Abigail Spanberger

Rule Changes

Opposing the merger without a six-year rate freeze; pressing to admit the Robo Memo

Governor Abigail Spanberger asked the State Corporation Commission to reject NextEra's attempt to keep the "Robo Memo" out of the merger hearing, calling the companies' handling of it a sign they misunderstand the review standard. The memo, addressed to former NextEra CEO James Robo, describes an investigation into alleged election interference and bribery in Florida. The commission has not decided whether to admit it.

Updated Yesterday

Rule Changes

In office; backed all three amendments

Starting Jan. 1, 2027, Virginia's constitution will guarantee access to abortion and contraception, protect same-sex and interracial marriage, and restore voting rights automatically when someone leaves prison. Voters approved all three amendments on Nov. 3, with support ranging from 56.5% to 62.4% across the three questions.

Updated 3 days ago

Rule Changes

Signed the Faith in Housing Act on April 22, 2026

Alexandria's Planning Commission was scheduled to take up the city's Faith in Housing rules at 7 p.m. November 5. No recommendation had been posted as of November 10, and the City Council is set to consider the same items November 14 at 9:30 a.m.

Updated Oct 25

Built World

As of October 2026: Announced the project in February 2026; attended groundbreaking

Almost two decades after Burlington Industries shut its textile mill in Hurt, Virginia, and idled 1,300 workers, the same industrial park is getting a new tenant. Avio USA broke ground this week on a $500 million solid rocket motor plant that promises 1,500 jobs, more than the town's entire population of about 1,300.

Updated Oct 3

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Declared state of emergency, National Guard on standby

Winter Storm Fern killed over 150 people by early February 2026, following 106 deaths on January 28. The storm brought ice and heavy snow across a 2,000-mile path from Texas to Maine, prompting President Trump to declare federal emergencies in 10+ states as peak power outages exceeded 1 million, 14,000+ flights were canceled (the worst aviation disruption since COVID-19), and wind chills dropped to minus 50°F. Fatalities came from hypothermia, traffic accidents, and ice-related incidents: Tennessee reported 29 deaths, Mississippi 28, Louisiana 8, New York City 8 people frozen outdoors, with additional deaths in Kentucky and in Texas where 3 boys drowned after falling through pond ice.

Updated May 26

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Inaugurated January 17, 2026

For 250 years and 74 governors, Virginia had never elected a woman to its highest office, but Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA case officer, changed that on January 17, 2026. She took the oath on the Capitol steps in Richmond alongside Ghazala Hashmi, the first Muslim woman to hold statewide office in the U.S., and Jay Jones, Virginia's first Black attorney general. Within hours, she signed 10 executive orders and appointed 27 new members to public university boards, including vacancies at UVA from recent board resignations.

Updated May 21