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Governor Abigail Spanberger ordered the flags of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds on Wednesday, Oct. 28, in memory and respect of former State Senator Janet D. Howell.

Howell represented parts of Fairfax and Arlington counties in the Senate from 1992 to 2024 and died Aug. 2 at age 82. In her statement, the governor called Howell a trailblazing leader, dedicated public servant and tireless advocate whose more than three decades of service left an enduring mark on the Commonwealth, noting she broke barriers as the first woman to serve on the Senate Finance Committee and later as the first woman to chair the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.

Spanberger said Howell was a steadfast champion for public education, children and families, mental health services and survivors of domestic violence, and that she opened doors for generations of women leaders and demonstrated the difference a life devoted to public service can make. Flags were ordered lowered at sunrise Wednesday and to remain at half-staff until sunset.

Original Facebook source: Open post

Source note: Star News TV · Oct 28, 2026 11:40 PM.