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In the ‘Fightin’ Ninth,’ Baker seeks to end Griffith’s 13-year tenure
For decades, Virginia’s 9th Congressional District earned the nickname “The Fightin’ Ninth” due to its fiercely contested elections. But for the last 13 years, Republican Morgan Griffith has held the seat with little opposition, solidifying his status as the incumbent. That could change this election cycle as Democrat Karen Baker hopes to unseat the lawmaker […]
Youngkin declares state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Helene
Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Wednesday declared a state of emergency for the commonwealth of Virginia in anticipation of impacts from Hurricane Helene later this week. Although the current storm path places its center west of Virginia, forecasts from the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center suggest that the western parts of the state could […]
Spanberger and Earle-Sears tied in first 2025 gubernatorial poll
A little over one year before the 2025 gubernatorial election, Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Prince William, the two leading declared candidates for governor, are tied at 39% support each, according to a new statewide poll by the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. The remaining […]
After recent school shootings, Virginia NAACP wants more social media education
In the aftermath of the recent school shooting in Winder, Georgia, that left four students and teachers dead, and the threats of violence made online in various Virginia school districts, the NAACP Virginia State Conference has pushed for increased action on social media education, mental health services and a renewed commitment to addressing racism and […]
Trump, Youngkin urge early voting during tele-rally
With early voting now underway in Virginia, former President Donald Trump appears to have warmed up to the practice of sending out mail-in ballots to voters for the November general election — a position contrary to his many deprecatory comments regarding mail-in voting. “In this election we must use every appropriate tool to beat the […]
As early voting starts in Virginia, political parties rally their bases
Starting Friday, voters across Virginia can begin casting their ballots in this year’s critical elections for the White House, a U.S. Senate seat, and the state’s 11 congressional districts that will not only impact the future of the commonwealth but also help shape next year’s gubernatorial race. An amendment to the Constitution of Virginia and […]
Scathing report calls for a ban of prone restraint tactics
A newly released report by the disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) reveals that the death of Irvo Otieno, who was killed at Central State Hospital in Dinwiddie County during a mental health crisis while in police custody last year, could have been prevented had sheriff’s deputies and hospital staff not used prone restraint, a […]
New skill game machines don’t violate the state’s ban, two former Virginia attorneys general say
A new version of slots-like machines that one of the biggest skill game companies in Virginia has begun introducing in the commonwealth does not violate the state’s ban on the electronic betting machines, according to a joint legal opinion by two former state attorneys general and two regulatory attorneys with substantial gaming experience. Dubbed Queen […]
Amid internal GOP feud in the 5th District, Democrat Gloria Witt sees her chance
As Republicans in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District remain divided over their support of their party’s nominee, state Sen. John McGuire, R-Goochland, and U.S. Bob Good, R-Farmville, the incumbent, Democrat Gloria Witt sees an opening in the traditionally conservative district. Political analysts suggest the GOP infighting could provide Witt, a political newcomer with lifelong roots in […]
New polling finds Harris ahead of Trump by a comfortable margin in Virginia
As Vice President Kamala Harris gears up to debate former President Donald Trump at what may be their only presidential debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday, new polling shows the Democrat with a significant lead over the Republican nominee in Virginia. A poll by Morning Consult conducted between Aug. 30 and Sept. 8 among 498 likely […]
Fifth District GOP chair: “Where is John McGuire?”
The rift between Sen. John McGuire, R-Goochland, and party officials in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District widened further over the weekend after the Republican nominee failed to attend the district’s GOP committee meeting in Farmville on Saturday. McGuire’s no-show at the gathering, which has traditionally served as a critical opportunity for candidates to solidify party support […]
Where do Virginia congressional candidates in key districts stand on top policy issues?
As Election Day draws closer, The Mercury asked candidates in four key Virginia congressional races — Districts 2, 7, 9 and 10 — to share their views and policy plans on the issues that most impact the commonwealth, and reviewed their positions on their campaign websites, social media pages, and in other media. Read their […]