Virginia Democrats set to pick nominees in closely watched 2025 primaries
Virginia is one of two states that host statewide elections the year after a presidential election — New Jersey is the other — and the races are typically seen as referendums on the party in power before Congress heads into midterm elections.
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Analysts will be looking for clues in both states about voter sentiment with President Donald Trump back in the Oval Office and Republicans controlling power in Washington.
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Democrats' hold on Virginia has slipped in recent years, moving it close to swing-state status nationally. Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin beat former Gov. Terry McAuliffe in 2021. And although Democrats narrowly gained back complete control of the legislature in a 2023 election, then-Vice President Kamala Harris won Virginia last year by less than six points, compared to former President Joe Biden's 10-point lead in 2020.
Still, Democrats have history on their side: The party of the sitting president typically suffers defeat in Virginia's statewide races. And considering Trump has never won the state, Democrats are probably better positioned to make gains once their ticket solidifies.
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Six Democrats seeking to be lieutenant governor
The six Democrats vying to be Virginia's next lieutenant governor aren't all that different on the issues: They support rights to abortion, a living wage, affordable housing and accessible health care. They also share similar criticisms of Trump.
The candidates notably fracture along regional lines, and distinctions emerge in what they have emphasized in stump speeches along the campaign trail.
Former Richmond City Mayor Levar Stoney has touted his ties to the Democratic Party and experience working under former Govs. Mark Warner and Terry McAuliffe. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg endorsed his campaign in June.
State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi is also from the Richmond area, representing part of the city and suburbs. Hashmi has pushed reproductive health in her bid and has been endorsed by abortion rights political action committees.
Virginia Sen. Aaron Rouse, from Virginia Beach with ties to southwest Virginia, has also highlighted his legislative accomplishments.
Prince William County School Board Chair Barbur Lateef, former federal prosecutor Victor Salgado and retired U.S. Department of Labor worker Alex Bastani are from northern Virginia.
Lateef, an eye surgeon, has honed in on education and health care. Salgado has stressed the importance of strengthening democracy, and Bastani has emphasized labor rights.
County prosecutor vs. former delegate in race for attorney general
Former Del. Jay Jones and Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney Shannon Taylor are seeking to be the next attorney general.
Jones, who once represented Norfolk in the House of Delegates, comes from a long line of Hampton Roads politicians. His father was also a delegate, and his grandfather was the first Black member of the Norfolk School Board. Jones previously ran for attorney general in 2021 but lost the primary to Democratic incumbent Mark Herring.
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Taylor has served more than a decade as the top prosecutor in the suburbs outside Richmond after flipping the open seat in 2011. Notable cases include when she was appointed special prosecutor in the case of the torch-carrying mob in the fatal 2017 Unite the Right white supremacist riot. She took one of the torch carriers to trial, records show, but the case was dismissed after a hung verdict.
A Republican ticket for a divided party
Only one Republican candidate in each statewide contest is advancing to the ballot.
Earle-Sears became the gubernatorial nominee after Republicans Dave LaRock and Amanda Chase failed to collect enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. Both LaRock and Chase initially challenged Earle-Sears for not being fully aligned with Trump.
Conservative talk-radio host John Reid became the de facto nominee for lieutenant governor after his primary opponent left the race, and despite intraparty quarreling over whether he was tied to a social media account reposting pornography.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares sailed to his spot on the ballot after announcing his reelection bid.
Downballot races in the House of Delegates
All 100 seats of the House of Delegates are up for election in November, and some nomination contests are taking place in Virginia's more competitive districts.
Democrats May Nivar and Andrew Schear are racing to take on Republican incumbent Del. David Owen in a Richmond-area district that House liberals are vying to flip.
Three Democrats are running to battle Republican Del. Carrie Coyner in a Petersburg-area district.
Two Republicans and two Democrats will have separate primaries to fill a competitive seat in the Chesapeake area, which opened after Republican Rep. Baxter Ennis announced his retirement.
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Olivia Diaz is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
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Politico
28 minutes ago
- Politico
Thune's biggest megabill fires
Presented by IN TODAY'S EDITION:— GOP turmoil over new Medicaid, tax plans— Massie, Khanna push war powers resolution— Senate poised to pass landmark crypto bill Senate Majority Leader John Thune has some 'big, beautiful' conflicts to resolve — and fast — if he wants to pass his party's tax-and-spending package next week as planned. Here's a look at the biggest fires Thune needs to put out to meet his deadline, some of which are newly raging following Senate Finance's release of long-awaited bill text: MEDICAID JITTERS — 'Medicaid moderates' are reeling after Republicans on the key committee proposed lowering the provider tax from 6 percent to 3.5 percent by 2031 for states that have expanded Medicaid offerings under the Affordable Care Act. Several states rely heavily on this tax to help fund their Medicaid programs. Republicans, including Sen. Josh Hawley, were already rebelling against the House-passed megabill's move to find savings by freezing the provider tax. Now, Hawley is saying he's 'alarmed' that Senate Finance would go even further and that the plan 'needs work.' 'I don't know why we would defund rural hospitals in order to pay for Chinese solar panels,' he told reporters Monday evening, in a nod to Senate Republicans' plan to ease some of the House GOP's deep cuts to clean-energy tax credits (more on that below). Sen. Susan Collins also expressed concern about the provider-tax change, though she declined to elaborate as she left the closed-door meeting Monday night where Finance Chair Mike Crapo was briefing GOP senators on his proposal. But Sen. Rick Scott said he doesn't think the plan would go far enough in slashing spending on the safety-net program, suggesting senators should reconsider including a provision that would scale back the federal government's share of paying for states' Medicaid expansion. Expect this to be a topic of discussion when GOP senators meet with CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz today during the conference's weekly lunch, our Jordain Carney writes in. HOLD THE SALT — Blue-state House Republicans are seething as senators continue to haggle down their state-and-local-tax deduction cap. GOP senators included the current $10,000 deduction limit — rather than the $40,000 the House passed — as a placeholder in the draft bill text Senate Finance released Monday, giving space for talks to continue. Rep. Mike Lawler declared the Senate's proposal 'dead on arrival' in the House. But Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who's been backchanneling with SALT Republicans including Lawler, insisted to reporters that the deduction is 'fully open for negotiating.' Thune also told reporters Monday that senators are 'prepared to have discussions' amongst themselves to 'figure out a landing spot.' LESS GUTTING FOR GREEN CREDITS — Senate Republicans are extending some of the House's aggressive phase-out dates for credits benefitting 'baseload' energy technologies like nuclear, geothermal and hydropower, leaving one GOP proponent of the incentives, Sen. Thom Tillis, 'generally satisfied.' They are still making significant cuts to solar, wind and electric vehicle incentives in Democrats' 2022 climate law, but that's not going to satisfy conservatives who want a full repeal of what they call the 'Green New Scam.' House Freedom Caucus members, who pushed for deep cuts to the green credits in order to get behind the megabill in their chamber last month, could fight the Senate's slower roll. One member, Rep. Chip Roy, declared on X he 'will not vote for this.' Dive deeper into the long list of other Senate Finance megabill changes from our Brian Faler. GOOD TUESDAY MORNING. Are you the one who created the 'Hilltern Barstool' Instagram account — and followed a bunch of House Democrats and Melania Trump on said account? Email us, we have questions: lkashinsky@ mmccarthy@ and crazor@ Follow our live coverage at the Inside Congress blog at THE SKED The House is out but will convene for a pro-forma session at 11 a.m. The Senate is in session and will vote on Olivia Trusty's nomination to be a member of the FCC and on Gary Andres' nomination to be assistant secretary of HHS during votes at noon, 2:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The Senate will also vote on the final passage of cryptocurrency legislation during the 4:30 p.m. vote. — Members will have a security briefing in the wake of the Minnesota shootings at 9:30 a.m. — Appropriations will have a closed subcommittee hearing on the president's fiscal 2026 budget request for intelligence, with testimony from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and NSA acting Director Lt. Gen. William Hartman, and another subcommittee hearing on the budget request for military construction and family housing, both at 10:30 a.m. — Judiciary will have a hearing on protecting seniors from international scammers at 10:30 a.m. — Republican and Democratic senators will have their weekly conference lunches at 12:45 p.m. — Commerce will have a subcommittee hearing on Chinese doping with testimony from U.S. Anti-Doping Agency CEO Travis Tygart, former Olympic swimmer Katie McLaughlin and others at 2:30 p.m. — Intel will have a closed hearing at 3 p.m. The rest of the week: The Senate will work through more of Trump's nominations Wednesday before breaking for the holiday. The House is out all week and will return Monday. THE LEADERSHIP SUITE Congressional leaders grapple with security issues Thune said Monday that senators 'all have a responsibility to dial it down' and to 'lower the temperature' after the weekend shootings of Minnesota state lawmakers and their spouses. Temperatures, however, are still running high. Democratic Sen. Tina Smith confronted GOP Sen. Mike Lee in a hallway off the floor Monday over his X post blaming 'Marxists' for the deadly violence. Smith, a friend of slain state Rep. Melissa Hortman, told reporters afterward that she 'wanted [Lee] to know how much pain that caused me and the other people in my state.' Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned Lee's comments in a floor speech. Tillis told Calen that 'anything short of condemning [violence] would be unacceptable.' But other Republicans largely declined to directly criticize Lee for his postings, with some saying there was little chance of neutralizing the political toxicity of the moment. 'You can talk about it all you want, but it's never going to happen. I've been in sports all my life. Everybody is competitive. They're always going to push back. Nobody is going to give up,' Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a former college football coach, told Calen. Mullin, who also called for cooler heads, warned that 'unfortunately, it's going to take someone in the House or the Senate to get hurt really bad — God forbid it happens, but it's probably a reality — before maybe they start taking it serious here.' But the Oklahoma Republican, who leads the Senate appropriations subcommittee that funds congressional law enforcement operations, also stopped short of calling for additional money for member security when Lisa asked about it Monday evening: 'I'm not saying that right now.' Senators have a security briefing with the chamber's sergeant at arms and the Capitol Police this morning, where the question of resources for lawmaker safety could come up. Across the Capitol, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is asking Speaker Mike Johnson to increase funding for members' security as more elected officials learn they were potential targets of the man suspected of the shootings in Minnesota. A spokesperson for Johnson didn't comment. Johnson's incoming war powers headache A bipartisan group of House members is supporting a war powers resolution in the wake of Israel's strike on Iran — and it's shaping up to be a potential political problem for Johnson and GOP leaders when the chamber returns next week. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna are leading the introduction of the resolution that would block U.S. involvement in the conflict in Iran, they said in separate X posts Monday night. 'This is not our war,' Massie said in his post. 'But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.' Further illuminating the diverse coalition of support for such a measure, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also said she would also sign onto the effort. Some pro-Israel lawmakers have already come out against it: 'If AOC and Massie are a yes, that's a good bet that I'll be a no,' moderate New York Rep. Lawler said. But Khanna said the resolution would come up as 'privileged,' meaning leaders would be forced to take it up in some capacity within a certain number of days. And if the resolution gains enough traction on both sides of the aisle, there's a chance it can actually get adopted — an enormous risk for GOP leadership if the White House digs in against it. Johnson will have to decide whether to try and block this resolution from ever receiving a floor vote to begin with through maneuvering inside House Rules. He's done this before to stymie bipartisan privileged motions, though it's not clear whether he'd get overruled this time around. POLICY RUNDOWN CRYPTO BILL SET TO CLEAR SENATE — The Senate is on track this afternoon to pass landmark cryptocurrency legislation, one of Trump's biggest policy priorities outside the megabill, our Jasper Goodman writes in. The bipartisan bill would create a regulatory framework for digital tokens known as stablecoins, which are pegged to the value of the dollar. It's expected to draw support from close to 18 Democrats after a month of turbulent negotiations with Republicans, who worked to gather enough support to clear the chamber's 60-vote threshold. The stablecoin regulations have been a longtime lobbying goal for Washington's digital asset industry, which hopes the legislation will be Congress' first step toward making crypto mainstream. The path to passage in the House, however, remains murky. Financial Services Chair French Hill is weighing whether to package the stablecoin bill with an even bigger prize for the crypto industry: a separate, broader measure that would divide oversight of digital assets between market regulators. GAO HITS TRUMP'S FUNDING FREEZE (AGAIN) — The Government Accountability Office ruled Monday for a second time that the Trump administration acted illegally by withholding congressionally-approved funds for libraries, archives and museums around the country, our Jennifer Scholtes reports. The watchdog concluded that the Trump administration violated the 51-year-old law barring presidents from withholding federal dollars without the consent of Congress by freezing money intended to flow through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The GAO is currently reviewing 37 other potential impoundment violations by this White House. BANKING HUDDLES WITH SENATE PARL — Senate Banking staff met Monday with the parliamentarian's office to discuss the committee's proposed contribution to the GOP megabill, two people granted anonymity to discuss closed-door talks tell Jasper. Something to look out for: whether Elizabeth MacDonough will determine that language in the draft bill to zero out the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's funding would comply with Senate rules governing consideration of the filibuster-skirting tax and spending package. While Republicans widely oppose the CFPB — conceived of years ago by the panel's ranking member, Elizabeth Warren — some GOP senators have questioned why Banking Chair Tim Scott would include the provision that may not survive MacDonough's review. ICYMI, for Pros: What you need to know about the Senate Parliamentarian Best of POLITICO Pro and E&E: CAMPAIGN STOP SANDERS BETS AGAINST THANEDAR — Sen. Bernie Sanders is endorsing one of Rep. Shri Thanedar's primary challengers, state Rep. Donavan McKinney, in Michigan's 13th Congressional District. Sanders has a history of backing progressive candidates running against sitting Democrats, with a mixed record of success. McKinney's campaign says it's the first time Sanders has made such a play this cycle. Rep. Rashida Tlaib is also backing McKinney. But McKinney doesn't have the field to himself: Former state Sen. Adam Hollier, who mounted an unsuccessful challenge to Thanedar last cycle, is running for the seat a third time. FIRST IN INSIDE CONGRESS: VOTEVETS' PICK AGAINST LAWLER — VoteVets PAC is endorsing Army combat veteran and national security professional Cait Conley in the crowded Democratic primary to take on Lawler if he doesn't run for governor. The Hudson Valley seat is one of Democrats' top targets to flip next year. Conley has 'the grit needed to run a tough race,' VoteVets senior adviser and former New York Rep. Max Rose said in a statement. THE BEST OF THE REST Thune sends senators sprinting with new voting stop clock, from David Sivak at the Washington Examiner Republicans Are All About MAHA — And Propping Up the Sugar Industry, from Claire Heddles and Nuha Dolby at NOTUS JOB BOARD Jane Vickers is now a press assistant for House Energy and Commerce. She most recently was a press assistant for Rep. Greg Murphy. Tashi Chogyal is now campaign manager for Dan Lee's congressional campaign in the Virginia special election. He previously was national Asian American engagement deputy director on Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, and is a Barack Obama campaign/admin alum. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Reps. Marcy Kaptur and Scott Peters … Newt Gingrich … former Reps. Brad Wenstrup and Jerry Carl … Matt Canter of Global Strategy Group … Matt Miller … Diane Blagman of Greenberg Traurig … CNBC's Christina Wilkie … Maxine Joselow … Kent Lassman … Nisha Ramachandran … Scott Thuman … Gabe Horwitz … Chris Bedford … POLITICO's Samuel Ogozalek … Jessica Boulanger … Boris Abreu ... Katie Grant Drew … Chris Jennings … Melissa Sabatine … former HHS Secretary Alex Azar … Jacob McIntosh of TriNet … Nora Taktajian of Rep. Doris Matsui's office … Dan Hanlon … Lauren Kennedy of Tillis' office … David D'Antonio … Zainab Chaudary of New Heights Communications … NewsNation's Blake Burman … Connor Joseph … Ryan Serote of Meguire Whitney TRIVIA MONDAY'S ANSWER: Blaine Salter correctly answered that Woodrow Wilson established Flag Day in 1916. TODAY'S QUESTION, from Blaine: Who was the first presidential candidate to appear on a late-night television program and what was the name of the program? The first person to correctly guess gets a mention in the next edition of Inside Congress. Send your answers to insidecongress@
Newsweek
33 minutes ago
- Newsweek
ICE Agents Could Be Banned From Wearing Masks Under New Proposal
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. California lawmakers are looking to stop local police officers and federal agents from wearing face masks or coverings while carrying out operations in the state. A move a leading Republican told Newsweek was made just to "score political brownie-points." The "No Secret Police Act" was introduced by Democrats in the state's Senate on Monday, following criticism that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were trying to hide their identities while carrying out raids in Los Angeles. "The recent federal operations in California have created an environment of profound terror. If we want the public to trust law enforcement, we cannot allow them to behave like secret police in an authoritarian state," state Senator Scott Wiener said in a press release. Why It Matters There has been growing criticism of ICE in recent months for allowing its agents to carry out targeted enforcement operations in plain clothes and face coverings. ICE officials argue that the masks are crucial to protect the identities of agents and their families from death threats. The agency is facing increased scrutiny as President Donald Trump directs his administration to remove millions of migrants without legal status. Federal agents in Portland, Oregon, on June 28, 2018. Federal agents in Portland, Oregon, on June 28, 2018. Alex Milan Tracy/Sipa via AP Images What To Know Democratic state Senators Scott Wiener of San Francisco and Jesse Arreguin of Oakland announced Monday that they will introduce SB 627, a bill that would prohibit local, state, and federal law enforcement officers from concealing their faces during interactions with the public. The lawmakers said the bill would include exemptions for SWAT teams and officers wearing medical masks during natural disasters like wildfires. Transparent riot gear would also be allowed, as it does not obscure the face. Law enforcement officers who conceal their faces while performing official duties could be charged with a misdemeanor under the new proposal. "Our first responders are responsible for vital work in protecting our communities, and trust and accountability are a key aspects in keeping our neighborhoods safe," Arreguín said. Across the aisle, California Republicans criticized the proposal, accusing their colleagues of attempting to "legislatively dox" ICE agents. "At a time when federal agents are literally under attack in our state, California's leaders should be rallying behind law enforcement, not seeking to score political brownie-points by putting them and their families at risk with legislation to publicly expose their identities," Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones told Newsweek. The legislation comes amid growing resistance in California to Trump's plans to carry out what he describes as the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history. What People Are Saying? California Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones, a Republican, told Newsweek: "This bill is nothing more than an attempt to legislatively dox our law enforcement officers. In the name of liberal virtue signaling and pandering to his progressive base, Senator Wiener has introduced a bill that endangers the very men and women who've committed their lives to keeping us safe. "Thankfully, this bill has zero chance of being enforced as the California Legislature has no authority to impose requirements on federal officers, but the mere suggestion of such a dangerous policy is another disappointing sign of the left's distain for law and order in California." State Senator Scott Wiener said in a press release: "Law enforcement officers do critically important work to keep our communities safe, and they should be proud to show their faces and provide identifying information when doing so. It boosts trust in law enforcement, which makes it easier for law enforcement to do their jobs and makes California safer for all of us." State Senator Jesse Arreguín said in a statement. "This bill will ensure that law enforcement are easily identifiable, maintaining that trust and accountability." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told CBS: "It's for the safety of those individuals or the work that they're doing as far as protecting their identity so they can continue to do investigative work." What Happens Next? The bill is likely to pass in a Democratic-controlled legislature in the state of California.
Wall Street Journal
38 minutes ago
- Wall Street Journal
Global Markets Mostly Fall; Oil Price Rises on Fresh Iran, Israel Attacks
Oil prices headed higher again Tuesday as Iran and Israel launched fresh attacks against each other. The latest strikes came after President Trump left the Group of Seven summit early to deal with the crisis and after social-media posts in which Trump urged an immediate evacuation of Tehran. Investors retreated from risky assets–U.S. stock futures fell and Treasury yields eased.
