[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E320-E321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF JUSTICE CLEO E. POWELL AS CHIEF JUSTICE 
                    OF THE SUPREME COURT OF VIRGINIA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JENNIFER L. McCLELLAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 14, 2026

  Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a historic 
milestone for the Commonwealth of Virginia and to honor the 
extraordinary career of Justice Cleo E. Powell, who was unanimously 
selected to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia by her 
peers. Chief Justice Powell is the first African American to serve as 
Chief Justice in the history of the Commonwealth.
  Justice Powell's appointment represents both a historic achievement 
and the continuation of a career defined by excellence, integrity, and 
an unwavering commitment to justice. Throughout her distinguished 
career, she has

[[Page E321]]

embodied the highest ideals of the legal profession and has served the 
people of Virginia with wisdom, fairness, and deep respect for the rule 
of law.
  A proud graduate of The University of Virginia for both undergraduate 
and law, Justice Powell began her legal career in private practice in 
Richmond, Virginia. Her professionalism and legal acumen quickly 
established her as a respected figure in Virginia's legal community.
  In 1993, Justice Powell made history by becoming the first African 
American woman to serve as a judge on the District Court for the County 
of Chesterfield. During her tenure, she earned widespread respect for 
her fairness, thoughtful deliberation, and commitment to ensuring that 
every person who appeared before her court was treated with dignity and 
respect.
  Her exceptional judicial service led to her election to the 
Chesterfield Circuit Court in 2000 and to the Virginia Court of Appeals 
in 2008, where she continued to distinguish herself as a jurist of 
remarkable intellect and sound judgment. In 2011, the Virginia General 
Assembly elected her to the Supreme Court of Virginia, where she again 
made history as the first African American woman to serve on the 
Commonwealth's highest court.
  During her tenure on the Supreme Court, Justice Powell has been 
widely recognized for her careful legal reasoning, principled approach 
to the law, and deep understanding of the profound responsibilities 
entrusted to the judiciary. Her opinions reflect a thoughtful balance 
of legal scholarship, respect for precedent, and a commitment to 
ensuring that the law serves all Virginians fairly.
  Now, as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, Justice 
Powell assumes an even greater leadership role within the 
Commonwealth's judicial system. Her historic appointment reflects not 
only her exceptional qualifications and experience, but also the trust 
and respect she has earned from her colleagues and the broader legal 
community.
  Justice Powell's journey is one of perseverance, dedication, and 
service. Her achievements have opened doors and expanded opportunities 
for future generations of attorneys and judges, particularly for young 
people who may now see themselves reflected in the leadership of 
Virginia's highest court.
  Mr. Speaker, Justice Cleo E. Powell's appointment as Chief Justice 
marks a proud and historic moment for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Her 
leadership will undoubtedly continue to strengthen our judiciary and 
uphold the principles of justice and equality that are foundational to 
our democracy.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Chief Justice Cleo 
E. Powell on this historic achievement and in thanking her for her 
extraordinary service to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

                          ____________________