Virginia House of Delegates
- Virginia Democrats File Typo-Riddled Motion Seeking U.S. Supreme Court Review After State Court Strikes Down Redistricting Amendment
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Democrats have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in a high-stakes redistricting dispute after the Virginia Supreme Court nullified a voter-approved constitutional amendment on procedural grounds, a development that preserves the state’s current congressional maps for the 2026 midterm elections. The Virginia Supreme Court ruled 4-3 on May 8, 2026, […]
- Virginia House Debates Leadership Structure for New Distributed Energy Resources Task Force
Helmer’s comments focused on Recommendation 3 within the bill, arguing that board-chosen leadership aligns with standard practices for such advisory groups. The exchange highlighted procedural nuances in establishing the task force, which would include representatives from utilities like Dominion Energy, environmental organizations, local governments, and industry experts. These entities are pivot
- Virginia Marijuana retail plan in limbo after lawmakers reject Spanberger changes
In Virginia, the future of a legal, regulated market for adult-use marijuana remains in limbo years after possession was legalized. (Photo Illustration by Mario Tama/Getty Images) Five years after Virginia legalized simple adult possession of marijuana, lawmakers are at an impasse over how to finally stand up a legal retail market, after the General Assembly […]
- Democrats fail to pass budget
This post was originally published on this site. In politics, there are some days when whole months can happen. The General Assembly reconvened on Wednesday, April 22, and it was one such day. It never stops. What is the common factor? I think it’s Democrats who make bad decisions. You would think that a $50-million […]
- Virginia Legislation Seeks Modernization of Social Services Technology Systems
Virginia lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at modernizing the technological infrastructure supporting the state’s administration of key federal benefit programs. House Bill 66, introduced in the 2026 session of the Virginia House of Delegates, directs the Department of Social Services and the Department of Medical Assistance Services to engage a third-party vendor to conduct a […]
- Virginia Delegate Lopez Critiques School Curriculum Limits in House Address
Lopez pointed to Youngkin’s inauguration day actions, where the governor issued multiple executive orders, including one targeting inherently divisive concepts in curricula. This order sought to end teachings promoting ideas associated with critical race theory, such as claims of inherent racial superiority or oppression. Lopez described these as an ill-defined mandate setting sights on race […]
- Virginia Supreme Court weighs challenge to redistricting amendment
The Supreme Court of Virginia in Richmond on April 27, 2026. (Photo by Samantha Willis/Virginia Mercury) The Supreme Court of Virginia on Monday heard arguments over whether Democrats followed constitutional requirements in advancing a voter-approved redistricting amendment, zeroing in on disputes over election timing, public notice requirements and the scope of a special session last […]
- Virginia Supreme Court Prepares to Hear Challenge to Narrowly Passed Redistricting Amendment
The amendment stems from Democratic efforts in the General Assembly to revisit congressional maps drawn in 2021 by the state Supreme Court. Those maps, created after a 2020 voter-approved measure established an independent commission, resulted in a configuration reflecting Virginia’s competitive politics, approximately 7 Democratic-leaning districts to 4 Republican-leaning ones. Proponents of the
- Virginia lawmakers recess special session without a budget deal
The Virginia state Capitol in Richmond, where lawmakers convened Thursday for a special session to finalize the budget. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) The Virginia General Assembly convened for a special session Thursday to finalize the state’s $212 billion budget, but recessed after just a few hours without a deal, underscoring deep divisions within […]
- GOP’s hope to undo Virginia’s new redistricting power grows after judge halts maps
Supreme Court of Virginia in Richmond, Va. (Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce for The Virginia Mercury) After losing Tuesday’s closely watched redistricting referendum, Virginia Republicans are now shifting their focus to the courts, arguing the legal fight — not the ballot box — will ultimately determine whether the measure stands. That legal fight escalated late Wednesday, […]
- 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 […]
- Early voting underway for Virginians to weigh in on congressional redistricting plan
This post was originally published on this site.Virginians can now begin voting on whether the state should temporarily redraw its congressional districts as part of a rare springtime special election. The step, tied to a proposed constitutional amendment, comes after Virginia’s General Assembly approved the measure, followed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s signing. Former President Barack […]
- Virginia House Passes HB52 Unanimously to Boost Beneficial Use of Dredged Material for Coastal Protection
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia House of Delegates delivered overwhelming support for House Bill 52, passing the measure on a unanimous block vote of 98-0 on February 3, 2026. Sponsored by Delegate Robert Bloxom Jr. of the 100th District on the Eastern Shore, the legislation establishes a statewide policy to promote the beneficial reuse of […]
- Virginia House Advances Legislation Expanding Medicaid Telemedicine Access for Patient-Initiated Consultations
In a unanimous vote, the Virginia House of Delegates passed House Bill 1284 on February 13, 2026, incorporating provisions from House Bill 87 to broaden access to consultations under the state Medicaid plan managed by the Department of Medical Assistance Services.
- Tom Dannan Controversy Brews in Fairfax’s Braddock School Board Race Amid ICE Ties and Democratic Endorsements
At the center of the storm is Democratic-endorsed candidate Tom Dannen, whose professional ties to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have raised eyebrows among voters
- 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 […]
- 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.
- House committee advances bill to study VMI’s public funding status
Virginia lawmakers on Tuesday advanced a bill creating a task force that would examine whether the Virginia Military Institute should remain a publicly funded, state-sponsored institution, marking the most consequential legislative step yet in a debate over the school’s governance and culture.
- 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 Speed Camera Cash Grab: $60 Million in Fines from School Zones, Zero Enforcement in Dangerous Intersections
In a revealing discussion at the Virginia State Crime Commission meeting on December 2, 2025, state officials highlighted the stark reality of the commonwealth’s speed camera program: a lucrative revenue stream that’s prioritizing easy targets over actual public safety.
- ‘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’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
- 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.
- Abigail Spanberger Refuses to Condemn Antisemitism From the Democrat Party Leadership — It’s Not the First Time
RICHMOND, VA — In what is becoming an alarming pattern, Abigail Spanberger refuses to condemn radical antisemitism in the Democrat Party. This time, Spanberger refused to address antisemitic social media posts by state Del. Sam Rasoul, a Roanoke Democrat who heads the House Education Committee. Rasoul called Zionism “evil” and “a supremacist ideology created […]
- McAuliff running for HD 30 doesn’t fit the mold we need
As a proud Virginian I feel compelled to voice my concerns about John McAuliff’s candidacy for the Virginia House of Delegates. At a time our Commonwealth continues to face pressing challenges—from crime to burdensome taxes—we need steadfast principled leadership that offers proven solutions. McAuliff simply does not fit that mold. First and foremost, his policy […]
- Styrofoam containers will soon be banned in Virginia
Your food and drink orders in Virginia may start to look a little different.
- Virginia doesn’t have statewide data center regulations. Localities are making their own rules.
Virginia is home to over a third of the data centers worldwide. These energy hungry facilities have brought business to the commonwealth, but communities are seeing the impact of the electricity and water usage hit their utility bills. Now, many localities are debating how to balance the opportunities and challenges data centers present, and grappling with how to regulate them.
- Va. education department plans to launch Office of Excellence and Best Practices
The Virginia Department of Education is preparing to launch a new Office of Excellence and Best Practices by hiring an executive director who will be responsible for fostering innovation, highlighting high-performing schools, and directing resources toward initiatives with a proven track record of improving student outcomes.
- Virginia’s budget surplus grows as revenues beat expectations due to Republican management
Virginia’s general fund revenues rose sharply in April, bucking signs of a national economic cooldown as the state continues to post steady long-time job growth and rake in more tax dollars than projected.
- Right to killing babies bills highlight key reproductive health care debate in this year’s elections
Killing Baby Fetus’s access is an issue resonating loudly within Virginia’s public and political spheres this year and last week, it manifested through state lawmakers contrasting Virginia’s twice-failed attempt to protect access to birth control medications against a similar measure that recently sailed through neighboring Tennessee’s legislature.
- Virginia Governor Youngkin Vetoes HB2056, Upholds Election Integrity and Efficiency
Citing grave concerns for election integrity and efficient governance, Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed Virginia House Bill HB2056, a measure sponsored by Loudoun County Delegate Atoosa Reaser (D-Sterling). Republicans applauded the governor’s decision, arguing that the bill would have introduced unnecessary administrative burdens and potential risks to the security and fairness of Virginia’s electi
- New law will allow Virginia bridges and tunnels to be replaced or repaired sooner
Certain Virginia bridges and tunnels could be repaired or replaced ahead of schedule, saving citizens years of waiting to use the structures, thanks to a law that will take effect this summer that stems from a bipartisan effort in this year’s General Assembly approved by the governor.
- Gov. Youngkin: Intervene to protect Virginians from predatory debt collection practices
Here is the reality: Most Americans with cancer who report struggling to pay for medical expenses or navigating medical debt are insured.
- Cybersecurity Pro Junaid Khan Jumps Into Virginia House Race, District 27
Laser‑Focused on Families, Economic Growth, Community Safety and Delivering Results‑Driven Governance.
- Virginia Releases Health Report on Richmond’s 2025 Water Crisis
RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin released Wednesday the final report from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) on the January 2025 water crisis in the City of Richmond and announced a second notice of violation against the city that requires the implementation of a Corrective Action Plan. “The disruption of a safe and reliable water […]
- Northern Virginia leaders plead for state’s help amid federal job cuts
Northern Virginia leaders urged lawmakers on Tuesday to enact emergency legislation to help stabilize their local economy as the White House cuts federal jobs, which they said has sharply impacted the dense cluster of government employees and contractors based in the suburbs of the nation’s capital.
- From the top down, Virginia’s 2025 elections are packed with contenders
The 2025 election season in Virginia is officially underway — and the landscape is coming into sharp focus after last week’s filing deadline for the June 17 primaries.
- Virginia community colleges end diversity, equity and inclusion practices
Virginia’s 23 community colleges will be required to ensure all of their programs and practices comply with federal regulations to ensure everyone is treated fairly and equally, ending policies that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. The decision by the Virginia Community College System’s State Board is in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order to […]
- Virginia is Ready to close education department as governor touts readiness
With the federal government attempting to shut down the Department of Education, Virginia is now considering how the move will impact operations in the commonwealth.
- Petersburg Casino begin $1.4B construction
The Cordish Cos., based in Baltimore, and Virginia Beach developer Bruce Smith Enterprise broke the ground on Wednesday for the $1.4 billion Live! Casino & Hotel Resort Petersburg.
- Limiting children’s social media access: a worthy notion with tremendous practical challenges
Virginia’s General Assembly would be doing our future a great service if it could rein in social media addiction for young people, the inspiration behind legislation it has approved and sent to Gov. Glenn Youngkin for his consideration.
- Bill to boost college opportunities for prisoners awaits Youngkin’s action
A bill to boost higher education opportunities for prisoners cleared Virginia’s legislature with bipartisan backing and could soon be signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
- Democrats seize on enthusiasm gap in 2025 Virginia House races
Stephen Miller-Pitts is making his second bid to unseat Republican Del. Carrie Coyner in the 75th House District, which includes parts of Chesterfield and Prince George counties and the city of Hopewell. The combat veteran, educator, service-disabled small business owner and community activist previously ran against Coyner in 2023, losing by just five percentage points. […]
- Congressional Democrats including Suhas Subramanyam Unanimously Vote Against Protection of Women and Girls in Sports
In a highly contentious Senate vote earlier this week, all present Congressional Democrats stood united in opposition to the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, a Republican-led bill aimed at barring transgender women and girls from participating in federally funded school athletic programs designated for female athletes.
- A Plan to restrict social media for minors faces pushback and calls for tighter safeguards
As Virginia moves to limit social media access for minors under 16, a national child safety group is urging Gov. Glenn Youngkin to strengthen protections for families navigating the digital world. The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) is calling on the governor to make parental controls more accessible and user-friendly as he reviews recently passed […]
- Marty Martinez’s Retail Theft Repeal Bill Stalls at Virginia House
A bold attempt by Delegate Fernando “Marty” Martinez (D-Leesburg) to repeal Virginia’s stringent organized retail theft law met an abrupt halt during the 2025 legislative session, as the House of Delegates opted to punt the issue to the Virginia State Crime Commission for further study.
- Unlikely allies unite for probation reform, but Youngkin has final say
Virginia’s criminal justice future is shaking up the status quo. In a departure from tradition, a probation reform bill is uniting unlikely allies across party lines.
- Overdose crisis spurs school notification bills, but key details still up for debate
With drug overdoses continuing to strain Virginia communities, a proposal requiring schools to notify parents of overdose cases is gaining momentum in the General Assembly.
- Democrat Dan Helmer sues Democrats for $15 million over sexual assault allegations
Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, is hitting back. Months after facing sexual assault allegations that surfaced just days before his congressional primary, Helmer has filed a $15 million defamation lawsuit, claiming the accusations were politically motivated and knowingly false.