Former state Sen. Janet Howell passes away

Former Virginia Sen. Janet Howell has passed away at age 82.

Howell, a Democrat, represented western Fairfax County and parts of Loudoun County in the state Senate from 1992 to 2024.

She was the first woman to serve on the prestigious Senate Finance Committee. Howell was also the first woman and second non-lawyer to serve on the Committee for Courts of Justice. A recognized expert on family violence prevention, she championed legislation to protect children from sexual predators, create a sex offender registry, protect women from stalkers, and reform mental health laws.

Howell chaired the Commission on Family Violence Prevention and served on the Virginia Crime Commission. 

Among her many awards, the American Academy of Pediatrics honored Howell as National Child Advocate of the Year, and the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association named her Senator of the Year several times.

Before running for the Virginia Senate, Howell was a teacher, PTA president, community association president, legislative assistant, and chair of the State Board of Social Services.

She had been married to Hunt Howell since 1996. They have two sons and three grandchildren. Janet earned a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

As soon as Howell’s passing was announced on Aug. 2, tributes from lawmakers poured in on social media.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell called Howell “a true giant of the Senate of Virginia and mentor to so many of us.” He said she served Northern Virginia “with fierce determination, sharp intellect, and unwavering integrity.”

“Sen. Howell was, first and foremost, a committed public servant and strong voice on the issues that impact our communities. She was a mentor to many women, including me,” said Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi.

“Virginia has lost one of its most consequential public servants, and Fairfax County has lost a tireless advocate,” said Del. Marcus Simon. As she rose through the ranks, “she remained grounded, approachable, and relentlessly focused on helping the people she represented.”