Abigail Spanberger

Gov. Abigail Spanberger is intervening in a proposed $67 billion merger between NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy. By filing with the State Corporation Commission, she expressed skepticism about the benefits of the merger for Virginians, emphasizing energy affordability and transparency.

Democratic lawmakers nationwide proposed nearly 250 state bills seeking to limit federal immigration enforcement efforts, reflecting a growing embrace of federalism. These measures, which include protections in sensitive places like schools and hospitals, address ramped up enforcement efforts during President Donald Trump’s second term. However, some attempts have faced Republican opposition and White House challenges, while even Democratic governors have vetoed related legislation.

Democratic lawmakers proposed nearly 250 bills across 32 states seeking to limit federal immigration enforcement efforts and push back against perceived federal overreach. While many of these measures have faced opposition from White House challenges and governor vetoes, the movement emphasizes using federalism as a tool for state protection. Lawmakers are attempting to protect people in sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals.

A Hampton Roads family petitioned Gov. Abigail Spanberger for a pardon for their loved one, who is currently incarcerated and has end-stage renal disease. The individual, Anthony "Tony" Stewart, is serving 22 years of a sentence related to nonviolent drug offenses.

Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi announced a statewide tour to meet constituents and educate them on the potential Dominion Energy-NextEra Energy merger, which could create the largest utility company in the country. The tour will kick off in September and includes stops in Loudoun, Hampton Roads, Richmond, Charlottesville, and Roanoke. Additionally, Governor Abigail Spanberger asked to formally intervene in the case, while some leaders are pushing for a special session to extend the review period beyond six months.

Seven Virginia hemp businesses filed a lawsuit asking a federal judge to block new state restrictions on consumable hemp products set for Aug. 15. The changes eliminate an exception allowing certain high-CBD products, meaning the general cap will mandate that all saleable products contain no more than 2 mg of total THC per package. Plaintiffs argue these sudden regulations are unconstitutional and will cause immediate bankruptcy and forced closures.

Governor Abigail Spanberger is assembling an 18-person Community Partnership Council On Corrections to shape reforms for Virginia's prisons. This council will include formerly incarcerated people and representatives from various organizations like criminal justice and faith-based groups. The initiative aims to address persistent challenges within facilities such as Red Onion State Prison, including concerns about understaffing and allegations of racism.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced the expansion of an Intensive Reentry Program at Red Onion State Prison. The Virginia Department of Corrections launched the program.

Sam Harris, a 56-year-old Virginia resident, will vote for the first time after Gov. Abigail Spanberger restored civil rights to 66,000 formerly incarcerated people. Harris received a phone call confirming his eligibility following the restoration.

The State Corporation Commission (SCC) ordered Dominion Energy to create a policy assigning more transmission costs to data centers and other large-load users. The decision aims to prevent residential customers from subsidizing infrastructure primarily used by data centers, with support from Governor Abigail Spanberger’s administration and environmental groups.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger expressed confidence in flipping four Republican-held U.S. House seats in November and shared concerns about potential election interference from President Donald Trump. She highlighted issues like Trump's tariffs, the war with Iran, and the 'Big Beautiful Bill' as factors influencing voter sentiment in key districts.

Shannon Taylor secured the Democratic nomination for Virginia’s 1st Congressional District and will face Republican Rep. Rob Wittman in the general election. The district, which typically supports Republicans, was won by Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger in 2025, making it a key target for Democrats aiming to retake the House.

Virginia voters set up a congressional rematch between Elaine Luria and Jennifer Kiggans after a failed Democratic redistricting effort. The Supreme Court invalidated the redrawn maps, preserving a competitive district spanning Maryland’s border to Virginia Beach. Luria, a naval commander, faces Kiggans in a race considered a key target for both parties.

Virginia Democrats are selecting nominees for two U.S. House seats in August primaries, aiming to flip them in the midterms. The primary season faced disruptions due to a failed redistricting effort, which led to candidates adjusting campaigns after the state Supreme Court invalidated the redrawn maps. Governor Abigail Spanberger expressed optimism about Democratic chances to win multiple seats despite the challenges.

Virginia residents will vote in a primary to choose nominees for U.S. Senate and House, with key races in competitive districts that could influence November's House control. The current congressional map remains in use after a court invalidated a new map approved by voters. Notable candidates include Jen Kiggans in the 2nd District and Rob Wittman in the 1st District.

Virginia residents will vote in a primary to select nominees for U.S. Senate and House seats, with key races in competitive districts that could influence November elections. A court invalidated a new Democratic-friendly congressional map in April, leaving current district boundaries in place for this election. Notable candidates include Jen Kiggans and Elaine Luria in the 2nd District, Rob Wittman in the 1st District, and Mark Warner in the Senate race.

Governor Abigail Spanberger has restored voting and civil rights to 66,085 Virginians since January, reversing a more restrictive process under her predecessor. This action allows individuals with past felony convictions to vote, serve on juries, and hold certain public offices, as Virginia is one of three states requiring gubernatorial approval for such restorations.

Virginia senators Russet Perry and Richard Stuart requested a special session to address a groundwater report showing significant strain on aquifers east of I-95, risking clean water availability. The report, delayed until July 2026, highlights potential impacts from industrial withdrawals and recommends updating the 1992 Groundwater Management Act to limit excessive water use.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger has restored voting rights to more than 66,000 Virginians. The action involves reinstating voting privileges to individuals in Virginia.

The Virginia administration, led by Chief Energy Officer Josephus Allmond and Secretary of Commerce Carrie Chenery, is gathering public input on a new energy plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. A public meeting in Petersburg on August 3 and an online survey will inform the plan, which includes renewable energy, small modular reactors, and participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

Governor Abigail Spanberger announced the restoration of voting rights for 66,085 formerly incarcerated Virginians. Virginia's constitution previously permanently revoked voting rights for individuals with past felony convictions, but the governor has the authority to restore these rights.

The Spanberger administration is seeking public input on Virginia's new energy plan, which aims to establish a 10-year roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. A public meeting in Petersburg on August 3 will gather feedback alongside an online survey, with the final report due in October 2026. The plan includes renewable energy sources, small modular reactors, and maintaining fossil fuels when necessary, while addressing rising energy costs and grid reliability.

ICE has lodged a detainer against Nehemia Noel Fuentes-Banegas, a Honduran national accused of attempting to disarm a Fairfax County police officer during a confrontation involving knives. The Department of Homeland Security criticized Virginia's sanctuary policies, claiming they contribute to illegal immigrant crime and hinder federal cooperation.

Virginia's new pay transparency law, effective July 1, mandates employers include a good-faith wage or salary range in job postings and prohibits asking applicants about their salary history. Sponsored by state Sen. Jennifer Boysko and Del. Michelle Maldonado, the law aims to empower workers in salary negotiations by preventing prior pay from influencing hiring decisions.

Virginia’s new pay transparency law requires employers to include salary ranges in job postings and prohibits asking about applicants' pay history. Sponsored by Senate Bill 215 and House Bill 636, the law aims to empower workers in salary negotiations by preventing prior pay from influencing compensation decisions.

Virginia released a study on groundwater depletion in its eastern region, linking declines to population growth and industrial use, including data centers. The report urges stricter water regulations and greater regulatory authority over industrial water withdrawals, though it does not directly blame data centers for aquifer concerns.

Virginia released a study on groundwater depletion in its eastern region, linking declines to population growth and data center water use. The report urges stricter regulations on water withdrawals, including enhanced oversight of industrial permits and alternative water sources, as groundwater availability is projected to decrease.

Virginia's study on groundwater and data centers found declining aquifer levels due to population and industrial use, urging stricter regulations. The report, withheld for six months, highlights concerns about data centers' water consumption and calls for increased regulatory authority over water withdrawals.

Virginia's study on groundwater and data centers, delayed for six months, found declining aquifer levels due to population growth and industrial use, urging stricter water regulations. The report, released by Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger's office, highlights concerns about data centers' water consumption and calls for enhanced regulatory authority over water withdrawals.

Virginia lawmakers are urging Gov. Abigail Spanberger to call a special session to extend the State Corporation Commission's review of Dominion Energy's proposed $67 billion merger with NextEra Energy. The merger, which would serve 10 million utility customers across four states, requires regulatory approvals and faces a 60-day review period extendable by 120 days under Virginia law. Lawmakers argue the commission needs additional time to assess the deal's risks and conditions.

Cell phones are now permitted in Virginia courthouses under a new law requiring policies for electronic devices. The law, signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger, allows visitors to retain devices like phones, tablets, and laptops in state district or circuit courts, reversing previous outright bans in many courthouses.

Virginia lawmakers urge Gov. Abigail Spanberger to call a special session to extend the State Corporation Commission's review period for the proposed $67 billion Dominion Energy-NextEra Energy merger. The merger, which would create the largest U.S. utility, requires approvals from multiple states and federal agencies. Lawmakers argue acting first would weaken Virginia's negotiating leverage and harm ratepayers.

A new Virginia law, House Bill 15, extends the grace period for tenants to pay overdue rent from five to 14 days, offering more protection against eviction. Tamiaka Bryant, a Richmond resident who faced eviction after falling behind on rent, highlighted the challenges of the previous system. The law also makes a piloted eviction diversion program permanent and expands it statewide.

Abigail Spanberger, Virginia's first woman governor, defends her six-month record as economic concerns like inflation and housing costs remain top voter issues. A recent poll shows 44% approval and 47% disapproval of her performance, with affordability-focused policies such as a $35 insulin cap and renter protections highlighted as key initiatives.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger is reflecting on her first six months in office. The article mentions her position as governor and the time frame of six months.

A Montgomery County court will determine if Governor Abigail Spanberger's removal of John Rocovich from the Virginia Tech board was lawful. Rocovich filed a lawsuit challenging the removal, which Spanberger attributed to 'misconduct' without specifying details, while legal experts suggest the lawsuit may not succeed under state law allowing removal for misconduct.

The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is considering requiring data centers to cover costs of transmission lines they exclusively use, as part of Dominion Energy's case to recover $1.5 billion in grid expansion costs. Governor Abigail Spanberger’s administration and consumer advocates argue high-load customers should pay for infrastructure they trigger, while data centers and Microsoft contend they already pay allocated costs legally. Dominion revised projected rate impacts for households multiple times.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced a $936 million surplus in preliminary general fund revenues for the end of the fiscal year. The surplus reflects higher-than-expected revenue collections.

Virginia partners with Switch Together to reduce rooftop solar panel costs through a reverse auction, allowing homeowners to save an average of $6,300 on systems and $2,200 annually on electricity bills. The initiative expands to over 100 localities, supported by Governor Abigail Spanberger, and aims to lower utility costs amid rising energy demands.

Governor Abigail Spanberger announced a first-in-the-nation initiative to lower prices for households with solar installations. The program aims to improve energy affordability through solar energy initiatives.