Virginia to Fly Flags at Half-Staff for Janet D. Howell

Governor Spanberger has ordered state flags to be lowered on October 28, 2026, to honor the late Senator.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Government

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a flag at half-staff, evoking a sense of solemn state-level mourning. — Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger ordered state flags to fly at half-staff on October 28 to honor the late Senator Janet D. Howell. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Governor Spanberger has ordered flags to fly at half-staff throughout Virginia on October 28, 2026. The directive honors the memory of Janet D. Howell following her decades of service in the state legislature.

Why it matters

The order recognizes Janet D. Howell for her historic leadership and lengthy tenure as a legislator. Her career included serving as the first woman on the Senate Finance Committee.

Janet D. Howell served in the Virginia Senate for more than 30 years and broke barriers as the first woman to chair the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee. Her service remains a notable benchmark for tenure within the state government.

The players

Janet D. Howell

She was a long-serving member of the Virginia Senate and a historical figure in state finance oversight.

Governor Spanberger

The current Governor of Virginia issued the executive order to lower state flags.

The details

Janet D. Howell was a trailblazer in the Virginia Senate, notably serving as the first woman to hold a seat on the Senate Finance Committee. The governor's order ensures state flags are displayed at half-staff for the duration of the day to mark her passing.

Flags will be lowered at sunrise on October 28, 2026.
Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on October 28, 2026.

Political Context

The flag order follows the established Virginia flag protocol guidelines for honoring deceased high-ranking officials. It marks a continuation of state traditions regarding how legacy legislators are recognized by the executive branch.

Residents across Virginia will notice state flags at half-staff at all state-owned buildings on October 28, 2026. The order does not affect private business operations or daily government services.

The takeaway

Honoring public figures through flag directives is a standard practice for acknowledging significant legislative careers. Residents can observe the tribute throughout the day by noting the position of flags at state facilities.