Delegate, Norfolk’s 94th District, VA House of Delegates. 757 native. Dad to Isa & Maia. W&M Alum. Attorney. Fighting for a Family Friendly Economy. Dream Big.
Norfolk, VA
- Tweets 1,585
- Following 1,207
- Followers 2,220
- Likes 5,139
One of the most satisfying aspects of public service is seeing both the implementation and impact of legislation.
In 2025, I passed a consumer protection bill overhauling Virginia's approach to unclaimed property. We called it the "Cash Now Act" and it's helped the Treasury Department return record-setting amounts of money to people across the Commonwealth.
wtkr.com/investigations/virg…
3
2
2
411
"According to data provided by the Department of Treasury, the state paid out $159 million across 160,000 claims in fiscal year 2026 — a massive jump from the $59 million paid out just four years ago."
To see if you have any unclaimed property, you can visit: vamoneysearch.gov/
64
I thank @GovernorVA for signing a slate of bills at the Academy of Int’l Studies at Rosemont — here in Norfolk.
The legislation, including a bill that @AaronRouseVA and I carried, expands voting rights & defends our democracy at a moment when both are both are being tested.
4
5
9
467
Happy National Oyster Day!
The Delegate representing Norfolk's 94th District (yours truly) won the 2026 Oyster Eating Championship, organized by the @chesapeakebay!
Oysters are integral to our economy & environment. One adult oyster can filter 50 gallons of water a day!
1
3
150
On this brief trip to Chicago, I was grateful to visit the newly opened Obama Presidential Center.
It was a full circle moment for me. I got my start in public service in the Obama White House over 15 years ago — and I still feel hope!
1
2
10
488
Going to the movies should be something everyone can share. 🎥
As of July 1, thanks to my new law, most Virginia theaters have to offer open-caption showings, with the words right on the screen.
Thanks to @TylerEnglander coverage. Full story is here: bit.ly/3TmojfO
35
6
20
19,924
It's been dangerously hot in Virginia this week. So here's news you might have missed:
This year, @lashrecseaird and I passed a new law to protect people from extreme heat at work. Thanks to @GovernorVA, Virginia is now the *first* state in the South with a heat safety law. 🧵
33
12
57
4,460
Think about roofers, landscapers, road crews, farm workers, and folks in hot warehouses right now.
Under this law, Virginia will set enforceable standards for water, rest breaks, shade, training, and emergency response plans. Other states are already following our lead.
3
1
11
525
Starting today, HB 601 is law in VA, one of my favorite bills this session.
$1,000 in your bank account is now automatically protected from garnishment, plus recent unemployment, public assistance, workers' comp & child support deposits.
Nobody gets taken to zero.
6
6
8
4,890
Today, after more than three years of work, my legislation to keep dangerous weapons out of hospitals & protect all healthcare workers was signed by @GovernorVA!
Persistence pays off.
40
6
33
8,981
Delegate Phil Hernandez retweeted
I am proud to be the Governor who says “yes” to commonsense legislation that keeps Virginians safe.
Today in Norfolk, I signed legislation to keep dangerous weapons out of our hospitals and medical facilities.
Because whether you’re recovering from surgery, visiting a family member, or one of the hardworking medical professionals who care for our loved ones, you deserve to do so safely and without fear.
549
37
205
68,532
One of the best feelings as an elected official is planning a community event…and then watching the community SHOW UP!
More than 80 constituents attended my town hall in Ocean View yesterday evening. Thank you!
5
133
Surprised a few constituents this week with a call they didn’t expect! 💵
Our office found them unclaimed property & their checks will be ready for pick up at my town hall next week!
Overall, we are returning nearly $5k!
2
4
170
I enjoyed joining the 4th Annual Larchmont Memorial Day Parade this morning. This community never fails to show up for the ones who showed up and sacrificed for us. 🇺🇸
2
102
Delegate Phil Hernandez retweeted
I'm proud to sign a slate of bills today to protect the natural beauty of our Commonwealth, our wetlands, and our wildlife.
Every single one of these bills passed with bipartisan support and some were even passed unanimously.
It shows that it doesn't matter where you live or what political party you belong to — we all need to do the hard work to make Virginia more beautiful, more resilient, and more connected.
145
101
564
22,310
Thanks to @PromiseActionVA for this award! Affordable child care is critical for families, employers, & our economy.
As a dad of two young daughters, I get it! And I’m ready to keep making more progress in the years to come.
Congratulations @PhilforVirginia on your 2026 Child Care Rising Star Award! Virginia has made real progress on early childhood education. Now it's time to build on it. Let's keep investing so every family has access to affordable, quality care by 2030. #GottaHaveChildCare
1
164
No one gets taken to zero.
That's the net effect of three new consumer protection laws I championed this session that will protect wages & bank accounts in Virginia. Thanks to the @VPLC, @AARPVa, & @VACreditUnions for their partnership on these bills!
ALT Graphic titled "2026 Consumer Protection Wins" by Del. Phil Hernandez, District 94, Norfolk. Headline reads: "No one gets taken to zero." Subheading: "Three new laws protecting Virginia workers and families from debt collectors." Three bills are listed. HB 601: "Your bank account can't be drained to $0" — Banks must automatically protect $1,000 from garnishment, no court fight required. HB 488: "The state can't garnish your whole paycheck either" — State tax debt collectors now face the same 25% cap as everyone else, and if the IRS says you can't pay, Virginia has to listen. HB 1100: "Local governments play by the same rules too" — Treasurer's liens on wages are capped at 25%, no more using local tax debt to wipe out a paycheck.
1
1
5
340
