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." Today, I am deeply humbled to share that I have received a Presidential Pardon from President Joe Biden for a mistake I made in 1994—one that changed the course of my life and taught me the true power of redemption. Read my full statement below 👇 pic.twitter.com/wK8KluC60b— Don Scott (@DonScott757) January 19, 2025 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." U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement after Biden's pardon of Don Scott: “Don Scott is an inspiration and living example that redemption is possible. Following his release from prison, he rebuilt his life—passing the Virginia bar exam, developing a reputation as an effective civil and criminal litigator, serving in the General Assembly, and then being unanimously elected as the first African American Speaker of the House of Delegates in Virginia’s history. I was glad to advocate for this pardon, and extend my deepest thanks to my colleagues that joined in that effort, and of course to President Biden. I would also like to thank President Biden for pardoning Richmonder and longtime acquaintance Kemba Smith Pradia, who turned her trauma into advocacy on issues relating to criminal justice, domestic violence, and equity.” Congressman Bobby Scott, who personally advocated for Don Scott to the White House, issued the following statement: “Don Scott’s path to redemption is a truly remarkable story. Don will be the first to admit that he made a life-changing mistake as a young man, and since his incarceration, he has exemplified integrity, responsibility, and fidelity to the law. After reentering society, he joined a workforce development company rising to the position of vice president, he sat for the bar and opened his own law practice, and got involved in his community. He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2019, elected Minority Leader in 2022, and unanimously elected Speaker in 2023 – the first African American to hold the position in our Commonwealth’s history. He never took his second chance for granted. His story demonstrates what the goal of our justice system should be – rehabilitation and restorative justice. I am pleased that President Biden recognizes this and has given Speaker Scott a well-deserved pardon.