And with this announcement, yet ANOTHER special election coming soon, this time for House of delegates district 11 (Fairfax County/Fairfax City; 66% Kamala Harris; represented by David Bulova – now moving on to become the Spanberger administration’s Secretary of Natural & Historic Resources) since 2006). We’ll see which Democrats throw their hats in the ring for this seat (two rumors I’ve heard are Vanessa Cardenas and Gretchen Bulova – who is married to David Bulova). Stay tuned…
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Governor-Elect Spanberger Announces Secretary of Natural & Historic Resources Appointment
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Governor-Elect Spanberger: Delegate Bulova “Will Bring Decades of Experience to Our Efforts to Strengthen Our Commonwealth’s Conservation, Resilience, & Preservation Efforts”
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RICHMOND, Va. — Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger today announced the appointment of Delegate David L. Bulova to serve as Virginia’s next Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources.
“From the wonders of the Shenandoah Valley to the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia’s natural resources, public lands, and historic sites define our Commonwealth,” said Spanberger. “Today, I’m proud to announce the appointment of Delegate Bulova to serve as Virginia’s next Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources. In this role, he will bring decades of experience to our efforts to strengthen our Commonwealth’s conservation, resilience, and preservation efforts. I look forward to working with Delegate Bulova to protect Virginia’s beauty, promote responsible stewardship of its land, and preserve its history and environment for generations to come.”
“I am deeply honored to be nominated by Governor-elect Spanberger to serve as Virginia’s Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources. Preserving and restoring Virginia’s environment is a life-long passion for me. Our Governor-elect shares that passion, as evidenced by her work on the House Agriculture Committee, and understands what it takes to safeguard our natural resources for future generations. She also understands that a healthy environment and a strong economy go hand-in-hand,” said Bulova. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with our Governor-elect, the General Assembly, and the many partners that work hard every day to fulfill the promise outlined in Virginia’s constitution ‘to protect its atmosphere, lands, and waters from pollution, impairment, or destruction, for the benefit, enjoyment, and general welfare of the people of the Commonwealth.'”
BIOGRAPHY
David L. Bulova, Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources
David Bulova has over three decades of professional experience in environmental planning. He currently serves as a project manager for WSP USA, an international engineering and environmental consulting firm. Bulova specializes in water resources policy, Chesapeake Bay restoration, program development, municipal and industrial stormwater permit compliance, strategic planning, stakeholder group facilitation, and stormwater finance. Prior to WSP, Bulova served as Director of Environmental Services for the Northern Virginia Regional Commission.
In 2005, Bulova was elected to represent the 11th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. The 11th District includes the City of Fairfax and parts of Fairfax County. In the House, he serves in key leadership roles, including chair of the General Laws Committee, chair of the Commerce, Agriculture, and Natural Resources subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, and chair of the Chesapeake subcommittee of the Agriculture, Chesapeake, and Natural Resources Committee. He also serves on the Chesapeake Bay Commission, which he has chaired twice, and the State Water Commission. In addition, Bulova served as an elected member of the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District from 2004-2006.
In the General Assembly, Bulova has worked with stakeholders to advance legislation and funding aimed at conserving and restoring Virginia’s natural resources. Key initiatives have included funding for the agricultural BMP cost-share program, upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities, management of invasive species, and a pay-for-outcomes pilot project to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. During the 2025 session, he partnered with environmental organizations, manufacturers, and water utilities to secure passage of bipartisan legislation designed to reduce PFAS contamination in one of Virginia’s major drinking water sources. In 2019, VIRGINIAforever recognized Bulova with the Bridge Builder award for his contributions to natural resources stewardship.
Bulova and his wife Gretchen both grew up in Fairfax County and have three children. He received a BA in Government from the College of William and Mary and a Master of Public Administration from Virginia Tech. He is a 1997 graduate of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. In their spare time, Bulova, Gretchen, and their youngest son, Grayson, enjoy hiking in Virginia’s beautiful parks.
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Statement by Del. David Bulova:
It has been an incredible honor to represent the people of the City of Fairfax and parts of Fairfax County since 2006. This is the community where I grew up, and where my wife and I chose to raise our three wonderful children.
Today, Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger nominated me to serve as Virginia’s next Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources – an offer that I have accepted.
Preserving and restoring Virginia’s environment is a life-long passion for me. As a child, I spent most of my time exploring the woods of the Rabbit Branch stream valley in Kings Park West and fishing at Royal Lake. That love turned into a career in stormwater management and Chesapeake Bay restoration that has now spanned more than three decades. Our Governor-elect shares that passion and I am excited to work with her to fulfil the promise outlined in Virginia’s constitution to protect our atmosphere, lands, and waters for the benefit, enjoyment, and general welfare of the people of the Commonwealth.
I am keenly aware and humbled that my journey, and any successes along the way, are because of the dedication and efforts of many, many people. To those who have worked so hard on my behalf over these past 20 years – thank you! You have made it possible to represent the community I love. Words cannot adequately express my gratitude and appreciation. Thank you as well to those who may not have always agreed with me but have nonetheless offered friendship and a different perspective. That feedback and collegiality have been deeply valued.
Special thanks to my long-time legislative assistant, Rama Van Pelt, who has been with me since my very first session. Rama has been an incredible partner and the quintessential professional – working behind the scenes on literally thousands of constituent issues and requests. Thank you as well to my campaign treasurer, Linda Martin, who sat around our kitchen table to strategize when we first launched our campaign in 2005 and has been there for me ever since.
As many of you know, my family is everything to me. I could not have done this without the love and support of my mom and dad, Sharon Bulova and Richard Bulova, my in-laws, Janet and Charlie Reimer, my stepfather, Lou DeFalaise, and all the members of my extended family.
To my wife Gretchen, my best friend and partner in life, I love you. Ever since we first met at Robinson Secondary, I knew we would have amazing adventures together. And when I would have doubts, you were there to support me – and gently push me when I needed extra encouragement. You have been a true partner, confidant, and my chief organizer every step of the way. To my children, Alex, Josette, and Grayson – I am so proud of you. I know that growing up in a political family wasn’t always easy, but I hope you know that it means the world to me that we did this together.
And finally, my deep gratitude to the residents of the 11th House District who entrusted me to serve as your voice in the House of Delegates.
This marks my 83rd and final Focus on Fairfax. I look back at my first newsletter, written on January 27, 2006 from the perspective of a newly elected freshman delegate. I still remember writing the newsletter, and the excitement of announcing my first Town Hall meeting. While much has changed since then, what has not changed is the fact that we live in a wonderful community, with people who deeply care about creating a brighter future for everyone.
Once my official resignation date is determined, the Speaker of the House will announce a special election to fill my seat. Details will be forthcoming.
Happy Holidays and warmest wishes to you and your family. May the New Year bring you peace, joy, and happiness.
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