Vivian E. Watts

Vivian Edna Watts (born June 7, 1940) is an American politician and author serving as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates since 1996. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served as the 7th Virginia Secretary of Transportation and Public Safety from 1986 to 1990, and in the House of Delegates again from 1982 to 1986. Watts represents the 14th district, encompassing parts of Annandale, Lincolnia, Ravensworth, and Wakefield.

Between 2009 and 2019, Watts introduced and passed 45 pieces of legislation that became law.

Career Before entering politics, Watts was the Executive Director of Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates in cases involving severe abuse and neglect of children.

Watts was first elected in 1981, and left to serve as the state's Secretary of Transportation and Public Safety in 1986; she was again elected to the House in 1996 and continuously since.

In 2017, Watts became the longest-serving woman ever in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Legislative issues Watts' has focused on progressive tax policies and increased funding for education and transportation.

In 2019, Watts said her top three legislative priorities were to restore transportation funding, restructure and expand mental health services, and make the state's school funding formula more equitable.

Awards and recognition Watts has been awarded the Virginia Counselors Association Outstanding Legislator Award, Virginia Association of Commonwealth Attorneys “Champion of Justice” Award, League of Women Voters of Virginia Good Governance Award, and the Virginia Interfaith Center "Legislator of the Year" Award.

Personal life She was born in Detroit, Michigan, but has been a resident of Virginia since 1963, and has four grandchildren. She married her husband, David Watts, in 1960.

Watts has authored two books on public safety and criminal justice through a U.S. Justice Department grant.