Governor
- Lawmakers retreat from VMI oversight transfer, advance board overhaul
The Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. The House Education Committee on Wednesday advanced a revised bill reshaping the institute’s Board of Visitors while dropping a proposal that would have transferred oversight to Virginia State University. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) The House Education Committee on Wednesday scrapped a proposal to place the Virginia Military Institute [
- Spanberger Rolls Back A Proven Public Safety Tool
Governor Abigail Spanberger’s decision to rescind Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order 47 is not a procedural cleanup—it is a deliberate retreat from public safety. EO 47 ensured that Virginia law enforcement cooperated with federal immigration authorities under the 287(g) program, allowing trained officers to coordinate the transfer of criminal illegal aliens already in custody. Ending that cooper
- 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 […]
- 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 Youngkin’s mandate, known as Executive Order 47, was rescinded by Spanberger on her first day in office, but that action did […]
- Virginia’s RGGI Withdrawal and Potential Reentry Spark Debate on Costs and Emissions
Republican sources claim RGGI extracted $828 million from Virginians during participation, with withdrawal saving $937 million. Projections for rejoining under new Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger suggest annual costs of $500 million, equating to roughly $1,100 per household in higher electricity bills. Industrial users reportedly faced increases exceeding $1,500 monthly previously.0527 Carb
- Virginia Lawmakers Clash Over Redistricting Process as Kilgore Champions Status Quo
The 2020 amendments created independent bipartisan commissions for legislative and congressional redistricting, passing with approximately 65% voter support.
- Caste Legislation in the US is Not Emancipatory Reform
Recent efforts in the West, particularly in the United States, to legislate ‘caste’ as a protected category, similar to race, religion, and national origin, have elicited sharply divergent reactions. In academia and among human rights advocates, these measures have been celebrated as extending one of the world’s most ambitious affirmative action regimes: a modern state […]
- Senate Republican Caucus Celebrates Court Victory Protecting Virginia Voters and the Redistricting Commission
In October 2025, House Speaker Don Scott reconvened the 2024 Special Session—originally called by Governor Youngkin solely for budget purposes
- They Promised Affordability. Then Came the Tax Hikes—and the Pay Raise
Promises of Affordability? More Like Broken Promises Virginia Democrats spent the campaign season hammering one message: affordability. Voters were told that Democrats would ease the financial burden on working families and make the state more affordable to live in. But since retaking control of Virginia’s government, their actions tell a very different story. Tax Hikes […]
- Spanberger declares a state of emergency in advance of’significant’ and dangerous winter storm
In her first week as governor, Gov. Abigail Spanberger, the governor of Virginia, declared a state-of-emergency on Thursday in anticipation of a winter storm expected to hit the Commonwealth starting Saturday. In some areas, the majority of the state will experience heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and sleet Saturday, Sunday, and early Monday morning. This will […]
- Loudoun County Debates Allocation of $194 Million Surplus from Data Center Revenues
Loudoun County, Virginia, known for its concentration of data centers, is currently addressing how to manage a $194 million budget surplus generated in fiscal year 2025.
- 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 Senate District 15 Special Election Looms as Battleground Against Democratic Power Grab
As Virginians prepare to celebrate the holidays, a critical special election in Senate District 15 threatens to reshape the state’s political landscape—and potentially hand Democrats the keys to a dangerous redistricting scheme that could entrench their power for years to come. With early voting kicking off tomorrow, December 27th, and Election Day set for January 6th, voters in this Richmond-area
- Powerless by Design: How the Virginia Clean Economy Act Sacrifices Affordability for Ideology
The VCEA: A Partisan Law with Sweeping Energy Mandates In 2020, the Virginia Legislature passed the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) in a vote largely along party lines. Democrats voted for the measure, and Republicans voted against it. The legislation was signed into law by Democratic Governor Ralph Northam. Do Virginians know what this law […]
- 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.
- Va. considers nearly $700 million rail and trail plan in Shenandoah Valley
The Virginia Department of Transportation stunned Virginia’s transportation community by proposing a plan last Tuesday to potentially develop a multi-use trail and restore a deteriorated rail corridor in the Shenandoah Valley, with a possible price tag of nearly $700 million.
- ‘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.
- Virginia Senate Republicans Call Out Democrats for Attack on Right To Work
RICHMOND, VA – Democrats spent all year promising they would not touch right to work and that they would protect the money in Virginians’ pockets. Now one of their first priorities is dismantling Virginia’s right to work laws and pushing mandatory collective bargaining, even though Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger promised she would not sign a repeal. “Democrats […]
- 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.
- The Political Pendulum Swung Left
The political pendulum swings back and forth and Tuesday it swung hard infavor of the Democrat party. Democrats swept all three top spots inVirginia, aligning with a historical pattern dating back to 1976, where theCommonwealth votes for the opposition party to the party in the White House.This year was no exception but we take comfort […]
- 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.
- A Virginia political scribe recalls the dark ages of covering campaigns and elections before VPAP
The Virginia Public Access Project websites homepage. (Photo courtesy VPAP) We Virginians are about to elect our 75th governor, the first woman to hold the office. For those not yet up to speed, you can learn quite a lot about Democrat Abigail Spanberger or Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in very short order. For instance, in two […]
- 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.
- John Reid’s unconventional campaign
John Reid, Republican candidate for Governor, visited the Roanoke valley last week, and did what few other candidates would do.
- Jay Jones text scandal reshapes Virginia’s attorney general race — and tests Spanberger’s ticket
When Virginia’s two attorney general candidates are set to meet Thursday at the University of Richmond for what is expected to be their only debate before Election Day, the focus will almost certainly fall on one thing — the scandal over Democrat Jay Jones’s recently leaked text messages to Republi
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- WATCH: Abigail Spanberger, Asked Whether Boys Should Play in Girls’ Sports, Instead Rants About ‘Costs’
Abigail Spanberger was asked a yes or no question: Does she support biological boys playing in girls’ sports and using girls’ bathrooms? Instead, the Democratic Virginia gubernatorial hopeful gave a rambling answer before abruptly discussing rising costs. “Do you support trans women playing in girls’ sports and being in girls’ restrooms?” ABC 13’s Alexia Stanbridge […]
- 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.
- Virginia’s early voting season begins Friday, ushering in pivotal election
Early voting begins Friday in Virginia’s high-stakes general election, opening a six-week window for voters to cast their ballots in races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, all 100 seats of the House of Delegates and some local offices. This year’s early voting period arrives with several notable changes to state election law, including a shorter registration deadline and new re
- 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 […]
- Virginia Beach Police Benevolent Association Endorses Winsome Earle-Sears, Jason Miyares and John Reid
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. — The Virginia Beach Police Benevolent Association (VBPBA) announced its endorsement of Republican gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears, along with the entire GOP ticket, underscoring the importance of strong, principled leadership to keep Virginia’s communities safe. In its statement, the Virginia Beach PBA emphasized its independence from the statewide Virginia Police Be
- 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.
- In Chesterfield, Earle-Sears slams Spanberger, revives Youngkin’s winning campaign slogans
Virginia Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears dropped by an American Legion office in Midlothian on Thursday, a stop on her “Operation Defend and Deliver” campaign event series.
- Virginia’s energy needs can’t wait. Now is the time for nuclear power and clean gas.
The Virginia Clean Economy Act was passed into law by the Governor of Virginia. Its supporters celebrated this bold step towards a future free from carbon. The ink had barely dried before the realities and assumptions of the 21st Century began to overwhelm its assumptions. Virginia’s demand for energy has increased dramatically in just a […]
- Trump makes surprise phone call to SC Republicans at fundraising dinner headlined by Youngkin
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin speaks to 770 attendees at SC GOP’s annual Silver Elephant fundraiser gala in Columbia Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Photo by Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette) COLUMBIA — South Carolina Republicans attending the party’s annual fundraiser received a surprise phone call Saturday night from a previous keynote speaker — President Donald Trump. U.S. […]
- Earle-Sears: Renewable energy isn’t as clean as people think
Virginia’s next governor will face an energy crisis. How she handles it may well define her term. The basic problem is that the demand for energy is rising — driven largely by the growth of data centers. The operator of the regional power grid, known as PJM, has already warned that under some scenarios we […]
- York and Gloucester Counties to see Toll Removal thanks to Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin
Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that toll collection on the Route 17 George P. Coleman Bridge will cease on the evening of August 8, 2025.
- Why congressional redistricting is blowing up across the US this summer
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, left, and Texas Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, right, listen as Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu speaks to reporters during a press conference at the DuPage County Democratic Party headquarters on Aug. 3, 2025 in Carol Stream, Illinois. Wu was with a group of Democratic Texas lawmakers who left the […]
- The state’s highest jobless rate is now in the New River Valley, not Northern Virginia
Most sports teams have one mascot. The Washington Nationals baseball team has four —caricatures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt who engage in the “Racing Presidents” contest between the top and bottom of the fourth inning at every home game. The Racing Presidents. Courtesy of Rudi Riet. From time to time, […]
- Dominion Electricity Provider Spends More Dollars on Politicians
Dominion Energy Virginia contributed an additional $1 million to Virginia state level politicians as large, late donations for the pre-primary elections.
- Virginia job picture is ammunition for local Democrats in the heat of elections
Arlington’s Democratic leadership at the state and federal levels has ammunition from new data that shows an increase of Virginia’s unemployment claims. Rep. Don Beyer, D-8, seized on the figures released by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics Friday. The data showed that Virginia had been the only state that recorded a statistically significant rise […]
- Education Department tells Fairfax County School Board to rescind transgender-inclusive policies
Fairfax County Public Schools and other Northern Virginia school districts are being pressured by the U.S. Department of Education to reverse their policies that support transgender children.
- Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces U.S. Department of Education Action on Title IX Violations in Northern Virginia School Divisions
RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) determined that the gender policies of five school divisions in Northern Virginia – Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Arlington County, Prince William County and the City of Alexandria – violate Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The school […]