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Virginia Politics

All articles tagged with #virginia politics

Democrats press Virginia Republican over cotton-picking remark about Jeffries
us-politics20 days ago

Democrats press Virginia Republican over cotton-picking remark about Jeffries

Democrats are demanding the resignation of Virginia Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans after she appeared to back a radio host’s racist remark about House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries, saying she did not condone the language and only meant Jeffries should stay out of Virginia politics. The controversy drew swift condemnation from party leaders and underscores ongoing tensions over race in politics as Virginia’s redistricting battles and the GOP’s midterm dynamics shape the race, where Kiggans faces a reelection bid against Democrat Elaine Luria.

Raid on Virginia Senate Leader Sparks Debate Over Power, Redistricting, and Cannabis
politics24 days ago

Raid on Virginia Senate Leader Sparks Debate Over Power, Redistricting, and Cannabis

An FBI raid on Virginia state Sen. Louise Lucas’s Portsmouth office and its cannabis-linked business drew national attention because Lucas wields outsized influence over the state budget and redistricting, raising questions about whether the probe is politically motivated and how it intersects with Virginia’s evolving cannabis laws and recent federal prosecutorial turnover.

Virginia Legislature Keeps Course on Marijuana Sales, Rebuffs Governor’s Amendments
politics1 month ago

Virginia Legislature Keeps Course on Marijuana Sales, Rebuffs Governor’s Amendments

Virginia lawmakers rejected Governor Abigail Spanberger’s amendments to the recreational marijuana sales bill, sending the measure back to her desk with a risk of a veto while preserving their own framework for a regulated market. The House voted by voice and the Senate approved 21-18 to block Spanberger’s changes, and lawmakers also declined her tweaks to a separate resentencing bill, though they adopted some of her adjustments to delivery and labeling rules. Key policy disputes include the start date (Jan. 1, 2027 in the legislature’s plan vs. Spanberger’s July 1, 2027), tax structure (6% excise and 5.3% sales tax vs. her proposed 8% excise), and revenue allocation (funds would go to a Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund and public programs rather than the general fund). The bill would allow up to 2.5 ounces per transaction, permit delivery, cap serving sizes at 10 mg THC per item (100 mg per package), and place licensing under the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority; localities could not opt out. If Spanberger vetoes, lawmakers would need to start over with new bills in 2027.

Virginia redraws its map, nudging the national redistricting contest toward Democrats
politics1 month ago

Virginia redraws its map, nudging the national redistricting contest toward Democrats

Virginia voters approved a new congressional map that Democrats hope will tilt the national redistricting fight in their favor, at least for now—giving Democrats an edge in about 10 House districts nationwide compared with nine for Republicans—and shifting focus to Florida, where Republicans may attempt to regain the gerrymandering edge as the House remains narrowly divided.

Former Virginia official and spouse die in apparent murder‑suicide amid divorce dispute
crime1 month ago

Former Virginia official and spouse die in apparent murder‑suicide amid divorce dispute

Former Virginia lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax and his wife Cerina were found dead in their Annandale home in an apparent murder‑suicide after an ongoing divorce dispute; police say Fairfax shot Cerina several times then killed himself, with their two teenage children present and later placed in the care of relatives. Authorities noted a prior domestic-incident call, and the case follows Fairfax’s past sexual assault allegations, which he has denied.

Former Virginia official Justin Fairfax dies in double tragedy, police say
us-news1 month ago

Former Virginia official Justin Fairfax dies in double tragedy, police say

Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax killed his estranged wife Cerina Fairfax and himself in a murder-suicide, authorities said, occurring about two weeks before a court deadline to move out. The case follows past sexual assault allegations that led to his resignation and drew reactions from state leaders about domestic violence and the fragility of public life.

Virginia ex-Lieutenant Governor in murder-suicide amid divorce dispute
politics1 month ago

Virginia ex-Lieutenant Governor in murder-suicide amid divorce dispute

Former Virginia lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax killed his wife Cerina Fairfax and then shot himself at their Annandale home during an ongoing divorce dispute, after a 911 call from one of their teenage children shortly after midnight. The couple were living together amid dissolution proceedings, and police noted Fairfax’s previous 2019 sexual assault allegations had derailed his political career; a January accusation Fairfax made against Cerina was later deemed unfounded by police after reviewing footage.

Spanberger’s Husband Makes History as Virginia’s First Gentleman
virginia-politics4 months ago

Spanberger’s Husband Makes History as Virginia’s First Gentleman

Adam Spanberger, a computer engineer and cyclist, becomes Virginia’s first male gubernatorial spouse as his wife Abigail Spanberger takes office as governor. He says he plans to work behind the scenes to support her administration and will advocate for stronger public education funding, including resources for teachers, school buildings, counselors, and arts programs.

Spanberger's Virginia shake-up prompts UVa board resignations
higher-education4 months ago

Spanberger's Virginia shake-up prompts UVa board resignations

Incoming Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger urged resignations from several University of Virginia board members, including its leaders and a major donor, prompting at least four resignations as Democrats take top state posts; UVa rector Rachel Sheridan described the university's efforts as being 'paralyzed through purposeful political warfare.'