FBI agents raided the Portsmouth office and cannabis business tied to Virginia state Sen. Louise Lucas on Wednesday as part of a federal investigation, shaking Virginia politics and prompting swift reactions from Democratic leaders. virginiamercury.com/2026/05/06/f...

The Supreme Court of Virginia heard arguments Monday in a challenge to the voter-approved redistricting amendment, with Justice Russell pressing both sides on election timing, public notice requirements and the scope of last October’s special session. virginiamercury.com/2026/04/27/s...

Va. Republicans are turning to the courts after narrowly losing the redistricting referendum, with a Tazewell judge now halting the new maps and the state vowing to appeal. GOP leaders say the fight isn’t over; the case heads toward the Virginia Supreme Court. virginiamercury.com/2026/04/23/g...

NEW: @GovernorVA signs package of reproductive rights legislation — dubbed “Momnibus” — into law, while multitasking and holding a newborn baby.

At a signing ceremony for reproductive rights legislation, Gov. Abigail Spanberger also celebrates the passing of Virginia’s redistricting referendum. “Last night is an example of what happens when people are informed what their options are,” she says.

#breaking Virginia voters approved the redistricting amendment Tuesday, 50.7%–49.3% with ~2.5M ballots cast, clearing the way for new congressional maps after months of legal and political battles. virginiamercury.com/2026/04/21/v...

Turnout steady so far in Virginia’s redistricting referendum. At the Stonebridge polling site in Chesterfield, 400+ votes had been cast by noon — about in line with last year’s statewide elections. “It’s been very pleasant so far,” one volunteer tells me. virginiamercury.com/2026/04/21/l...

It’s Election Day in Virginia! Voters will decide the fate of the redistricting amendment with major implications for the state’s congressional map. Follow our live blog for updates, turnout, and results throughout the day: virginiamercury.com/2026/04/21/l...

Full story: Fmr. Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax fatally shot his wife in their Annandale home before taking his own life, police say. One of their teenage children called 911 just after midnight. virginiamercury.com/2026/04/16/f...

#breaking Former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax committed suicide after fatally shooting his wife just after midnight, Fairfax Co. Police confirms. "Tragic for the children to lose both parents; extra tragic for them to be in the home while it occurred," Chief Davis said.

NEW: Gov. Spanberger signs immigration-related bills into law and proposes changes to others, setting up a clash with lawmakers over limits on ICE cooperation. She rejects claims Virginia is a “sanctuary state,” saying coordination with feds continues. virginiamercury.com/2026/04/15/s...

NEW: Gov. Spanberger amends key gun bills and signs others into law, advancing a sweeping overhaul of Va. firearms rules. The package clarifies assault weapons ban, restores background checks on private sales and expands limits on where guns can be carried. virginiamercury.com/2026/04/14/s...

NEW: Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin is back on the campaign trail for the first time since leaving office, urging the Virginia Supreme Court to invalidate the state’s redistricting referendum at a “Vote No Rally” in Lynchburg. virginiamercury.com/2026/04/11/y...

More than 100 people have gathered in Lynchburg for a “Vote No” rally on Virginia’s redistricting referendum, featuring remarks from former Gov. Glenn Youngkin, former AG Jason Miyares, and U.S. Reps. John McGuire and Jen Kiggans.

NEW: Gov. Abigail Spanberger signs legislation raising Virginia’s minimum wage to $15/hour by 2028, with automatic inflation adjustments starting in 2029. Democrats call it long overdue; Republicans warn of rising costs as budget talks continue. virginiamercury.com/2026/04/09/v...

NEW: @GovernorVA tells me she supports a “yes” vote on Virginia’s redistricting referendum — but her priority right now is governing, not campaigning. As early voting continues, she’s pushing back on Democrats who want a more visible public presence. virginiamercury.com/2026/04/08/a...

NEW: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed a sweeping package of education bills into law, targeting school construction, classroom cellphone use, career training and student safety. virginiamercury.com/2026/04/07/n...

NEW: Gov. Spanberger signs slate of bills backing $7B+ in private investment across Virginia, with projects expected to create thousands of jobs. The deals include $1B+ in state incentives, paid out over years and tied to job creation and investment benchmarks. virginiamercury.com/2026/04/06/s...

Virginia joins 20 other states in suing President Trump over a new executive order on elections, arguing it could override state voter rules and restrict mail ballots. The lawsuit claims the move is unconstitutional and could disenfranchise voters. virginiamercury.com/2026/04/03/v...

NEW: Gov. Spanberger signs bipartisan bills into law focused on school safety, student mental health and public health. Measures expand threat training, update internet safety and track school meal debt. virginiamercury.com/2026/04/02/s...

Va. civil rights leaders are calling out “misinformation” in the April 21 redistricting fight, incl. mailers using civil rights imagery and a misleading Obama quote. New filings link millions behind the campaign to a Thiel-backed dark money group.  virginiamercury.com/2026/04/02/v...

NEW: Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s order on voter roll maintenance — including rejoining a multistate data-sharing system — is colliding with an RNC lawsuit over how the state identifies and removes ineligible voters. virginiamercury.com/2026/03/30/s...

Inbox: Va. Republicans are calling for a 90-day suspension of the state’s gas tax, saying rising fuel prices are hitting families and urging Democrats to act. GOP leaders say the roughly 32-cent-per-gallon tax could be paused using state reserves. #valeg

NEW: Virginia Dems are brushing off early voting concerns in the April 21 redistricting referendum, even as GOP-leaning areas show stronger turnout. House Speaker Don Scott, joined by veterans in Norfolk, says the numbers track past cycles — and predicts a win. virginiamercury.com/2026/03/25/v...

NEW: Virginia AG Jay Jones joins national effort urging Congress to refund billions in tariffs after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers — saying Virginians shouldn’t be left footing the bill. virginiamercury.com/2026/03/18/v...

NEW: Sen. Mark Warner has formally kicked off his campaign for a fourth term, filing more than 18,000 signatures to appear on Virginia’s 2026 U.S. Senate ballot. The longtime Democrat faces primary challengers for the first time in his Senate career. #VASen virginiamercury.com/2026/03/16/w...

Virginia’s 2026 legislative session brought sweeping changes under a new Democratic trifecta — from gun control and redistricting to a $15 minimum wage and cannabis retail. But a dispute over data center tax breaks left lawmakers without a budget deal. virginiamercury.com/2026/03/14/t...

Five years after Virginia legalized adult-use cannabis, the General Assembly has approved legislation to finally create a retail market. The Senate passed the bill 21–18 on Friday, the House just approved it by 64-32. If enacted, retail sales would begin Jan. 1, 2027. #valeg

Republican Del. Terry Austin and Democrat Del. Luke Torian — both heavyweights on House Appropriations — sharing a quick, bipartisan huddle on the House floor. #valeg

Chesterfield schools closing for the April 21 special election because “robust turnout” is expected for Virginia’s redistricting referendum. Nothing says civic enthusiasm like canceling school for a ballot question most voters still can’t explain. 😬 #valeg

NEW: Virginia lawmakers are racing to finalize the state budget before Saturday’s adjournment, but talks are stalled over data center tax break. Gov. Spanberger says data centers should “pay their fair share,” but the state must honor existing agreements. virginiamercury.com/2026/03/11/c...

“Grow up!” Former Del. A.C. Cordoza defends controversial civil-rights-themed mailers opposing Virginia’s redistricting referendum Tuesday as Black conservatives joined the fight. Democrats blasted the tactic as misleading and “stupid.” #valeg virginiamercury.com/2026/03/10/g...

NEW: I just learned that the PAC behind the controversial mailers invoking civil rights imagery in Virginia’s redistricting referendum fight is led by former Del. A.C. Cordoza, according to the group’s treasurer. He sent me the statement below:

A controversial mailer campaign opposing Virginia’s redistricting referendum is drawing backlash for using civil rights imagery and references to Jim Crow. Critics say the materials mislead voters, while the PAC behind them has little public footprint. virginiamercury.com/2026/03/09/c...

NEW: Early voting is now underway in Virginia’s redistricting referendum. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., calls the proposal a temporary response “to counter the tyranny that Donald Trump has unleashed.” virginiamercury.com/2026/03/06/u...

NEW: Virginia AG Jay Jones has joined more than 20 states in suing the Trump administration over new global tariffs of up to 15% on imported goods. The suit argues the president is imposing sweeping taxes on Americans without congressional approval. virginiamercury.com/2026/03/05/v...

NEW: Former President Barack Obama and Gov. Abigail Spanberger welcome a Virginia Supreme Court ruling allowing early voting to begin Friday in the state’s redistricting referendum as Republicans mobilize opposition. virginiamercury.com/2026/03/05/o...

President Trump’s war in Iran could shake up Virginia’s congressional races. Dems question its legality; most VA Republicans back it. Sen. Warner, up for reelection this fall, calls it a “war of choice.” virginiamercury.com/2026/03/02/a...

NEW: After Gov. Spanberger’s SOTU rebuttal, Virginia Democrats are doubling down on efforts to limit ICE’s reach — pushing new legislation to curb cooperation with federal immigration agents and boost oversight. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/26/v...

Gov. Spanberger's rebuttal to Trump's State of the Union: POTUS is driving up housing, health care, energy and grocery costs, creating chaos at home and weakening the U.S. abroad. She also alleged corruption, saying he's "enriching himself." #vagov virginiamercury.com/2026/02/25/i...

Gov. Abigail Spanberger watches President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech from Williamsburg. Her Democratic response will start momentarily. (Pool photo by Erin Schaff)

NEW: Most Virginians back gun licensing (71%), registration (67%) and bans on semi-automatic rifles (57%) — but many doubt stricter laws would curb violence, new Roanoke College poll finds. 62% support keeping the current redistricting system. #valeg virginiamercury.com/2026/02/23/p...

Virginia’s money committees rewrite former Gov. Youngkin’s $212B budget — no new taxes, $100/$200 rebates, teacher raises and Medicaid backfills. The Senate would end a fast-growing data center tax break, steering revenue to schools and infrastructure. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/22/l...

NEW: A Tazewell County judge has temporarily blocked Virginia’s April 21 redistricting referendum, siding with the RNC and GOP lawmakers. The court cited likely constitutional violations and misleading ballot language. Democrats say they’ll appeal. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/19/r...

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will deliver the official Democratic response to President Trump’s State of the Union address next Tuesday. The move puts the recently sworn-in governor on the national stage as the party’s rebuttal voice. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/19/v...

NEW: Del. Dan Helmer is running in Virginia’s newly drawn #VA7 — a seat created under Democrats’ proposed 10-1 map. GOP leaders call it a “power grab” and “bad optics.” Helmer says his job was to win majorities, vows to “never back down.” #valeg virginiamercury.com/2026/02/18/a...

Post-crossover “affordability” messaging from House Democrats: Lowering everyday costs, housing affordability, health care premiums and co-pays, utility bills, child care — and touting 200+ bills passed, 800+ overall, with more than 75% bipartisan. #valeg

Virginia lawmakers advance legislation to create a regulated adult-use cannabis market. House bill passes 65-32; Senate clears its version 21-19. Retail sales could begin in late 2026 if Gov. Abigail Spanberger signs, as she’s pledged to do. #valeg virginiamercury.com/2026/02/17/v...

#breaking Democrat Elizabeth Bennett-Parker wins special election in #SD39, after Sen. Adam Ebbin left to join Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s administration.  Democrat Kirk McPike also holds Bennett-Parker’s former #HD5 seat in a separate contest. virginiamercury.com/2026/02/10/b...

NYT: Republican cash edge threatens to swamp Democrats in 2026. “Donald Trump has 99 problems going into the midterms,” one Democratic strategist said. “But money ain’t one.” www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/u...