2026 SPECIAL SESSION I
ENROLLED
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2172
Celebrating the life of Dawann Anthony Steagall, Jr.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, June 22, 2026
WHEREAS, Dawann Anthony Steagall, Jr., chief of staff of the Honorable Alex Q. Askew and a beloved member of the Hampton Roads community, died on May 31, 2026, leaving a legacy of love, compassion, and dedication; and
WHEREAS, known affectionately by family and friends as “DJ” or “Big Steags,” Dawann Steagall was born in Portsmouth and graduated from West Potomac High School in Fairfax County in 2017; and
WHEREAS, after earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and sociology from Old Dominion University in 2021, Dawann Steagall participated in the Governor's Fellows Program with the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security; and
WHEREAS, Dawann Steagall served as the campaign manager for the Honorable Alex Q. Askew and became his chief of staff in January 2024, working tirelessly to support the delegate both at the General Assembly of Virginia and in his interactions with his constituents; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as chief of staff, Dawann Steagall successfully championed legislation to increase awareness of certain cancers known to be more common in individuals with sickle cell disease or the sickle cell trait; and
WHEREAS, Dawann Steagall found happiness in traveling, cooking, and cheering on the New England Patriots, and above all else enjoyed spending quality time with family and loved ones; and