Markus Schmidt
@mschmidtrva.bsky.social
📤 1007
📥 117
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Sr. politics reporter | deputy editor Virginia Mercury (Richmond, VA)
[email protected]
Gov. Spanberger is defending a wave of vetoes that frustrated Democrats during her first months in office. “As I view it, I’m doing my job,” she told me. “The General Assembly passes bills, the governor has the responsibility to amend, sign, or veto.”
virginiamercury.com/2026/06/12/s...
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Spanberger defends wave of vetoes as frustrated Democrats push back • Virginia Mercury
Virginia Democrats spent years waiting for unified control of state government after an unprecedented string of bruising vetoes under Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. But nearly six months into Gov. Ab...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/06/12/spanberger-defends-wave-of-vetoes-as-frustrated-democrats-push-back/
13 days ago
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Virginia officials are urging residents to prepare for hurricane season now, citing the lasting damage Hurricane Helene caused in SWVA. Gov. Spanberger on Wednesday encouraged Virginians to make emergency plans, build supply kits and review evacuation zones.
virginiamercury.com/2026/06/03/v...
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Virginia officials urge hurricane preparedness as 2026 storm season begins • Virginia Mercury
With the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season underway, Virginia officials are urging residents to prepare now for severe weather that can bring flooding, damaging winds, tornadoes and prolonged power outag...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/06/03/virginia-officials-urge-hurricane-preparedness-as-2026-storm-season-begins/
22 days ago
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Virginia’s updated revenue forecast projects an additional $1.5 billion in General Fund revenues through FY2028, giving lawmakers more room as budget negotiations continue ahead of the June 30 deadline.
virginiamercury.com/2026/06/02/v...
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Virginia revenue forecast jumps by $1.5 billion as budget talks continue • Virginia Mercury
Virginia’s revenue outlook has improved by $1.5 billion over the next three fiscal years, giving lawmakers more breathing room as negotiations over a stalled state budget are set to continue in Richmo...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/06/02/virginia-revenue-forecast-jumps-by-1-5-billion-as-budget-talks-continue/
23 days ago
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Rep. Jen Kiggans is standing by President Trump’s war in Iran even as she acknowledges the conflict is helping drive up gas prices in Hampton Roads ahead of one of the country’s most competitive House races.
virginiamercury.com/2026/05/28/k...
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Kiggans maintains support for Iran war while warning of pain at the pump • Virginia Mercury
U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, a Republican from Virginia Beach, is finding herself in a politically precarious position as she seeks a third term in one of the nation’s most competitive congressional races.S...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/05/28/kiggans-maintains-support-for-iran-war-while-warning-of-pain-at-the-pump/
28 days ago
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Virginia’s economy is showing signs of strain — including nearly 42,000 job losses over the past 10 months — even as state revenues continue beating expectations and lawmakers remain deadlocked over the budget.
virginiamercury.com/2026/05/20/v...
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Virginia revenues surge despite job losses amid budget standoff • Virginia Mercury
Virginia’s economy is showing increasing signs of strain from slower job growth, rising inflation and weakening consumer confidence, even as state revenues continue exceeding expectations and giving l...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/05/20/virginia-revenues-surge-despite-job-losses-amid-budget-standoff/
about 1 month ago
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NEW: Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoes legislation that would have created Virginia’s long-delayed adult-use cannabis retail market, leaving the state in the same legal limbo it has faced since marijuana possession was legalized in 2021.
virginiamercury.com/2026/05/19/s...
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Spanberger vetoes cannabis bill, stalling legal sales again • Virginia Mercury
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 ...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/05/19/spanberger-vetoes-cannabis-bill-stalling-legal-sales-again/
about 1 month ago
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SCOTUS ended Virginia Democrats’ redistricting fight Friday, triggering a wave of suspended congressional campaigns over the weekend. But Democrats still believe they can flip at least two GOP-held Virginia seats in 2026 under the current maps.
virginiamercury.com/2026/05/18/v...
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US Supreme Court decision ends Virginia’s redistricting fight, reshapes 2026 races • Virginia Mercury
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision late Friday to reject Virginia Democrats’ emergency appeal over congressional redistricting effectively ended any remaining effort to revive the state’s redistricting...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/05/18/virginias-redistricting-amendment-was-struck-down-whats-next/
about 1 month ago
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Gov. Spanberger signed another package of bills, including Virginia’s new assault weapons ban after lawmakers rejected her proposed amendments narrowing the measure. The package also includes marijuana resentencing reforms & a ban on weapons in hospitals.
virginiamercury.com/2026/05/15/s...
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Spanberger signs assault weapons ban, package of criminal justice and energy bills • Virginia Mercury
Gov. Abigail Spanberger late Thursday signed a sweeping package of legislation approved during the 2026 General Assembly session, including a ban on the future sale and manufacture of assault-style fi...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/05/15/spanberger-signs-assault-weapons-ban-package-of-criminal-justice-and-energy-bills/
about 1 month ago
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The NAACP and Advancement Project are asking SCOTUS to overturn Virginia’s high court ruling striking down the state’s redistricting referendum, arguing the decision disenfranchised more than 3.1 million voters who approved the measure in April.
virginiamercury.com/2026/05/14/n...
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NAACP asks US Supreme Court to overturn Virginia redistricting decision • Virginia Mercury
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Advance Project on Wednesday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse Virginia’s high court ruling striking down the state’s redis...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/05/14/naacp-asks-us-supreme-court-to-overturn-virginia-redistricting-decision/
about 1 month ago
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#breaking
The Supreme Court of Virginia has struck down Virginia’s voter-approved redistricting amendment. The court says lawmakers violated the state constitution by advancing the proposal after early voting had already begun in the 2025 House elections.
about 2 months ago
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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...
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FBI raids Sen. Louise Lucas’ Portsmouth office, cannabis business • Virginia Mercury
Federal agents on Wednesday morning raided the Portsmouth office of state Sen. Louise Lucas, one of Virginia’s most powerful Democratic lawmakers, with multiple news outlets reporting an extensive law...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/05/06/fbi-raids-sen-louise-lucas-portsmouth-office-cannabis-business/
about 2 months ago
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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...
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Supreme Court of Virginia weighs challenge to redistricting amendment • 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 e...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/27/supreme-court-of-virginia-weighs-challenge-to-redistricting-amendment/
about 2 months ago
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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...
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GOP's hope to undo Virginia’s new redistricting power grows after judge halts maps • 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 determi...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/23/gops-hope-to-undo-virginias-new-redistricting-power-grows-after-judge-halts-maps/
2 months ago
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NEW: @GovernorVA signs package of reproductive rights legislation — dubbed “Momnibus” — into law, while multitasking and holding a newborn baby.
2 months ago
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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.
2 months ago
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#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...
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Virginia voters back redistricting amendment after months of legal and political battles • 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 ...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/21/virginia-voters-back-redistricting-amendment-after-months-of-legal-and-political-battles/
2 months ago
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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...
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LIVE COVERAGE: Virginia redistricting referendum • Virginia Mercury
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/21/live-coverage-virginia-redistricting-referendum/
2 months ago
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reposted by
Markus Schmidt
Virginia Mercury
2 months ago
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...
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LIVE COVERAGE: Virginia redistricting referendum • Virginia Mercury
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/21/live-coverage-virginia-redistricting-referendum/
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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...
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Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax kills wife, then himself, police say • Virginia Mercury
Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax fatally shot his wife, Cerina Fairfax, before taking his own life early Thursday at the family’s home in Annandale, Fairfax County police said, in what authorit...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/16/former-virginia-lt-gov-justin-fairfax-kills-wife-then-himself-police-say/
2 months ago
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#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.
2 months ago
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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...
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Spanberger acts on immigration bills, seeks changes to ICE-related measures • Virginia Mercury
Gov. Abigail Spanberger this week signed several immigration-related bills into law and proposed changes to others, clarifying how Virginia agencies can work with federal immigration authorities and s...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/15/spanberger-acts-on-immigration-bills-seeks-changes-to-ice-related-measures/
2 months ago
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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...
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Spanberger amends, signs sweeping gun legislation reshaping Virginia’s firearm laws • Virginia Mercury
Just hours before a midnight deadline, Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Monday submitted a series of amendments to high-profile gun legislation passed by the General Assembly last month, while also signing ...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/14/spanberger-amends-signs-sweeping-gun-legislation-reshaping-virginias-firearm-laws/
2 months ago
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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...
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Youngkin returns to campaign trail, calls for court to strike redistricting vote • Virginia Mercury
With just 10 days remaining before Virginia voters decide a closely watched redistricting referendum, former Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Saturday called on the Supreme Court of Virginia to strike down the measure, arguing it stems from what he described as an unconstitutional process.Speaking before a crowd of at least 150 people at a “Vote No Rally” held at the Bella Rose estate in Lynchburg, Youngkin returned to the campaign trail for the first time since leaving office in January, joining Republican lawmakers and officials in a coordinated push to defeat the April 21 ballot measure.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/11/youngkin-returns-to-campaign-trail-calls-for-court-to-strike-redistricting-vote/
3 months ago
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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.
3 months ago
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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...
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Virginia to raise minimum wage to $15 by 2028 under new law • Virginia Mercury
Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Thursday signed legislation to gradually raise Virginia’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028, delivering on a top Democratic priority and setting in motion a series of wage increases that will affect workers, businesses and the state budget for years to come.“Today, we are putting more money in the pockets of Virginia workers,” Spanberger said in a statement. “If you work full time in Virginia, you should be able to afford to live in Virginia. You should be able to keep up with your rent or mortgage, fill your medications, and save for your kids’ futures.”The measure, carried by Del. Jeion Ward, D-Hampton, and Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, codifies the state’s current minimum wage of $12.77 per hour, which took effect Jan. 1, and sets a path for future increases.
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/09/virginia-to-raise-minimum-wage-to-15-by-2028-under-new-law/
3 months ago
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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...
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As referendum nears, Spanberger balances governing and campaigning • Virginia Mercury
Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Wednesday pushed back against criticism from some fellow Democrats who say she has not done enough publicly to rally support for Virginia’s April 21 redistricting referendum...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/08/as-referendum-nears-spanberger-balances-governing-and-campaigning/
3 months ago
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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...
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New Virginia laws target school construction and classroom cellphone use • Virginia Mercury
Framing education as a cornerstone of her administration, Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday signed a sweeping package of legislation aimed at strengthening K-12 schools, expanding career pathways and...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/07/new-virginia-laws-target-school-construction-and-classroom-cellphone-use/
3 months ago
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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...
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Spanberger signs bipartisan bills tied to billions in business investment across Virginia • Virginia Mercury
Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Monday signed a package of economic development bills aimed at securing billions of dollars in private investment and creating thousands of jobs across Virginia, highlightin...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/06/spanberger-signs-bipartisan-bills-tied-to-billions-in-business-investment-across-virginia/
3 months ago
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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...
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Virginia joins multi-state lawsuit challenging Trump’s election order • Virginia Mercury
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones has joined a coalition of 21 states in suing President Donald Trump, launching a far-reaching legal challenge to a new executive order that critics say could upend ...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/03/virginia-joins-multi-state-lawsuit-challenging-trumps-election-order/
3 months ago
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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...
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Spanberger signs bipartisan school-safety, student support bills into law • Virginia Mercury
Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Thursday signed a new batch of legislation centered on school safety, student well-being and expanded support systems in Virginia’s public schools, alongside measures addres...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/02/spanberger-signs-bipartisan-school-safety-student-support-bills-into-law/
3 months ago
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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...
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Virginia civil rights leaders decry ‘misinformation’ in redistricting fight • Virginia Mercury
Civil rights leaders in Virginia on Wednesday denounced a political campaign opposing the state’s April 21 redistricting referendum, accusing it of spreading misinformation and exploiting civil rights...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/02/virginia-civil-rights-leaders-decry-misinformation-in-redistricting-fight/
3 months ago
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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...
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Spanberger order, RNC lawsuit highlight divide over Virginia voter roll maintenance • Virginia Mercury
With midterm elections approaching in Virginia, Republicans and Democrats are advancing competing strategies over how the state maintains its voter rolls, setting up an already familiar clash that is ...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/03/30/spanberger-order-rnc-lawsuit-highlight-divide-over-virginia-voter-roll-maintenance/
3 months ago
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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
3 months ago
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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...
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Virginia Democratic veterans rally for ‘yes’ vote in redistricting referendum • Virginia Mercury
House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, on Wednesday brushed aside concerns about early voting trends in Virginia’s April 21 redistricting referendum, arguing that despite stronger turnout so far in Re...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/03/25/virginia-democratic-veterans-rally-for-yes-vote-in-redistricting-referendum/
3 months ago
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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...
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Virginia joins national push for refunds after US Supreme Court voids Trump tariffs • Virginia Mercury
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones is pressing Congress to force refunds on billions of dollars in tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump, arguing the federal government must quickly repay busi...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/03/18/virginia-joins-national-push-for-refunds-after-us-supreme-court-voids-trump-tariffs/
3 months ago
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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...
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Warner files for reelection, launching bid for fourth U.S. Senate term • Virginia Mercury
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner formally launched his campaign for a fourth term this week, filing the paperwork and voter petitions required to appear on Virginia’s 2026 U.S. Senate ballot after a five-day swi...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/03/16/warner-files-for-reelection-launching-bid-for-fourth-u-s-senate-term/
3 months ago
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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...
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The 10 most important things that happened in Virginia’s 2026 legislative session • Virginia Mercury
Virginia lawmakers wrapped up the 2026 General Assembly session in dramatic fashion Saturday evening, adjourning their regular session without a budget deal after an unexpected dispute over data cente...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/03/14/the-10-most-important-things-that-happened-in-virginias-2026-legislative-session/
3 months ago
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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
3 months ago
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Republican Del. Terry Austin and Democrat Del. Luke Torian — both heavyweights on House Appropriations — sharing a quick, bipartisan huddle on the House floor.
#valeg
3 months ago
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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
3 months ago
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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...
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Clock ticking on Virginia budget as Democrats clash over data center tax break • Virginia Mercury
With just days remaining in the 2026 legislative session, Virginia lawmakers are running out of time to reach agreement on a new two-year state budget, even as Democrats control the governor’s office ...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/03/11/clock-ticking-on-virginia-budget-as-democrats-clash-over-data-center-tax-break/
4 months ago
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“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...
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‘Grow up’: Former Republican delegate defends civil-rights-themed mailers in redistricting fight • Virginia Mercury
The political storm over a mailer campaign invoking civil rights era imagery in Virginia’s redistricting referendum fight intensified Tuesday as Black conservatives stepped forward to defend the messa...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/03/10/grow-up-former-republican-delegate-defends-civil-rights-themed-mailers-in-redistricting-fight/
4 months ago
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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:
4 months ago
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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...
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Civil rights imagery in anti-redistricting mailers draws outrage in Virginia • Virginia Mercury
A shadowy political action committee opposing Virginia’s April 21 redistricting referendum is facing sharp criticism after sending mailers to voters over the weekend that invoke imagery and language f...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/03/09/civil-rights-imagery-in-anti-redistricting-mailers-draws-outrage-in-virginia/
4 months ago
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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...
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‘Unprecedented times:’ Virginia Democrats defend redistricting referendum as early voting begins • Virginia Mercury
As early voting began Friday for Virginia’s closely watched redistricting referendum, Democratic leaders pushed back against claims that the proposal would open the door to future partisan map-drawing...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/03/06/unprecedented-times-virginia-democrats-defend-redistricting-referendum-as-early-voting-begins/
4 months ago
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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...
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Virginia joins multistate lawsuit challenging Trump administration over new global tariffs • Virginia Mercury
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones joined more than 20 Democratic-led states Thursday in suing President Donald Trump’s administration over a new round of sweeping tariffs, arguing the president is a...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/03/05/virginia-joins-multistate-lawsuit-challenging-trump-administration-over-new-global-tariffs/
4 months ago
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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...
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Obama, Spanberger welcome Virginia Supreme Court ruling allowing redistricting vote • Virginia Mercury
A ruling by the Supreme Court of Virginia allowing early voting to move forward in the state’s redistricting referendum has quickly reverberated beyond Richmond, drawing praise from former President B...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/03/05/obama-spanberger-welcome-virginia-supreme-court-ruling-allowing-redistricting-vote/
4 months ago
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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...
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As conflict with Iran widens, Virginia lawmakers navigate political fallout • Virginia Mercury
President Donald Trump’s decision to launch a sweeping military offensive against Iran over the weekend is reverberating far beyond the Middle East, injecting new uncertainty into Virginia’s congressi...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/03/02/as-conflict-with-iran-widens-virginia-lawmakers-navigate-political-fallout/
4 months ago
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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...
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Virginia Democrats sharpen focus on ICE limits after Spanberger’s State of the Union rebuttal • Virginia Mercury
Virginia Democrats were already advancing legislation to curb state cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when President Donald Trump took the podium Tuesday night to tout record d...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/26/virginia-democrats-sharpen-focus-on-ice-limits-after-spanbergers-state-of-the-union-rebuttal/
4 months ago
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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...
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In Democratic rebuttal, Spanberger accuses Trump of driving up costs and chaos • Virginia Mercury
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, just weeks after being sworn in as the commonwealth’s 75th governor, delivered a sharp Democratic rebuttal Tuesday night to President Donald Trump’s 107-minute State ...
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/25/in-democratic-rebuttal-spanberger-accuses-trump-of-driving-up-costs-and-chaos/
4 months ago
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