_WHAT’S HAPPENING_
Virginia's newly inaugurated Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger wasted no time implementing a sharp leftward agenda, signing executive orders on her first day that rolled back federal immigration enforcement cooperation, signaling a dramatic policy shift for the Commonwealth after four years under Republican Glenn Youngkin.
With Democrats now controlling the governorship and both legislative chambers, the party is moving quickly to advance radical bills that critics warn will make Virginians less safe, undercutting Spanberger’s “moderate” campaign image.
_THE FACTS_
Spanberger signed Executive Order 10 on her first day, rescinding an order that required Virginia law enforcement to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The repealed order had helped ICE arrest more than 6,200 illegal aliens in Virginia in 2025, including MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gang members.
Former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares called the move "a disaster," warning that "there will be Virginians who will be robbed, raped, and murdered as a result."
Spanberger appointed former Democratic Reps. James Moran and Tom Davis to George Mason University's board of visitors. Both are registered lobbyists for Qatar.
Qatar has paid Moran's firm $2.3 million through August 2025 to advance "bilateral relations" with the United States.
Virginia Democrats introduced a bill to eliminate mandatory minimum sentencing for rape, manslaughter, assaulting a law enforcement officer, possession and distribution of child pornography, and all repeat violent felonies.
Virginia Democrats are also trying to enact taxpayer-funded sex changes.
Spanberger appointed Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, who has cheered on dismantling parts of the Constitution, to serve as the state's chief diversity officer.
_INSIGHTS_
Virginia Democrats are no longer governing as if they need to reassure swing voters, as was required in the lead-up to the 2025 elections. Spanberger campaigned as a centrist former CIA officer, yet ending cooperation with ICE marks a clean break from strong “law and order” policies.
Combined with her DEI and Qatar lobbyist appointments and the slate of radical bills advancing in the legislature, Virginia is veering sharply left after the comparatively conservative leadership of Glenn Youngkin.
This should be a wake-up call for Republicans who skipped rigorous vetting or a real primary, leaving them with a weak nominee in Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears.
