Markus Schmidt

Sr. politics reporter | deputy editor at @MercuryVirginia Previously: @CardinalNewsVA, @RTDNews, @bild Email: [email protected]

[Markus Schmidt @MSchmidtRVA]

NEW: @GovernorVA vetoes legislation that would have created Virginia’s long-delayed adult-use cannabis retail market, leaving the state in the same legal limbo it has faced since marijuana possession was legalized in 2021.

https://t.co/ExiJ2ubPcU

[Markus Schmidt @MSchmidtRVA]

#breaking The Supreme Court of Virginia has struck down Virginia’s voter-approved redistricting amendment.

The court ruled lawmakers violated the state constitution by advancing the proposal after early voting had already begun in the 2025 House elections.

[Markus Schmidt @MSchmidtRVA]

FBI agents raided the Portsmouth office and cannabis business tied to Virginia state Sen. Louise Lucas on Wednesday as part of a federal investigation, shaking Virginia politics and prompting swift reactions from Democratic leaders.  #valeg

https://t.co/Td7gWnn5Vd

[Brendan Ponton @brendanponton]

BREAKING : FBI at @SenLouiseLucas’s business in Portsmouth

[Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 @PollTracker2024]

President Trump nominates former Virginia congressman David Brat to become US ambassador to Australia.

Brat was elected in 2014 after successfully primarying House majority leader Eric Cantor and served two terms before losing re-election in 2018 to Democrat Abigail Spanberger.

[Markus Schmidt @MSchmidtRVA]

The Supreme Court of Virginia heard arguments Monday in a challenge to the voter-approved redistricting amendment, with Justice Russell pressing both sides on election timing, public notice requirements and the scope of last October’s special session.

https://t.co/58F3CjYETK

[Markus Schmidt @MSchmidtRVA]

The Virginia House just gaveled in for a special session to finalize the budget.

But they still don't have a deal because Democrats are stuck in a feud over data center tax breaks.

They also face a $250M hole after @governorva vetoed bill to legalize skill games. #valeg

[Markus Schmidt @MSchmidtRVA]

Va. Republicans are turning to the courts after losing the redistricting referendum, with a Tazewell judge now halting the new maps and the state vowing to appeal.

GOP leaders say the fight isn’t over; the case heads toward the Virginia Supreme Court.

https://t.co/tabgZ2r9gf

[Markus Schmidt @MSchmidtRVA]

NEW: @GovernorVA signs package of reproductive rights legislation — dubbed “Momnibus” — into law, while multitasking and holding a newborn baby.

[Markus Schmidt @MSchmidtRVA]

At signing ceremony for reproductive rights legislation, @GovernorVA also celebrates the passing of Virginia’s redistricting referendum.

“Last night is an example of what happens when people are informed what their options are,” she says.

#vagov

[Markus Schmidt @MSchmidtRVA]

#breaking Virginia voters approved the redistricting amendment Tuesday, 50.7%–49.3% with ~2.5M ballots cast, clearing the way for new congressional maps after months of legal and political battles.

https://t.co/AKAWqg6gQJ

[Markus Schmidt @MSchmidtRVA]

@bethabeyer @joedodson16 @BradKutner @KateSeltzer @sathumanPEIC @CamThompsonCBS6 Yea that was a bold move!

[Markus Schmidt @MSchmidtRVA]

Turnout steady so far in the redistricting referendum.

At the Stonebridge polling site in Chesterfield, 400+ votes had been cast by noon — about in line with last year’s statewide elections.

“It’s been very pleasant so far,” one volunteer tells me.

https://t.co/nmFRMEGGNx

[Markus Schmidt @MSchmidtRVA]

It’s Election Day in Virginia! Voters will decide the fate of the redistricting amendment with major implications for the state’s congressional map.

Follow our live blog for updates, turnout, and results throughout the day:

https://t.co/nmFRMEGGNx

[Mike Kropf @mikekropfphoto]

.@SpeakerDonScott answers questions from the press in Capitol Square, Monday, April 20, 2026. @RTDNEWS

[Markus Schmidt @MSchmidtRVA]

#breaking Fmr. Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax fatally shot his wife in their Annandale home before taking his own life, police say.

One of their teenage children called 911 just after midnight.

https://t.co/rVfltxB78T

[Markus Schmidt @MSchmidtRVA]

NEW: @GovernorVA signs immigration-related bills into law, proposes changes to others, setting up a clash with lawmakers over limits on ICE cooperation.

She rejects claims Virginia is a “sanctuary state,” saying coordination with feds continues. #vagov

https://t.co/2MVq7gtgkc

[Markus Schmidt @MSchmidtRVA]

NEW: Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin is back on the campaign trail for the first time since leaving office, urging the Virginia Supreme Court to invalidate the state’s redistricting referendum at a “Vote No Rally” in Lynchburg.

https://t.co/od8SNkx5hn

[Markus Schmidt @MSchmidtRVA]

More than 100 people have gathered in Lynchburg for a “Vote No” rally on Virginia’s April 21 redistricting referendum, featuring remarks from former Gov. Glenn Youngkin, former AG Jason Miyares, and U.S. Reps. John McGuire and Jen Kiggans.

[Markus Schmidt @MSchmidtRVA]

NEW: @GovernorVA signs legislation raising Virginia’s minimum wage to $15/hour by 2028, with automatic inflation adjustments starting in 2029.

Democrats call it long overdue; Republicans warn of rising costs as budget talks continue.

#valeg #vagov

https://t.co/wGMj6U9Sm2