Markus Schmidt
@mschmidtrva.bsky.social
NEW: Democrat Garrett McGuire defeated Republican Christopher Cardiff in a special election in #HD17, keeping the Fairfax-based seat in Democratic hands after former Del. Mark Sickles joined Gov. Spanberger’s administration as secretary of finance.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/20/d...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/20/d...
Democrat McGuire wins Virginia House District 17 special election • Virginia Mercury
Democrat Garrett McGuire on Tuesday defeated Republican Christopher Cardiff in a special election to represent Virginia House of Delegates District 17, filling the vacancy left by longtime Democratic ...
virginiamercury.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:02 AM
NEW: Democrat Garrett McGuire defeated Republican Christopher Cardiff in a special election in #HD17, keeping the Fairfax-based seat in Democratic hands after former Del. Mark Sickles joined Gov. Spanberger’s administration as secretary of finance.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/20/d...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/20/d...
NEW: In her first address to the Virginia legislature, Gov. Spanberger backs four constitutional amendments already passed — including redistricting — and presses lawmakers to act on a broad affordability agenda.
#valeg #vagov
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/19/s...
#valeg #vagov
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/19/s...
Spanberger urges action on democracy, costs in first address to Virginia lawmakers • Virginia Mercury
Two days after taking the oath of office as the first woman to lead Virginia, Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Monday urged lawmakers to move quickly on a slate of constitutional amendments and cost-of-livi...
virginiamercury.com
January 19, 2026 at 10:26 PM
NEW: In her first address to the Virginia legislature, Gov. Spanberger backs four constitutional amendments already passed — including redistricting — and presses lawmakers to act on a broad affordability agenda.
#valeg #vagov
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/19/s...
#valeg #vagov
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/19/s...
NEW: Democrat Abigail Spanberger was sworn in Saturday as Virginia’s 75th governor — and the first woman to hold the office — invoking unity, warning of “recklessness” coming out of Washington and moving quickly to define her agenda.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/17/s...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/17/s...
Spanberger sworn in as Virginia’s first woman governor, moves swiftly to set agenda • Virginia Mercury
Democrat Abigail Spanberger was sworn in Saturday as Virginia’s 75th governor, making history as the first woman to hold the commonwealth’s highest office and pledging to lead with unity, affordabilit...
virginiamercury.com
January 17, 2026 at 8:19 PM
NEW: Democrat Abigail Spanberger was sworn in Saturday as Virginia’s 75th governor — and the first woman to hold the office — invoking unity, warning of “recklessness” coming out of Washington and moving quickly to define her agenda.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/17/s...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/17/s...
#breaking Abigail Spanberger is sworn in as Virginia's 75th governor, becoming the first woman to serve in this role.
Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi and Attorney General Jay Jones were sworn in moment earlier.
Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi and Attorney General Jay Jones were sworn in moment earlier.
January 17, 2026 at 5:33 PM
#breaking Abigail Spanberger is sworn in as Virginia's 75th governor, becoming the first woman to serve in this role.
Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi and Attorney General Jay Jones were sworn in moment earlier.
Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi and Attorney General Jay Jones were sworn in moment earlier.
Happening now: Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger arrives at her inaugural ceremony at Virginia’s state Capitol
January 17, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Happening now: Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger arrives at her inaugural ceremony at Virginia’s state Capitol
NEW: Virginia Senate Democrats advance a controversial amendment allowing mid-decade congressional redistricting.
New maps would be drawn in a special session and shown to voters ahead of a possible April referendum. #valeg
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/16/v...
New maps would be drawn in a special session and shown to voters ahead of a possible April referendum. #valeg
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/16/v...
Virginia Senate Democrats advance mid-decade redistricting amendment • Virginia Mercury
Virginia Senate Democrats on Friday approved a controversial constitutional amendment that would allow the General Assembly to redraw the state’s congressional districts mid-decade, advancing a long-s...
virginiamercury.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:44 PM
NEW: Virginia Senate Democrats advance a controversial amendment allowing mid-decade congressional redistricting.
New maps would be drawn in a special session and shown to voters ahead of a possible April referendum. #valeg
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/16/v...
New maps would be drawn in a special session and shown to voters ahead of a possible April referendum. #valeg
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/16/v...
NEW: In my exit interview with Gov. Glenn Youngkin, he says his four years in office were “a comprehensive transformation” of Virginia — and that he has “no regrets.”
Critics, however, see a far more mixed legacy. #vagov
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/16/y...
Critics, however, see a far more mixed legacy. #vagov
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/16/y...
Youngkin looks back on four years as governor and sees transformation, not regret • Virginia Mercury
As he prepares to hand the keys of the Executive Mansion to his Democratic successor, Gov. Glenn Youngkin says his four years leading Virginia exceeded even his own expectations — a tenure he describe...
virginiamercury.com
January 16, 2026 at 12:04 PM
NEW: In my exit interview with Gov. Glenn Youngkin, he says his four years in office were “a comprehensive transformation” of Virginia — and that he has “no regrets.”
Critics, however, see a far more mixed legacy. #vagov
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/16/y...
Critics, however, see a far more mixed legacy. #vagov
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/16/y...
#breaking On the first day of the 2026 General Assembly, Va. House Democrats advanced 4 proposed constitutional amendments, including a controversial measure that could allow mid-decade congressional redistricting.
The proposals now head to the Senate.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/14/v...
The proposals now head to the Senate.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/14/v...
Virginia House Democrats advance four constitutional amendments on opening day of 2026 session • Virginia Mercury
Virginia House Democrats wasted little time flexing their new majority on the opening day of the 2026 General Assembly, pushing through four proposed constitutional amendments Wednesday aimed at resha...
virginiamercury.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:50 PM
#breaking On the first day of the 2026 General Assembly, Va. House Democrats advanced 4 proposed constitutional amendments, including a controversial measure that could allow mid-decade congressional redistricting.
The proposals now head to the Senate.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/14/v...
The proposals now head to the Senate.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/14/v...
Happening now:
Speaker Don Scott takes his oath of office for the second time, leading a House of Delegates with a 64-seat majority. #valeg
Speaker Don Scott takes his oath of office for the second time, leading a House of Delegates with a 64-seat majority. #valeg
January 14, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Happening now:
Speaker Don Scott takes his oath of office for the second time, leading a House of Delegates with a 64-seat majority. #valeg
Speaker Don Scott takes his oath of office for the second time, leading a House of Delegates with a 64-seat majority. #valeg
Good morning from the state Capitol in Richmond!
On day 1 of the 2026 session, Democrats are celebrating their new 64-seat House majority, which Speaker Don Scott calls “a new era for the commonwealth.”
Later today, @GovernorVA will address the legislature for the last time. #vagov #valeg
On day 1 of the 2026 session, Democrats are celebrating their new 64-seat House majority, which Speaker Don Scott calls “a new era for the commonwealth.”
Later today, @GovernorVA will address the legislature for the last time. #vagov #valeg
January 14, 2026 at 3:09 PM
NEW: Democrats hold two Virginia House seats in Tuesday’s special elections, with Gretchen Bulova winning #HD11 and Margaret Franklin winning #HD23 after vacancies tied to Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s cabinet picks.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/13/d...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/13/d...
Democrats retain House Districts 11 and 23 in Tuesday’s special elections • Virginia Mercury
Just hours before the Virginia General Assembly was set to convene, Democrats on Tuesday held onto two House of Delegates seats in special elections, extending a winning streak that has followed a wav...
virginiamercury.com
January 14, 2026 at 1:03 AM
NEW: Democrats hold two Virginia House seats in Tuesday’s special elections, with Gretchen Bulova winning #HD11 and Margaret Franklin winning #HD23 after vacancies tied to Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s cabinet picks.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/13/d...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/13/d...
#breaking Former Del. Mike Jones wins Tuesday’s special election for the Richmond-area Senate District 17 seat vacated by Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi, while Democrat Charlie Schmidt captures Jones’ former House District 77 seat.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/d...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/d...
Democrats retain two Richmond-area seats in back-to-back special elections • Virginia Mercury
Former Del. Mike Jones captures Senate District 17, while Charlie Schmidt wins Jones’ vacated House seat in District 77.
virginiamercury.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:11 AM
#breaking Former Del. Mike Jones wins Tuesday’s special election for the Richmond-area Senate District 17 seat vacated by Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi, while Democrat Charlie Schmidt captures Jones’ former House District 77 seat.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/d...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/d...
Virginia lawmakers are reviving a bid to rein in FOIA fees in the 2026 General Assembly session, after similar legislation stalled last year.
@pwcdanica says her proposal
would make public records more affordable and accessible. #VAleg
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/05/p...
@pwcdanica says her proposal
would make public records more affordable and accessible. #VAleg
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/05/p...
Push to rein in Virginia FOIA costs heads back to General Assembly • Virginia Mercury
When state Sen. Danica Roem, D-Manassas, talks about Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act, she often does so from experience — both as a former journalist and as a lawmaker who says she has repeatedl...
virginiamercury.com
January 5, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Virginia lawmakers are reviving a bid to rein in FOIA fees in the 2026 General Assembly session, after similar legislation stalled last year.
@pwcdanica says her proposal
would make public records more affordable and accessible. #VAleg
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/05/p...
@pwcdanica says her proposal
would make public records more affordable and accessible. #VAleg
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/05/p...
Inbox: @kaine.senate.gov, member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, responds to U.S. strike on #Venezuela, calling it “a sickening return to a day when the United States asserted the right to dominate the internal political affairs of all nations in the Western Hemisphere.”
January 3, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Inbox: @kaine.senate.gov, member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, responds to U.S. strike on #Venezuela, calling it “a sickening return to a day when the United States asserted the right to dominate the internal political affairs of all nations in the Western Hemisphere.”
NEW: Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger names Del. Mark Sickles as secretary of finance and Traci Deshazor as secretary of administration, adding two senior cabinet members and setting up another special election in Fairfax County.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/a...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/a...
Appointments of two key cabinet roles will trigger another special election in House District 17 • Virginia Mercury
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday announced two additional cabinet appointments, tapping longtime Del. Mark Sickles, D-Fairfax, to serve as Virginia’s next secretary of finance and public admin...
virginiamercury.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:58 PM
NEW: Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger names Del. Mark Sickles as secretary of finance and Traci Deshazor as secretary of administration, adding two senior cabinet members and setting up another special election in Fairfax County.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/a...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/23/a...
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger on Thursday rolled out her “Affordable Virginia Agenda,” outlining a slate of legislative proposals aimed at lowering health care, energy and housing costs as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming General Assembly session.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/18/s...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/18/s...
Spanberger makes affordability centerpiece of 2026 agenda as legislative session nears • Virginia Mercury
Less than a month before she takes the oath of office, Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger on Thursday rolled out a comprehensive legislative blueprint she said will lower costs for Virginia families — from...
virginiamercury.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger on Thursday rolled out her “Affordable Virginia Agenda,” outlining a slate of legislative proposals aimed at lowering health care, energy and housing costs as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming General Assembly session.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/18/s...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/18/s...
NEW: Outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin rolled out his final 2-year budget Wednesday, pitching pay raises for teachers and state workers, $730M in tax relief and a $50M child welfare overhaul.
He also warned Democrats not to undo his pro-business policies.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/y...
He also warned Democrats not to undo his pro-business policies.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/y...
Youngkin pitches final budget, touts strong revenues as he prepares to leave office • Virginia Mercury
Outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Wednesday rolled out his final two-year budget proposal before a joint meeting of the General Assembly’s money committees, pitching a plan built on what he called Virgi...
virginiamercury.com
December 17, 2025 at 7:08 PM
NEW: Outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin rolled out his final 2-year budget Wednesday, pitching pay raises for teachers and state workers, $730M in tax relief and a $50M child welfare overhaul.
He also warned Democrats not to undo his pro-business policies.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/y...
He also warned Democrats not to undo his pro-business policies.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/y...
NEW: Rep. Jen Kiggans backed DOGE from day one.
Now Elon Musk says the program was only “somewhat successful” and he wouldn’t do it again — complicating her reelection bid in one of the nation’s most competitive House districts.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/m...
Now Elon Musk says the program was only “somewhat successful” and he wouldn’t do it again — complicating her reelection bid in one of the nation’s most competitive House districts.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/m...
Musk’s doubts about DOGE spotlight political risks for U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans • Virginia Mercury
Republican U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia Beach is heading into the 2026 election cycle with one of the most precarious political balancing acts in the country, as her strong support for the Depart...
virginiamercury.com
December 17, 2025 at 11:59 AM
NEW: Rep. Jen Kiggans backed DOGE from day one.
Now Elon Musk says the program was only “somewhat successful” and he wouldn’t do it again — complicating her reelection bid in one of the nation’s most competitive House districts.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/m...
Now Elon Musk says the program was only “somewhat successful” and he wouldn’t do it again — complicating her reelection bid in one of the nation’s most competitive House districts.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/m...
NEW: Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has tapped veteran environmental lawmaker Del. David Bulova to serve as Virginia’s next Secretary of Natural & Historic Resources.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/11/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/11/v...
Veteran environmental legislator David Bulova selected as Virginia’s next resources secretary • Virginia Mercury
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger moved Thursday to elevate one of the General Assembly’s most seasoned environmental lawmakers, selecting Del. David Bulova, D-Fairfax, to lead Virginia’s natural and hist...
virginiamercury.com
December 11, 2025 at 11:59 AM
NEW: Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has tapped veteran environmental lawmaker Del. David Bulova to serve as Virginia’s next Secretary of Natural & Historic Resources.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/11/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/11/v...
NEW: Former Congressman Tom Perriello is running for Congress again, launching a Democratic bid in #VA5 to challenge GOP Rep. John McGuire.
Perriello says “this is an all-hands-on-deck moment,” blasting tariffs, rising costs of living.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/09/p...
Perriello says “this is an all-hands-on-deck moment,” blasting tariffs, rising costs of living.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/09/p...
Perriello mounts comeback bid in Virginia’s 5th District • Virginia Mercury
Former Congressman Tom Perriello is jumping back into Virginia politics, announcing Wednesday that he will seek the Democratic nomination in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District — setting up a seriou...
virginiamercury.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:43 PM
NEW: Former Congressman Tom Perriello is running for Congress again, launching a Democratic bid in #VA5 to challenge GOP Rep. John McGuire.
Perriello says “this is an all-hands-on-deck moment,” blasting tariffs, rising costs of living.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/09/p...
Perriello says “this is an all-hands-on-deck moment,” blasting tariffs, rising costs of living.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/09/p...
Sen. Mark Warner renews push for Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth’s removal after an IG report found he shared classified strike details in Signal chat.
Warner says that, plus Hegseth’s shifting account of a deadly Sept. 2 boat strike, warrants his ouster.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/w...
Warner says that, plus Hegseth’s shifting account of a deadly Sept. 2 boat strike, warrants his ouster.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/w...
Warner renews push for Hegseth’s removal as new IG report cites mishandled classified data • Virginia Mercury
Mounting questions over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s handling of classified information and his role in ordering a lethal strike on alleged Venezuelan drug-running boats in the Caribbean have prom...
virginiamercury.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Sen. Mark Warner renews push for Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth’s removal after an IG report found he shared classified strike details in Signal chat.
Warner says that, plus Hegseth’s shifting account of a deadly Sept. 2 boat strike, warrants his ouster.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/w...
Warner says that, plus Hegseth’s shifting account of a deadly Sept. 2 boat strike, warrants his ouster.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/w...
New Roanoke College Poll:
Most Virginians back no-excuse mail voting and photo ID rules. Trump’s disapproval climbs to 63%; Youngkin’s approval holds at 54%.
Political anxiety barely moves, but distrust in Washington and the media remains high.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/p...
Most Virginians back no-excuse mail voting and photo ID rules. Trump’s disapproval climbs to 63%; Youngkin’s approval holds at 54%.
Political anxiety barely moves, but distrust in Washington and the media remains high.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/p...
Poll: Virginians back mail voting and photo ID as partisan anxiety holds steady • Virginia Mercury
Virginians remain firmly supportive of mail-in voting while also backing a photo ID requirement — a pairing that shows how residents continue to weigh access against security — according to a new Roan...
virginiamercury.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:34 PM
New Roanoke College Poll:
Most Virginians back no-excuse mail voting and photo ID rules. Trump’s disapproval climbs to 63%; Youngkin’s approval holds at 54%.
Political anxiety barely moves, but distrust in Washington and the media remains high.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/p...
Most Virginians back no-excuse mail voting and photo ID rules. Trump’s disapproval climbs to 63%; Youngkin’s approval holds at 54%.
Political anxiety barely moves, but distrust in Washington and the media remains high.
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/04/p...
Virginia’s joint cannabis commission rolled out a revamped retail plan — no local opt-outs, tougher ownership rules and a target launch of Nov. 1, 2026.
Lawmakers say it boosts small businesses and safety as the GA readies for a 2026 showdown. #valeg
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/j...
Lawmakers say it boosts small businesses and safety as the GA readies for a 2026 showdown. #valeg
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/j...
Joint Commission unveils changes to cannabis bill, setting stage for 2026 retail launch • Virginia Mercury
Virginia lawmakers took another decisive step Tuesday toward launching a legal cannabis retail market in 2026, unveiling a revised legislative blueprint that scraps local opt-outs, tightens ownership ...
virginiamercury.com
December 3, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Virginia’s joint cannabis commission rolled out a revamped retail plan — no local opt-outs, tougher ownership rules and a target launch of Nov. 1, 2026.
Lawmakers say it boosts small businesses and safety as the GA readies for a 2026 showdown. #valeg
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/j...
Lawmakers say it boosts small businesses and safety as the GA readies for a 2026 showdown. #valeg
virginiamercury.com/2025/12/03/j...
🚨A high-school assistant principal in Va. Beach and his brother were arrested after allegedly plotting to “kill police officers and ICE agents.”
According to DHS, one brother planned to fly to Las Vegas to meet like-minded individuals and buy weapons.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/va-as...
According to DHS, one brother planned to fly to Las Vegas to meet like-minded individuals and buy weapons.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/va-as...
Va. assistant principal, brother arrested in alleged plot to kill ICE agents, police officers • Virginia Mercury
The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday announced the arrests of two Virginia brothers accused of plotting violent attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents — a case that immediat...
virginiamercury.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:34 PM
🚨A high-school assistant principal in Va. Beach and his brother were arrested after allegedly plotting to “kill police officers and ICE agents.”
According to DHS, one brother planned to fly to Las Vegas to meet like-minded individuals and buy weapons.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/va-as...
According to DHS, one brother planned to fly to Las Vegas to meet like-minded individuals and buy weapons.
virginiamercury.com/briefs/va-as...
After years of vetoes, Virginia is finally on track to launch legal adult-use cannabis.
Lawmakers say a retail market could open as soon as fall 2026 — aiming to shift sales from the underground economy to a regulated one. 🌿
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/17/a...
Lawmakers say a retail market could open as soon as fall 2026 — aiming to shift sales from the underground economy to a regulated one. 🌿
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/17/a...
After years of vetoes, Virginia poised to launch adult-use cannabis market • Virginia Mercury
After four years of stalled efforts and repeated vetoes from outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Virginia lawmakers now see a clear path to finally standing up a legal adult-use cannabis market.During her c...
virginiamercury.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:55 PM
After years of vetoes, Virginia is finally on track to launch legal adult-use cannabis.
Lawmakers say a retail market could open as soon as fall 2026 — aiming to shift sales from the underground economy to a regulated one. 🌿
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/17/a...
Lawmakers say a retail market could open as soon as fall 2026 — aiming to shift sales from the underground economy to a regulated one. 🌿
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/17/a...