Glenn Youngkin
- Virginia Tech rector refuses to resign after Spanberger’s dismissal
Virginia Tech governing board member John Rocovich has refused to resign after Gov. Abigail Spanberger removed him last week after 16 years. Rocovich stated in a four-page letter addressed to the Secretary of the Commonwealth that he will not resign before his term ends on June 30, 2027. There was no sign of him at […]
- Abigail Spanberger vetoes cannabis bill, stalling legal sales again
Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday vetoed legislation that would have created Virginia’s long-delayed adult-use cannabis retail market, halting an effort lawmakers spent months negotiating five years after the commonwealth legalized marijuana possession. The veto came after the General Assembly last month rejected Spanberger’s substitute proposal, which would have substantially rewritten the legis
- Governor Abigail Spanberger fires Virginia Tech Rector Rocovich, appoints Dominion Energy’s Edward Baine as replacement
Gov. Abigail Spanberger has removed Rector John Rocovich from Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors, citing misconduct in a letter sent Wednesday. On Thursday, she announced that Edward Baine, executive vice president of utility operations and president of Dominion Energy Virginia, would replace Rocovich on the board for the remainder of his term, which ends in […]
- Virginia budget impasse threatens school funding, poses potential staffing challenges
If state leaders don’t finalize the budget by July 1, Virginia school leaders say there will be insufficient funding for special education, at-risk students, educator compensation and student services. (Photo by Getty Images) Virginia’s education leaders say they are optimistic about the proposed K-12 funding in the state budget, but their outlook is tempered by […]
- Thousands of Virginians will regain the right to vote next month
Virginia resident Tati King, a former felon who helped lead a major lawsuit to win back his and others’ voting rights, stands outside of Virginia’s Capitol. (Photo courtesy of Phuong Tran/ACLU of Virginia) Tati Abu King, who was formerly incarcerated for a felony, has been waiting years to be able to vote again. A court […]
- Spanberger weighs legislation to allow class action lawsuits in Virginia courts
(Photo by Getty Images) Gov. Abigail Spanberger is weighing whether to sign or veto legislation that would, for the first time, allow Virginians to file class action lawsuits in state courts — a shift advocates say would expand access to justice, but one that has drawn pushback over how far the change should go. Virginia […]
- Abigail Spanberger vetoes bills allowing public employees to collectively bargain working condition, wages
Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed collective bargaining legislation Thursday, drawing major criticism from some of the state’s largest unions and labor advocate groups. The governor previously expressed support for the bills that would allow more Virginia public workers to organize in unions and negotiate their working conditions and pay rates. Spanberger first sought amendments to Senate […]
- Supreme Court of Virginia strikes down redistricting amendment, keeps current maps in place
The Supreme Court of Virginia in Richmond on April 27, 2026. (Photo by Samantha Willis/Virginia Mercury) The Supreme Court of Virginia on Friday struck down the voter-approved redistricting amendment, upholding a lower court ruling that had declared the measure unconstitutional less than 24 hours after last week’s special election and briefly halted its implementation. The […]
- FBI Executes Multiple Raids on Virginia Senate Leader Louise Lucas’s Office and Related Sites in Major Corruption Probe
Portsmouth, Virginia – Federal agents with the FBI carried out search warrants Wednesday at the Portsmouth office of Virginia State Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas and at least 10 other locations across the state as part of an ongoing public corruption investigation. According to footage broadcast by Fox News and accounts from individuals […]
- Abigail Spanberger’s first 100 days are flashing a warning Virginia Democrats should not ignore
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signs bills to set referendums for four constitutional amendments on Feb. 6, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/ Virginia Mercury) Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a package of gun bills on April 10, including a ghost gun ban, an industry liability measure and a closure of the intimate partner loophole. The bills are […]
- Va. lawmakers OK governor’s tweaks to major bills, reject health and labor bill amendments
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger speaks with the press as lawmakers deliberate her changes to their bills on April 22, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/ Virginia Mercury) Virginia lawmakers met Wednesday to weigh Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s amendments to dozens of bills passed this year, reflecting both shared goals and differing views on some of the […]
- Virginia voters back redistricting amendment after months of legal and political battles
A voter casts a ballot in the April 21 redistricting referendum at the Stonebridge Recreational Center in Chesterfield County. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Virginia voters on Tuesday approved a constitutional amendment allowing mid-decade congressional redistricting, a move expected to dramatically reshape the state’s political map and potentially shift its congressional delegation f
- Abigail Spanberger signs bill forcing Virginia schools to add ‘Restorative Disciplinary practices’ before suspending students
Abigail Spanberger, the Virginia governor, signed into law a state bill that was passed by her Democratic colleagues. The bill prohibits public schools in Virginia from suspending or expelling a student before they have considered “restorative disciplinary practice” such as “peer mediation” and a “restorative circular.” Schools that do not use such practices are required […]
- 10 questions and answers about Virginia’s redistricting referendum
(Photo illustration by States Newsroom) Virginians will head to the polls Tuesday to approve or reject a closely watched constitutional amendment that could reshape the state’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 elections. The standalone spring referendum will cap months of legal battles, political messaging and unusually high early voting interest. The vote follows a […]
- Spanberger acts on immigration bills, seeks changes to ICE-related measures
Protesters hold signs outside Richmond City Hall in August during a rally against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detentions, calling for the city to bar local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Gov. Abigail Spanberger this week signed several immigration-related bills into law and proposed changes to others, clarifying how Virgin
- Virginia set to rejoin RGGI as utilities prepare to pass the cost back to ratepayers
A natural gas-fired power plant. (Photo by Getty Images) Virginia is poised to reenter the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative this summer, a move that could again add a monthly charge to electricity customers’ bills as utilities resume buying carbon credits. State officials expect the commonwealth to participate in the program’s September auction once regulations to […]
- Virginia Republicans Unanimously Approves Bill Easing Rental Lease Terminations for Military Personnel
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia General Assembly has delivered a strong show of support for the state’s military community by passing House Bill 174, which streamlines the process for active-duty service members to terminate their rental agreements when faced with permanent changes of station, deployments, or other official orders. HB174 amends the Virginia Residential Landlord […]
- Minimum Wage to $15 by 2028 Amid Close Vote
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Senate gave final legislative approval to House Bill 1 on March 4, 2026, passing the measure by a narrow 21-19 vote and sending it to Governor Glenn Youngkin for consideration. The bill, which incrementally raises the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by January 1, 2028, codifies the current […]
- Gov. Spanberger ends ICE agreement involving Virginia State Police and corrections officers
This post was originally published on this site. Gov. Abigail Spanberger has formally ended an agreement with the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement that had allowed Virginia State Police troopers and Virginia Department of Corrections officers to assist ICE. The agreement — which stems from Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration — had effectively placed state law […]
- Hampton Roads mayors want Virginia localities to keep control over collective bargaining
In a show of regional unity, mayors from the seven core cities of Hampton Roads united to oppose a bill that would allow public workers to collectively bargain over wages, benefits, and working conditions without local governments’ approval.
- Affordability or tax hikes? Spanberger agenda caught in political crossfire
Gov. Abigail Spanberger made affordability the centerpiece of her 2026 agenda, promising relief for Virginians strained by high housing costs, rising energy bills and everyday expenses. But less than a month into the General Assembly session, several dozen tax-increase bills filed by Democratic lawmakers have given Republicans a ready-made political weapon — and an opening […]
- Abigail Spanberger ends agreement between state law enforcement agencies and ICE
Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Wednesday formally ended the 287(g) agreement signed by her predecessor, former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, that mandated state law enforcement agencies cooperate with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement efforts. Youngkin’s mandate, known as Executive Order 47, was rescinded by Spanberger on her first day in office, but that action did […]
- Youngkin Touts Virginia Progress in Final State of the Commonwealth Address
On foster care and behavioral health, Youngkin pointed to the Right Help Right Now initiative as key to system improvements, aiming to better serve children and families. Critics, including Democratic leaders, have questioned the depth of reforms amid ongoing challenges. Virginia was named the top state for veterans by Smile Hub, attributed to policies like […]
- Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces $6.2 Million in Growth and Opportunity Virginia Grants
Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced $6.2 million in Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grants for 10 projects that advance Virginia’s economic competitiveness through innovation, workforce development, and strategic industry growth. The awarded projects will leverage an additional $4 million in investment.
- Virginia regulators weigh expanded use of data centers’ polluting generators
This past summer, a fire at an electrical substation forced data centers in Loudoun County to rely on backup diesel generators as their power source.
- Virginia’s future higher education chapter should be collaborative and not competitive, says a university official
Virginia will face a workforce shortage in 2026 that cannot be resolved by doing business as usual. The region’s hospitals are facing some of the most high nursing vacancy rates. teacher shortages continue to strain classrooms, accelerating burnout and affecting school divisions from Hampton Roads to Southwest Virginia.
- ‘We’re toast’: Virginia GOP erupts in finger-pointing after sweeping Democratic wins
Rick Buchanan didn’t expect to walk out before the first session even ended.
- Virginia Democrats were able to pull off a blue wave by leveraging green money. On television, some challengers were able to outspend incumbent Republicans 14-1.
Bobby Orrock served as a delegate in the House of Delegates longer than any other member. Caroline County Republican Bobby Orrock never faced any opposition during many of these years. The campaigns he ran were not particularly close.
- Data center growth drives locals to fight for more say
An aerial view shows a data center situated near single-family homes in Stone Ridge, Va., last year. Local communities around the country are seeking more input on where and how data centers are built. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images) When local activist Frank Arcoleo found out over the summer that a data center was coming […]
- Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin Celebrate Virginia’s 59% Drop in Fentanyl Overdose Deaths
Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin joined a wide array of stakeholders and allies today at the Patrick Henry Building to celebrate the nearly 59 percent reduction in fentanyl-involved overdose deaths in the Commonwealth of Virginia today versus January 2022.
- Virginia poised to launch adult-use Marijuana market
After four years of stalled efforts and repeated vetoes from outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Virginia lawmakers now see a clear path to finally standing up a legal adult-use Marijuana market.
- Governor Glenn Youngkin Issues Executive Order to Reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test in Virginia Schools
Executive Order 55 restores national benchmark to strengthen student health, character development, and academic excellence in schools across the Commonwealth. RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order (EO) 55 to reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test in the Commonwealth’s public school divisions, reinforcing the Commonwealth’s commitment to whole-child wellness and academic
- Va. Supreme Court hears appeal to lift suspension of Youngkin appointees from college boards
The Virginia Supreme Court will take its time to decide a case that could keep Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s appointments from serving on three Virginia university governing boards, or allow them to serve after being sidelined since June. The high court heard oral arguments in the case on Thursday.
- Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces AstraZeneca Selects Albemarle County for $4.5 Billion Investment
International pharmaceutical leader will make its largest single investment in a facility to date, creating 600 direct jobs RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that AstraZeneca will invest $4.5 billion to establish two new manufacturing facilities in Albemarle County.
- Bar complaints pile up against Jay Jones over violent texts sent to GOP lawmakers
A government watchdog group has filed a complaint with the Virginia State Bar on Tuesday, claiming that Jay Jones (D.), candidate for Virginia attorney general, should lose his license to practice. This is the third petition filed by the group since the release of texts showing Jones fantasizing and wishing the death of a GOP […]
- Data centers dominate House District 21 race between Thomas and Gorham
In Northern Virginia, a closely watched House of Delegates race is centered on how candidates plan to rein in the state’s booming data center industry and meet its soaring energy demands.
- Earle-Sears and Spanberger spar over Jones’ text in their one debate
Gubernatorial hopefuls Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle Sears and Abigail Spanberger, former Congresswoman, appeared on stage in person for the first time and probably only time during this election. They answered questions for one hour that ranged from the hated car tax to Jay Jones text messages to the Trump Administration and the ongoing shutdown of the federal government.
- House District 97, anchored in Virginia Beach, could determine party majority in House of Delegates
Just two years after House District 97 flipped from Republican to Democrat, the Virginia Beach district is being closely watched as a key race that could determine if Democrats will maintain their majority in the House, a hold they gained in 2023.
- Watershed mapping project shows rapid loss of forests, offers new view of Va.’s changing landscapes
Approximately 60% of Virginia is located inside the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and those communities now have access to an updated map that shows precisely how their landscapes are changing over time.
- Governor Glenn Youngkin Celebrates the Opening of Two New Lab Schools, 15 Now Serving Students Across Virginia
Governor Glenn Youngkin recognized two lab schools yesterday, the Isle Maritime Trades Academy (IMTA) and the Maritime Engineering and Environmental Studies Academy (MEESA), for their work in advancing the Commonwealth’s maritime industry workforce.
- Youngkin’s education board moves to toughen proficiency standards
Virginia students will soon face tougher academic expectations. Nearly a month after school leaders demanded greater transparency, the State Board of Education voted Thursday to support raising the benchmarks — or cut scores — for math and English, setting off a debate over how the changes will affect classrooms.
- Southwest Virginia lands $11M boost to reclaim abandoned coal mines
Southwest Virginia has been making strides to bring new life to abandoned mine sites. Millions of dollars have been invested in the region to plug the old coal mines, restore the land, and repurpose the space for economic development.
- GOP state Sen. Reeves launches 2026 US Senate bid, aims to unseat Warner
Virginia state Sen. Bryce Reeves, R-Spotsylvania, launched his campaign Wednesday for the U.S. Senate, setting up a high-stakes 2026 challenge to three-term Democratic Sen. Mark Warner.
- GOP districts take early lead in Virginia’s first week of early voting
Early voting in Virginia began just last week, but the first wave of ballots already shows Republican-leaning House of Delegates districts pulling ahead of their Democratic counterparts.
- Spanberger’s Radical Energy Policy: Feels Good, Costs a Ton, and Built on Slave Labor
Spanberger’s Radical Energy Agenda On many occasions Democrat Gubernatorial Candidate Abigail Spanberger has talked about her support for the Biden Administration’s environmental policies and the “importance of moving away from fossil fuels.” So, what does this really mean for the average Virginian family? For the last democrat governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam, this meant a […]
- Glenn Youngkin Signature Sets Stage for Virginia Health Insurance to Cover in vitro fertilization Treatment
A bill that can help people start and grow their families through fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization will become law, after Gov.
- Winsome Earle-Sears On the Record
After four years presiding over the state Senate, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears is attempting to make the leap to the governor’s mansion this fall. She is running on a platform of conservative values and her campaign largely mirrors the themes that brought Gov. Glenn Youngkin victory in 2021 — parents’ rights, fiscal responsibility and defending personal freedoms.
- Hitachi Energy invests $457 million to create 825 new jobs in Halifax County
Hitachi Energy plans to invest $457m and create 825 new jobs on its South Boston Campus in Halifax County. The company will be building more power grid components as the demand for electricity is increasing rapidly.
- Ghazala Hashmi Has Long History of Smearing Her State’s Voters As Racist and Fascist
Whether you’re a parent who objects to sexually explicit books being shown in your kids’ classrooms, an opponent of discriminatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, or a rank-and-file Virginian, your state’s Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor thinks you’re a bigot.
- As Virginia Dept. of Education prepares for new academic benchmarks, education leaders call for more transparency
The Virginia Department of Education is facing calls for greater transparency regarding plans to raise academic benchmarks for students.