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Sr. politics reporter | deputy editor at @MercuryVirginia Previously: @CardinalNewsVA, @RTDNews, @bild Email: mschmidt@virginiamercury.com
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Articles by Markus Schmidt
GOP lawmaker seeks Senate investigation, possible expulsion of Sen. Louise Lucas
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GOP lawmaker seeks Senate investigation, possible expulsion of Sen. Louise Lucas
Republican state Sen. Bryce Reeves of Spotsylvania wants the Virginia Senate to investigate Democratic Sen. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth and consider expelling her after federal prosecutors accused her of using her legislative influence to benefit a cannabis business she co-owns. Reeves prefiled Senate Resolution 173 on Oct. 30 for the 2027 General Assembly session, which is scheduled to begin in January.
‘Their face just lights up’: Veterans honored at Manassas parade
Center Street in historic Old Town Manassas, Virginia, was lined with people Saturday as high school marching bands, dance troupes and car clubs made their way past crowds celebrating those who served in the armed forces. Among those taking part in the 18th Annual Northern Virginia Veterans Parade were 147 cadets from Woodbridge Senior High School’s Army JROTC program. Lt. Col. Doug Osborne, who works with the cadets, said they march each year to show their patriotism and honor those who served.
GOP lawmaker seeks Senate investigation, possible expulsion of Sen. Louise Lucas
This article was reprinted with permission from Virginia Mercury. Republican state Sen. Bryce Reeves of Spotsylvania wants the Virginia Senate to investigate Democratic Sen. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth and consider expelling her after federal prosecutors accused her of using her legislative influence to benefit a cannabis business she co-owns. Reeves prefiled Senate Resolution 173 on Oct. 30 for the 2027 General Assembly session, which is scheduled to begin in January.
GOP lawmaker seeks state Senate investigation, possible expulsion of Sen. Louise Lucas
Republican state Sen. Bryce Reeves of Spotsylvania wants the Virginia Senate to investigate Democratic Sen. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth and consider expelling her after federal prosecutors accused her of using her legislative influence to benefit a cannabis business she co-owns. kAm#66G6D AC6\7:=65 k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^=:D]G:C8:?:2]8@G^3:==\56E2:=D^a_af`^$#`fbQm$6?2E6 #6D@=FE:@? `fbk^2m @? ~4E] b_ 7@C E96 a_af v6?6C2= pDD6>3=J D6DD:@?[ H9:49 :D D4965F=65 E@ 368:? :?
GOP lawmaker seeks Senate investigation, possible expulsion of Sen. Louise Lucas Original
5:29 News Story Republican state Sen. Bryce Reeves of Spotsylvania wants the Virginia Senate to investigate Democratic Sen. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth and consider expelling her after federal prosecutors accused her of using her legislative influence to benefit a cannabis business she co-owns. Reeves prefiled Senate Resolution 173 on Oct. 30 for the 2027 General Assembly session, which is scheduled to begin in January.
GOP lawmaker seeks Senate investigation, possible expulsion of Sen. Louise Lucas
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Spanberger saw a path to four House flips. Democrats have won two.
Luria won 53.06% to Kiggans’ 44.56% out of roughly 336,360 votes cast. Independents Matt Baker and Bishop Staten received 1.36% and 0.89%, respectively. Luria said in a statement Tuesday evening Hampton Roads voters wanted leaders willing to challenge Trump when his policies hurt Virginia.
Spanberger saw a path to four House flips. Democrats have won two. Original
Just six months ago, Virginia Democrats hoped a new congressional map would help them capture 10 of the state’s 11 U.S. House seats. Instead, they went into Tuesday’s midterm election under the existing boundaries and flipped two Republican-held districts, with a possible third pickup still undecided Wednesday afternoon. The results fell short of what Democrats had sought through redistricting and landed at the low end of what Gov.
Spanberger saw a path to four House flips. Democrats have won two.
Mike Johnson 5 hours ago House Speaker Mike Johnson will not stay on as Republican leader after GOP losses NBC News - Scott Wong, Julie Tsirkin, Sahil Kapur and Kyle Stewart • 5h House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, have already jumped in to run for Johnson’s place. WASHINGTON — A day after Democrats captured the House majority, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told his staff Wednesday morning he will not stay on as Republican leader in the …
Warner wins fourth term, Luria ousts Kiggans in 2nd District, 2 House races remain undecided
Democratic Sen. Mark Warner won a fourth term representing Virginia in the Nov. 3 midterm elections, defeating Republican challenger Bert Mizusawa, a retired U.S. Army major general, 60% to 40%, with 3.1 million votes counted by 11 p.m. on election night, according to unofficial results from the Virginia Department of Elections.
Warner wins fourth term , Luria ousts Kiggans in VA-02 as 2 U.S. House races remain undecided Original
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., won a fourth term in Tuesday’s midterm elections, defeating Republican challenger Bert Mizusawa, a retired U.S. Army major general, 60% to 40%, with 3.1 million votes cast by 11 p.m., according to unofficial results from the Virginia Department of Elections. Voters also approved three constitutional amendments protecting reproductive rights, guaranteeing marriage equality and automatically restoring voting rights after incarceration.
Warner wins fourth term, McGuire appeared to scratch out a victory in the 5th District
RICHMOND — U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., won a fourth term in Tuesday’s midterm elections, defeating Republican challenger Bert Mizusawa, a retired U.S. Army major general, 60% to 40%, with 3.1 million votes cast by 11 p.m., according to unofficial results from the Virginia Department of Elections. Voters also approved three constitutional amendments protecting reproductive rights, guaranteeing marriage equality and automatically restoring voting rights after incarceration. Former U.S. Rep.
Warner wins 4th Senate term, says it's his last
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., won a fourth term in Tuesday’s midterm elections, defeating Republican challenger Bert Mizusawa, a retired U.S. Army major general. Warner received 2,168.802 votes (61.06%) to Mizusawa's 1,373,583 votes (38.67%). Warner, a former Virginia governor first elected to the Senate in 2008, campaigned on his experience and willingness to work across party lines.
Warner wins 4th Senate term, says it's his last
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., won a fourth term in Tuesday’s midterm elections, defeating Republican challenger Bert Mizusawa, a retired U.S. Army major general. Warner received 2,168.802 votes (61.06%) to Mizusawa's 1,373,583 votes (38.67%). Warner, a former Virginia governor first elected to the Senate in 2008, campaigned on his experience and willingness to work across party lines.
It’s Election Day in Virginia: Here’s what to know before heading to the polls
Virginians will vote Tuesday, Nov. 3 in the 2026 midterm elections, with control of Congress and three proposed constitutional amendments at stake after a record early voting turnout. kAm!@==D 2C6 @A6? DE2E6H:56 7C@> e 2]>] F?E:= f A]>][ 8:G:?8 G@E6CD E96:C 7:?2= @AA@CEF?:EJ E@ H6:89 :? @? C246D 7@C E96 &]$] $6?2E6 2?5 2== `` @7 ':C8:?:2’D &]$] w@FD6 D62ED[ 2=@?8 H:E9 AC@A@D65 AC@E64E:@?D 7@C C6AC@5F4E:G6 C:89ED[ >2CC:286 6BF2=:EJ 2?5 G@E:?8 C:89ED] k^Am kAm|@C6 E92? `]e >:==:@?
Election Day 2026: Live updates Original
Skip to main content 8:25 News Story Election 2026 Elections and Voting Updates from around the state as Virginians select their next slate of congressional representatives and votes on three constitutional amendments. (Photo illustration by States Newsroom) Spanberger urges Virginians to vote, citing ‘chaos out of Washington’ Gov. Abigail Spanberger speaks to reporters in Richmond, July 2026. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Gov.
It’s Election Day in Virginia: Here’s what to know before heading to the polls Original
Virginians will vote Tuesday in the 2026 midterm elections, with control of Congress and three proposed constitutional amendments at stake after a record early voting turnout. Polls are open statewide from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m., giving voters their final opportunity to weigh in on races for the U.S. Senate and all 11 of Virginia’s U.S. House seats, along with proposed protections for reproductive rights, marriage equality and voting rights.
Election Day 2026: Live updates
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Election Day 2026: Live updates
Spanberger urges Virginians to vote, citing ‘chaos out of Washington’ Gov. Abigail Spanberger urged eligible Virginians to vote Tuesday, pointing to congressional races and three proposed constitutional amendments as opportunities to shape the state’s and country’s future.
From ‘Dopesick’ to the campaign trail: Beth Macy takes on Ben Cline in Virginia’s 6th District
(VIRGINIA MERCURY) - Beth Macy never expected to trade journalism for politics. But when protesters outside U.S. Rep. Ben Cline’s Roanoke office began urging her to challenge the Republican incumbent from Botetourt County, she found herself reconsidering her plans for the future. “I’m like, no, I’m a journalist,” Macy recalled in a recent phone interview with The Mercury. “I want to write another book or two, become a master gardener and retire.
From ‘Dopesick’ to the campaign trail: Beth Macy takes on Ben Cline in Virginia’s 6th District Original
Beth Macy never expected to trade journalism for politics. But when protesters outside U.S. Rep. Ben Cline’s Roanoke office began urging her to challenge the Republican incumbent from Botetourt County, she found herself reconsidering her plans for the future. “I’m like, no, I’m a journalist,” Macy recalled in a recent phone interview with The Mercury. “I want to write another book or two, become a master gardener and retire.
From ‘Dopesick’ to the campaign trail: Beth Macy takes on Ben Cline in Virginia’s 6th District
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Wittman’s defense industry ties draw scrutiny as he seeks Armed Services gavel Original
(VIRGINIA MERCURY) - U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman has received tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from defense contractors and reported stock holdings in companies with military ties, as he seeks another term representing Virginia in Congress and to become chairman of the powerful House Armed Services Committee.
Wittman’s defense industry ties draw scrutiny as he seeks Armed Services gavel Original
5:30 News Story U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman has received tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from defense contractors and reported stock holdings in companies with military ties, as he seeks another term representing Virginia in Congress and to become chairman of the powerful House Armed Services Committee.
Wittman’s defense industry ties draw scrutiny as he seeks Armed Services gavel
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Elections chief says Virginia is ready for midterms, potential federal interference
Election 2026 — Government — Virginia Goverment — Federal Government — Steve Koski — Virginia Department of Elections — Jay Jones Steve Koski outlines safeguards for ballots and counting, rejects claims about deceased voters and says mail voting remains unchanged. Virginia Elections Commissioner Steve Koski in his Richmond office. Koski says state and local officials are prepared to conduct secure Nov. 3 elections and respond to potential disruptions.
Virginia Mercury readers head toward midterms with rising bills and doubts about Washington Original
5:29 News Story Rising bills, concerns about the state of democracy and frustration with both political parties are weighing on Virginia Mercury readers ahead of next week’s midterm elections, with many questioning whether the candidates can deliver the changes they want. More than 350 readers responded to The Mercury’s online survey between Sept. 22 and Oct. 17, describing the issues that matter most to them and whether congressional candidates are paying attention.
Virginia Mercury readers head toward midterms with rising bills and doubts about Washington
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Elections chief says Virginia is ready for midterms, potential federal interference
Virginia’s top elections official says voters can have confidence in both the integrity of the Nov. 3 midterms and the results, even if President Donald Trump or his allies challenge Republican losses or attempt to interfere with the election process.
BREAKING: Va. Sen. Louise Lucas, 6 others indicted in federal cannabis corruption case
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Va. Sen. Louise Lucas, six others indicted in federal cannabis corruption case Original
State Sen. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth, one of Virginia’s most powerful Democrats, was indicted Thursday on federal racketeering, marijuana distribution and money laundering conspiracy charges, with prosecutors alleging she used her legislative influence to protect and enrich a cannabis business she co-owns. Lucas, 82, surrendered to authorities, a U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said during a news conference in Norfolk.
Elections chief says Virginia is ready for midterms, potential federal interference
Virginia’s top elections official says voters can have confidence in both the integrity of the Nov. 3 midterms and the results, even if President Donald Trump or his allies challenge Republican losses or attempt to interfere with the election process. kAm“x E9:?< ':C8:?:2 G@E6CD D9@F=5 36 G6CJ 4@?7:56?E :? E96 =6G6= @7 AC6A2C2E:@? 2?5 6IA6C:6?46 E92E E96:C =@42= 6=64E:@? @77:4:2=D 92G6 :? 25>:?:DE6C:?8 6=64E:@?D[” $E6G6 z@D<:[ E96 DE2E6’D ?6H 6=64E:@?D 4@>>:DD:@?6C[ D2:5 :?
Elections chief says Virginia is ready for midterms, potential federal interference Original
Virginia’s top elections official says voters can have confidence in both the integrity of the Nov. 3 midterms and the results, even if President Donald Trump or his allies challenge Republican losses or attempt to interfere with the election process.
Elections chief says Virginia is ready for midterms, potential federal interference
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Va. Sen. Louise Lucas, six others indicted in federal cannabis corruption case
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Dominion-NextEra merger faces opposition from state leaders
RICHMOND — Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday warned that Virginia regulators should reject the proposed $67 billion merger between Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy unless the companies agree to freeze residential base-rate increases for six years and nearly triple their promised monthly customer credits.
Dominion-NextEra merger hits turbulence, faces opposition from Va. leaders, SCC staff
Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Oct. 20 warned that Virginia regulators should reject the proposed $67 billion merger between Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy unless the companies agree to freeze residential base-rate increases for six years and nearly triple their promised monthly customer credits. kAmw6C 56>2?5D 42>6 27E6C $E2E6 r@CA@C2E:@? r@>>:DD:@?
Dominion-NextEra merger hits turbulence, faces opposition from Va. leaders, SCC staff
Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday warned that Virginia regulators should reject the proposed $67 billion merger between Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy unless the companies agree to freeze residential base-rate increases for six years and nearly triple their promised monthly customer credits. Her demands came after State Corporation Commission staff recommended Monday that the deal as proposed be rejected, citing financial risks and inadequate protections for Dominion’s Virginia customers.
New poll: In Virginia’s 2nd District, Luria leads Kiggans by 3 points Original
Democrat Elaine Luria holds a narrow lead over Republican U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans in Virginia’s closely watched 2nd Congressional District, according to a Christopher Newport University poll released Wednesday, but the three-point difference falls within the survey’s +/- 4 margin of error. Luria received 46% support among likely voters in the district, compared with 43% for Kiggans, according to the university’s Wason Center poll. Another 10% were still undecided, and 2% favored another candidate.
Warner seeks a final term as Mizusawa makes his case for change
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner says he wants one final term to help undo the damage he believes President Donald Trump has caused. His Republican challenger, Bert Mizusawa, argues Virginia would be better served with a senator Trump will actually listen to. kAm%96 EH@ 42?5:52E6D >256 E96:C 42D6D :? EH@ D6A2C2E6 A9@?6 :?E6CG:6HD H:E9 E96 ':C8:?:2 |6C4FCJ @?
Warner seeks a final term as Mizusawa makes his case for change Original
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner says he wants one final term to help undo the damage he believes President Donald Trump has caused. His Republican challenger, Bert Mizusawa, argues Virginia would be better served with a senator Trump will actually listen to. The two candidates made their cases in two separate phone interviews with the Virginia Mercury on Monday, three weeks before the Nov. 3 election.
Virginia AG launches voter protection unit ahead of midterm elections
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones on Tuesday announced a new Voter Protection Section, creating a team of dedicated lawyers to investigate voting rights violations and enforce state election laws three weeks before the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones By Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury The section will investigate improper voter registration cancellations, absentee ballot denials, voter intimidation and interference with election administration.
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