PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - President Biden used his clemency power today, his last full day of presidency, to pardon 5 individuals and commute the sentences of 2 others. One of those pardons went to Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Don Scott. In a statement put out by the White House, President Biden talked about America being a country built on the promise of second chances and said he has used his clemency powers to "make that promise a reality." One of the recipients of that clemency power today, was Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Don Scott. According to the White House, Scott was convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1994, for which he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Scott said he served nearly 8. Following his incarceration, Scott began serving as an attorney and was elected to the Virginia legislature in 2019, serving Virginia's 88th district which covers most of the city of Portsmouth. In 2024, he made history as the first Black Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Speaker-to-be Del. Don Scott prepared to make history Biden's statement noted that Scott is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy and in 2021 he donated his kidney to his next-door neighbor, highlighting his dedication to public service and his tireless commitment to improving the lives of those around him. In a statement released by Scott following the Presidential Pardon, Scott said, "After serving nearly eight years in federal prison for my actions, I came out determined to reshape my future. I was driven by faith, family, and the belief that a person’s worst mistake doesn’t define the entirety of their story." He continued on, thanking Senators Kaine and Warner, Congressman Bobby Scott, and his friend Ken Johnson for supporting him. He also thanked his wife, daughter and mother. Scott said, "To those who may feel their mistakes define them, I want you to know that it’s possible to rebuild and thrive."