Markus Schmidt

Virginia is ready for the midterms — and potential federal interference, elections chief Steve Koski says. He outlines ballot safeguards, says mail voting remains unchanged and stresses that officials are legally required to certify results. virginiamercury.com/2026/10/22/e...

Sen. Louise Lucas, one of Virginia’s most powerful Democrats, was indicted on federal racketeering, marijuana distribution and money laundering conspiracy charges tied to her cannabis business. Her attorney called the case a “circus.” virginiamercury.com/2026/10/22/v...

NEW: The $67B Dominion-NextEra merger faces growing resistance. Gov. Spanberger demands a six-year freeze on base-rate hikes and bigger bill credits, while SCC staff urge rejection of the deal as proposed. virginiamercury.com/2026/10/20/d...

With three weeks until Election Day, AG Jay Jones has launched a new unit to protect voting rights in Virginia. It will investigate voter intimidation, improper removals from voter rolls and other barriers to casting a ballot, Jones said. virginiamercury.com/2026/10/13/v...

Sen. Mark Warner called for federal AI rules and stronger healthcare funding, while GOP challenger Bert Mizusawa stressed enforcing existing laws and curbing waste at a forum hosted by Virginia’s disability community. virginiamercury.com/2026/10/08/w...

Virginia Republicans are calling on Gov. Abigail Spanberger to bring lawmakers back to Richmond for a special session and suspend the state’s fuel taxes for 90 days. Spanberger says she’s weighing options, while blaming Trump’s war with Iran for rising costs. virginiamercury.com/2026/10/06/v...

Gov. Abigail Spanberger is urging Congress to set AI safeguards, warning of risks to jobs, privacy and public resources. As Virginia launches its own AI task force, she says federal action can protect the public without halting innovation. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/22/s...

A century-old Virginia law gives legislator-lawyers broad power to delay court cases. Del. Terry Kilgore invoked it at least three times in Trey Adkins’ felony case; House Speaker Don Scott used it in a 2025 civil case. Why § 30-5 remains on the books: virginiamercury.com/2026/09/14/c...

Virginia consumer sentiment fell sharply in August as renewed inflation and a cooling labor market strained household budgets, according to a Roanoke College poll. Views of current conditions reached their lowest level since the 2022 inflation spike. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/03/c...

A federal judge has temporarily blocked most of Virginia’s new restrictions on local cooperation with ICE, allowing existing 287(g) agreements to continue. New participants remain barred, and AG Jay Jones says he’ll seek a stay and appeal. virginiamercury.com/2026/09/01/f...

Virginia is set to receive at least $353 million from Meta under a landmark multistate settlement targeting addictive features and harmful content on Facebook and Instagram. The deal would impose new time limits, age checks and safeguards for children. virginiamercury.com/2026/08/26/v...

Gov. Abigail Spanberger will formally intervene in the SCC’s review of NextEra’s proposed $67 billion acquisition of Dominion Energy — a first for a Virginia governor. “The size and scope of this merger application is also unprecedented,” she said. virginiamercury.com/2026/08/06/s...

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine is pushing reforms to the federal 340B drug pricing program, aiming to lower prescription costs for underserved patients while strengthening the hospitals and clinics that make up the health care safety net. virginiamercury.com/2026/08/05/k...

NEW: Ret. Army Maj. Gen. Bert Mizusawa wins GOP nomination to challenge U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, while Elaine Luria’s #VA02 victory secures a rematch with Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans in #VA02 in unusually timed Virginia primary contest.  Full story:  virginiamercury.com/2026/08/04/v...

Gov. Abigail Spanberger has restored voting rights to more than 66,000 Virginians since taking office. Voters will decide in November whether to make restoration automatic after incarceration. virginiamercury.com/2026/07/31/s...

Virginia is stepping up oversight of vapes, hemp-derived intoxicants, THC and kratom. AG Jay Jones announced a new enforcement unit to handle retail compliance, inspections, product directories and enforcement against businesses that violate state law. virginiamercury.com/2026/07/30/v...

Virginia voters could play a bigger role in choosing the 2028 presidential nominees under a proposal to move the commonwealth into the early primary window. If approved, candidates would spend more time & money campaigning in Virginia ahead of Super Tuesday. virginiamercury.com/2026/07/29/v...

Former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg says Va. Dems can flip GOP-held House seats without a new map by focusing on healthcare, affordability and corruption. He endorsed Shannon Taylor in #VA1, Elaine Luria in #VA02 and Tom Perriello in #VA05. virginiamercury.com/2026/07/23/e...

NEW: Six Democratic candidates in #VA01 are escalating their dispute with the Democratic Party of Virginia, citing newly disclosed FEC filings they say raise questions about the party's neutrality ahead of the Aug. 4 primary. virginiamercury.com/2026/07/21/v...

Six months into her term, Gov. Abigail Spanberger is defending her record on affordability, education and the economy. She also addresses weak poll numbers, court challenges and the fallout from Virginia’s failed redistricting push. Interview below ⬇️ virginiamercury.com/2026/07/17/s...

Four Democrats running in #VA01 are asking the DPVA to reaffirm its neutrality after the DCCC promoted fellow candidate Shannon Taylor during early voting.  They argue party organizations shouldn't influence contested primaries before voters choose a nominee. virginiamercury.com/2026/07/15/f...

Virginia's cannabis budget language sparked days of confusion over retail sales and enforcement.  Officials say the issue has now been resolved; the Code has been updated to reflect lawmakers' intent, and legal retail sales won't begin until July 2027.  virginiamercury.com/2026/07/09/v...

A Dinwiddie man accused of sending a politically motivated death threat to fmr. Del. Kim Taylor has entered a plea agreement reducing the original felony charge. Taylor said: “No one should have to worry about their family's safety because of public service.” virginiamercury.com/2026/07/01/m...

Virginia lawmakers approved Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s final budget amendments Monday, ending a months-long impasse less than 48 hours before the fiscal deadline. The fight centered heavily on tax incentives for data centers and energy costs. virginiamercury.com/2026/06/29/v...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...