to jump through hoops to view something in an emergency terrified me, and the other side of the aisle quietly killed the bill.
What role should the state, and particularly, the General Assembly, play in regulating data center development in Virginia?
As the chairman of the Rappahannock River Basin Commission, I have been able to play a significant role in those conversations. We have been studying and looking at the impacts of those data centers already here on water and electric supply and we will continue those efforts. Localities have the authority and final say in placement of those data centers; the people need to have a say and be active in their local boards. I will continue to work to ensure local governments — elected by local residents — have the final say in where they are located.
Please provide an example of an issue that is unique/specific to your district and how you plan to represent your constituents’ interests on said issue if elected.
In 2024, we had a water crisis hit our district, and as soon as we understood what went wrong, I went to work. The Wilderness WTP had a pump failure, which was then not reported in a timely manner to the correct authorities. I worked on and passed a bill which required reporting for severe service disruptions, such as pump failures, within a small window of time.
I will be working this upcoming session on some things in regards to childhood safety and school employee verification systems, which will address the recent issue in Spotsylvania County and enhance child safety in tangible ways.
In terms of incumbent members, the House of Delegates currently has 51 Democrats and 49 Republicans. How do you plan to reach across the aisle as a legislator?
The bill that I cited earlier, dealing with water, was a great example. I worked on it with a Democrat Delegate from Richmond City, who dealt with their own water crisis in January of 2025. I have a track record of working across the aisle on a multitude of issues, without violating my core principles, finding common ground wherever it can be found.
