OPINION: Virginia legislator pushes casino proposal that many in his wealthy suburban-D.C.county detest

Thursday, March 5, 2026 7:05 PM
Image aggregated from Virginia Mercury.
  • Roger Chesley, Virginia Mercury

Scott Surovell, the state Senate majority leader and a Fairfax County Democrat, won’t take “no” for an answer when fighting for his county to host a casino.

Not from local and state elected officials – even in his own party – who hate the idea. They include the county Board of Supervisors, which voted narrowly against authorizing a casino in Tysons Corner, where legislation to site a gaming center has failed previously. State legislators who represent parts of the county also have voted against the latest proposal.

Not from county voters, either. A new poll shows they overwhelmingly reject a casino anywhere in Fairfax County; 63% said they don’t want it.