2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26105430D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 32

Offered January 15, 2026

Celebrating the life of Kevin John McDonald.

—————

Patrons—Ebbin; Delegate: Sickles

—————

WHEREAS, Kevin John McDonald, an esteemed staff member at the United States Capitol and Events DC and a beloved member of the Alexandria community, died on September 26, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Kevin McDonald graduated from Holyoke High School in Holyoke, Massachusetts, before earning a bachelor's degree in political science from the College of the Holy Cross in 1983; and

WHEREAS, Kevin McDonald settled in Washington, D.C., and worked briefly as an intern in the office of United States Congressman Silvio O. Conte from Massachusetts before becoming the assistant scheduler for United States Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey in 1984; and

WHEREAS, after acquiring significant experience and expertise, Kevin McDonald was selected to serve as the senior scheduler for Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont; and

WHEREAS, in this role, Kevin McDonald garnered the trust and respect of Senator Leahy and his staff, and he ultimately was promoted to serve as the senator's political strategist, a position that took on particular significance when Senator Leahy became president pro tempore of the United States Senate; and

WHEREAS, Kevin McDonald retired from the United States Capitol in January 2023 and served as the first-ever senior director of scheduling and protocol for Events DC, the official convention, sports, and entertainment authority for the District of Columbia, before fully retiring; and

WHEREAS, affectionately referred to by his friends as “America's Guest,” Kevin McDonald was an avid traveler whose adventures touched every corner of the globe; and

WHEREAS, Kevin McDonald made it a priority throughout his life to serve those in need and to bring family, friends, and loved ones together whenever possible; he was the life of every gathering; and

WHEREAS, Kevin McDonald was guided by his faith and enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Arlington; and

WHEREAS, Kevin McDonald will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his brother, Thomas, and his family; his friend and partner, Brian Kim; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Kevin John McDonald, a treasured member of the Alexandria community whose light brightened countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Kevin John McDonald as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.