How about teacher retention instead of tip lines? Pay teachers what they are worth, above the national average.

Justice Samuel Chase was impeached from SCOTUS for allowing partisan leanings to affect his court decisions. Hmmm…

I am sickened by the news of a 6 year old shooting a teacher in an elementary school yesterday. Two questions: How in the hell does a 6 year old access a gun, and when does this madness stop? Praying for the teacher and her family.

So Christian Youngkin thinks it is okay to make a remark about sending Speaker Pelosi home to California in the context of her husband being violently attacked? Not okay, not political satire or fodder for your ridiculous speech.

Congratulations to the newest Senator from Virginia Beach, the Honorable Aaron Rouse. So looking forward to working with you.

Why are journalists and newspapers not calling for Donald Trump to step aside? This convicted felon, twice impeached, still under indictment individual stood on the same stage for 90 minutes, never answered a question and lied at every turn. This man is a threat to democracy and has stated his intentions for retribution and actualize the Heritage Foundation Project 2025 plan to destroy this country. Why does he get a pass by the media?

Dog whistles. Youngkin wants to have partnerships for charter schools. At universities to assist with entrepreneurship. At HBCUs to assist with entertainment. Sooo,..can’t start a business, but can sing and dance for me. One of those things that makes you go “hmmm”

Women have the right to make decisions about their reproductive health choices. In Virginia Senate Democrats will be the brick wall to ensure we remain a safe haven despite the hot wind blowing from the executive branch

Please help me understand something. If a person convicted of 34 felonies, serves no jail time, is under several indictments for serious crimes that are likely to disappear, is known for sexual misconduct, but can be elected to the highest office in tbe U.S., what rationale is there for continuing to withhold the civil rights of felons who have actually paid their debt to society ? The constitutional amendment for restoration of rights needs to pass in Virginia. We all know why the voting rights of convicted persons were removed in the first place—blatant racism.

Thank you, @harrisonjaime for the shoutout! We are making history here in Virginia!

When did Virginia close for business?

Governor says we do not have time for political posturing, but his entire speech is just that. Telling a lie over and over again isn’t again isn’t going to make it true, Governor. Stop the pandering and lying.

Senator Lucas took Youngkin to task over the new egregious history and social studies standards on The ReidOut. She laid him and the BOE out! Go seat mate!

Allow me this moment to vent. I have been in my feelings all day trying to make sense of the outcome of yesterday’s election. It has been clear from the time VP Harris’ name surfaced as the potential Democratic nominee she was held to a different and higher standard than the rogue Republican nominee who hijacked that party nearly 10 years ago. Her every word, syllable, expression or move was pounced on, dissected, or torn apart. Trump could denigrate, ridicule, lie about people; undermine, say and/or do hateful, racist, misogynistic things, and go unchecked and unchallenged. His fearmongering caused other Republicans to cower in fear, kowtow to his antics, and explain away his immoral behavior as if it was normal. Owners of newspapers caved and said to hell with a free press. SCOTUS said to hell eith the law and the constitution, and gave him free rein. Sadly, millions bought the lie. The reality check will come when Project 2025 and Agenda 47 comes to their community. Back in 2016 a pastor friend explained Trump’s election in the context of being a Barrabas moment. In each of the four Gospels of the New Testament, it is revealed that a Passover custom was to commute a prisoner’s death sentence by popular approval. When offered the choice of Barrabas or Jesus, the crowd insisted that Pilate release Barrabas. This Pastor said that Trump’s election in 2016 was a Barrabas moment; a moment in time when there was clearly an error in judgment; the crowd made the wrong choice. Once again we are faced with a Barrabas moment. However, in a democracy, we are free to make choices, While yesterday was not the outcome I wanted, I recognize that this Barrabas moment has negative consequences for people who look like me. It means this bad choice, clears the field for open racism, sexism and misogyny for those who are considered “other.” The hope, however, is also found in the Gospels: resurrection and redemption. Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Let’s be sad for a minute, but get to work against this reign of terror. I’ll be damned if I allow anyone to treat me as “other.”

What about the Christian children shot in Uvalde? The Christian children shot at Douglas High School? The Christian children shot in Newtown? Where was your outrage then? What’s showing now is your bigotry, but considering who you are, apples don’t fall far…

Governor has time to hang out at the Right to Life rally. Maybe he needs to take time to resolve the gross negligence over school funding instead.

Congratulations Senator Jennifer McClellan on your historic win and nomination as candidate for 4th Congressional District. I’m claiming it for you, first African American woman in the delegation. On to victory February 21st.

As always Youngkin chooses his corporate friends over hardworking Virginians. He has chosen dirty fossil fuel donors over creating good jobs in Virginia by blocking having Ford battery plant site even considered due to his paranoia over China.

A ban is a ban, and Youngkin is betting wrong. We need every voter who cares about reproductive freedom to bank your vote now by voting early! You can look up your Early Voting site at iwillvote.com

Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. Democrats, be reminded of 1968. I am appalled at the so called “leadership” of this party. The leaks, rumors, innuendo, and sheer disregard and disrespect being shown to President Biden is disgraceful. Republicans have coalesced around a non-coherent felon, yet Democrats are scrambling and airing laundry publicly. That’s just great, folks. Clear the path for a MAGA election and Project 2025. It is those you claim to care about and represent who will suffer the consequences.

I am thrilled that the House has chosen such strong leaders from both Hampton Roads & Northern Virginia. @DonScott757 @C_Herring @KathyKLTran are all unapologetic fighters for workers and reflect the diversity of our Commonwealth and our party. This is a new day in the new South.

What a hypocrite! Youngkin mouths platitudes about Virginians learning all our history, the good and the bad, and then issues an EO banning CRT which isn’t even taught in public schools. It’s a slap at cultural competency. Rs don’t want the truth to be taught about slavery, etc.

Donald Trump is saying the Democratic wins of yesterday were because of the government shutdown and because he was not on the ballot. He is partially right. Democrats won because Republicans cannot govern, do their jobs and would rather shut the government down than feed people or provide them health care, And, Trump, you were on the ballot. Maybe not literally, but your failed policies were. Voters told you how they felt about those failures. Your efforts to distract, distort, discourage, discredit, and destroy this country has Virginians and citizens all over America fighting back. This is just the beginning.

Let’s get to work to elect Aaron Rouse as the new senator from SD7 in Virginia Beach. He is the nominee and needs our boots on the ground. Let’s get it done!

Hmmm…so Congress can ban TikTok, but not pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act?

Columbus’ ass gets lost, stumbled upon land occupied by indigenous people, “claimed” said land, yet he’s the hero of VA history. Enslaved people are ripped from their land,stripped of their names,history, families sold, yet formed kinships in VA history. That your story Youngkin?

As a university professor I am beyond outraged that the Governor and DOE minions are sticking their unwanted noses in VCU curriculum. But we know what it’s about…teaching anything about race, racism, equity, inclusion is not allowed. After all, can’t bother with the truth, right

Just got removed from Southern Regional Educational Board by Youngkin, a board I have served on for 10 years and chaired the Legislative Advisory Council. Can’t wait to see who he appoints.

I am so terribly sad to hear the news of the passing of my good friend Congressman Donald McEachin. Always a compassionate, honorable man who put others first. Rest well my friend.

I am so sorry to hear President Biden is stepping away. The leadership of this party has been so disrespectful to an individual who has done so much for them and this country. Ungrateful SOBs. Anyway, if support does not go to VP Harris, what’s the justification.

Merry Christmas from our house to yours

I’m baffled. Help me understand how one reaches “common ground” when one party vetoes common sense legislation for education, voting rights, ending gun violence and cuts policies that are common sense? I guess common sense is not so common.

Get ready for the dog whistles. We heard some yesterday and will hear more tomorrow. Dog whistles are not just the coded words in the EOs and speeches, but appointments. Crazy begets crazy. Me? Pivot and punch!

Working hard to maintain and expand the Democratic majority in the Senate.

Youngkin says he won’t support a budget with tax increases. His introduced budget had a sales tax increase on consumers. Was he not going to support his own budget, or just one that extends the regressive tax to businesses as well?

Youngkin wants to cut corporate taxes and put more money into lab schools. He is criminalizing women and providers with an abortion ban. How about putting those resources into schools, teachers, affordable housing and behavioral health care? Women can make their own choices

Why does the Hispanic person who benefited from DEI opposes DEI?

Today is Election Day. Because of Democrats, it’s a state holiday. If you have not voted early, please vote today. If you are not registered, you can register and cast a provisional ballot today. Your vote is your voice.

Note the number of times Youngkin said Petersburg in the spate of 5 minutes. Note also the number of black and brown people he paraded before the audience. Can we say pandering?

Back in January, it was clear from the doors in Sen. @AaronRouseVaBch's special election that abortion was the #1 issue for voters, as it remained all year. Democrats will continue to win because we center both the reproductive and the economic freedom of hardworking families.

Common sense isn’t so common. The VHSL caved to the stupid and incomprehensible transphobia being pushed by Trump and his minions here in Virginia. Who gets hurt? Kids!

I was able to overcome poverty thanks to public schools, great teachers & a lot of hard work. But this is so much bigger than me – it’s about the most vulnerable. When I shared the spotlight with @iamwesmoore, it was an apt moment to speak about the other Mamie Lockes 1/

Governor Glenn “Disenfranchise” Youngkin trying to continue the legacy of the capital of the Confederacy. It is completely unacceptable that these people were kicked off the voter rolls to begin with and only reinstated days before the election.

When people show you who they are, believe them. Headline from The Virginian Pilot: “Trump rally at Chesapeake farm: Glenn Youngkin, Hung Cao and Bob McDonnell speak” Message: I support a lying, sexist, racist felon who does not believe in democracy.

Great to be appreciated by the community

Then define for us what you really mean by “divisive concepts” and the erasure of equity from DEI. The hypocrisy is mind boggling. This point patronizing.

Polls close at 7. Thirty minutes let to let your voice be heard.

Always amazing to see folks jump on the bandwagon In support of Vice President Kamala Harris. Glad to know there are those out there who believe African American women are more than capable of leading, shaping policy, and being large and in charge. We can do so as mayors, school board chairs, majority leaders, Vice President, and President of the United States. Let’s Go!

The banning and censorship of literature and materials deemed “having sexually explicit content”masquerading as parental notification is support for the conservative agenda to override elected school boards and the wisdom of educators.

So, Governor does not believe in criminal justice reform, in any form or fashion. No redemption for anyone, even juveniles under the age of 11. SB23 had nothing to do with gangs, but if you want a bogeyman I guess you can always find one. Suffer the little children…

This right here

Do not gone the Governor credit for what happened with utility regulation. He is responsible for mucking it up until the 11th hour. His inability to understand the legislative process boggles the mind.

Congratulations to Senator Ghazala Hashmi on winning the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor. I look forward to working with you as you move toward victory in November.

So Amanda Chase just said that spending $1 million on slavery and freedom heritage sites is a waste of money. One million dollars out of a multi-billion dollar budget and she finds this a waste of money.

I guess Governor Youngkin is proud to have vetoed 153 bills from the 2024 session, many of which passed on a bipartisan vote. I guess it fills him with pride to allow communities to continue to be plagued by gun violence (including hospitals). Yes, let's veto all gun safety legislation. It must be truly exciting to tell women, especially low income and minority women, you cannot have access to contraception and it's okay for providers to impose their implicit bias and cultural insensitivity in health care. Who cares if black mothers and babies die in the process? And while he was at it, the veto pen continued to offend with lack of concern for fair wages in the Commonwealth (not even permitting an increase in wages for teachers); not a care for criminal justice reform; and, oh, let's keep that voter suppression going. And, you want to know why he couldn't answer the question about the Shenandoah School Board renaming renamed schools after confederates? Because he was too busy vetoing legislation allowing confederate heritage groups to continue to reap benefits from the state coffers. It is most unfortunate that what we hear is a lot of rhetoric around finding "common ground" that ends in MAGA extremism paying homage to Trumpism. McBeth was right--"sound and fury signifying nothing."

I guess the Insurrectionist former president does own the SCOTUS.

Make it make sense. So the right to free speech only applies to one side? And only if you agree with that point of view? That seems to be what’s happening here : calls for resignations, firings, and all manner of retaliation for those who are calling out all the right wing rhetoric that has led to threats on other people’s lives, threats against HBCUs, lies about African American women,etc. So who exactly does the First Amendment-cover?

Thank you to @PPAVirginia and @REPRORising_VA for hosting a PACKED canvass launch for @SenMMason. We need him to stay in the Senate to protect our reproductive freedom. You need to control your body and your health care decisions. No one should make that decision for you.

The core values of free speech and peaceful assembly are cornerstones of our democracy. Historically, student-led protests on college campuses have been powerful catalysts for change, with young voices boldly speaking against the pressing issues of their times. Today, this fundamental right is under threat, yet it remains essential to the fabric of this nation and must be protected at all costs. The recent peaceful protest at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) stands as a testament to the vibrant and engaged spirit of our students, who exercise their rights to highlight issues important to them. It is their right to voice their opinions, without resorting to violence. With that being said, I must express concern regarding the response of law enforcement to these demonstrations. Freedom of speech must not be repressed, and it is the duty of law enforcement to uphold, not undermine this freedom. The actions of those tasked with public safety must embody restraint and a deep respect for civil liberties. The First Amendment guarantees the right of every individual to express their views without fear of undue force or coercion, and I am unwavering in my belief that these constitutional rights must be upheld, not just in letter but in spirit."

How can you say you care about low income kids yet vote against the minimum wage bill? Help me understand that hypocrisy.

June and 19th = Juneteenth. Meant freedom and liberation to enslaved people in Texas upon hearing that slavery had ended. Now to be commemorated as state holiday in Virginia.

You are one to talk. You have enabled their ignorance for years.

I am insulted when a Republican senator says democrats are unwilling to compromise on legislation dealing with social or racial justice. Have they not worked against such policies for decades? Further, what legislation have they proposed that leads to social and racial justice?

Senator Locke Virginians have suffered too long under the Youngkin/ Sears/ Miyares assault on our schools, families and future.  I endorse the statewide Democratic ticket because we all deserve better.

Governor Youngkin vetoed SB35 which would have required training in unconscious bias and cultural competency with respect to African American women’s maternal health care. This veto and the rationale for it shows a clear lack of understanding of, not only of the legislation, but of the severity of the problem facing black maternal mortality. It is not a problem limited to Petersburg which is always touted by this Administration as ground zero for what is good for black folks. Sanitizing the language of this bill with the removal of “unconscious bias and cultural competency “ and limiting training to a two hour one and done segment is an insult to the many black women who have to suffer from the bias and cultural insensitivity of health professionals. The unconscious biases among medical professionals can lead to death and poorer health outcomes for patients. This bill was not about partisanship or ideology - it was about ensuring better healthcare outcomes for patients, mothers and their babies.  It is a shame unconscious bias drove this veto.

I stand with Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro Choice, and all pro choice advocates who stand against those who criminalize the rights of women to make their own health decisions.

Thank you, Mayor @LevarStoney, for coming down to Hampton Roads for Senator @AaronRouseVaBch's Breakfast for Black Leaders this morning! When we win, the entire Commonwealth wins! #GOTV

I’ll bring the match

Today we recognize the historic injustices committed against Virginia's first peoples, celebrate the continued contributions of our tribal communities, and re-commit to strengthening our partnership with them. Here's to continued healing and progress. #IndigenousPeoplesDay.

Where is this self righteous outrage coming from with the LG in the aftermath of the shooting in Monroe Park? Did she not campaign with an assault rifle? Did she not attend NRA meeting immediately in aftermath of Uvalde? Gun violence is caused by guns

Congratulations to Jay Jones on winning the Democratic nomination for Attorney General. I look forward to working with you as you and the Democratic team move toward victory in November.

Youngkin’s presidential prelude on CNN was a joke. He did not answer questions factually on trans kids, AP black history, books in libraries, or much of anything. Clearly he is incompetent on education and simply wants to privatize public schools. That’s the Republican playbook.

Coastal resilience is critical, but he withdraws from RGGI? Help me understand!

Cardinal News hosted a bipartisan conversation in Roanoke with Senator Obenshain, Delegate O’Quinn, and me. Great discussion on upcoming session.

It should not be lost here that the law can be used a tool to protect or oppress, to serve justice or to perpetuate injustice. Youngkin spent months trying to change the law to control women. He could not be an effective advocate to bring the top law enforcement agency to Va.

Nothing. Would love those partnerships at HBCUs. Not just entertainment. Black folks are not just Step’n’Fetchit, there for other folks’ entertainment.

Yet another mass shooting at a Chesapeake Walmart. Seven known dead, including the shooter. When will this madness of gun violence stop?

Voter registration (including 17 year olds who will be 18 by primary and/or Election Day) Door knocking-let voters know what’s at stake; advocate and volunteer

But it’s okay to demean the FBI? That’s law enforcement if I’m not mistaken, Governor.

Stand with the Justins of Tennessee. The disrespect shown to these brothers is symptomatic of institutional racism and defines critical race theory at its core (for those who need the definition). We deal with this disrespect on a daily.

Thank you Madam Finance Chair for the awesome opportunity to serve as a conferee on your first budget. Proud of you, our conferees, and the Senate Finance staff. Great work for the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Thank you, Governor @iamwesmoore for joining us, and thank you to @Virginia_AFLCIO for getting out the vote to protect our majority! Geography knows no bounds when women’s rights and workers’ rights are on the line!

There is a teacher shortage in Virginia. GA funded grant program to assist provisionally licensed teachers of color to get full licensure. Youngkin administration halted program without notice to “evaluate.” Is there a teacher shortage? Or do we not want color in the classroom?

Who is this drama queen giving the GOP response to State of the Union? Don’t give up the day job, because this over acting and slow mo denunciation is overkill and certainly not Oscar worthy.

The Washington Post Ed Board got it right in endorsing @RussetPerry, @pwcdanica and @joelgriffinva. We are exactly one month out from the election. Make your plan today to vote early for them!

So AG Miyares becomes another MAGA Republican to create office to examine nonexistent voter fraud, wasting taxpayer money. How about funding a unit to go after real fraud, like your office Mr. AG?

218 members of the House of Representatives and 50 members of the Senate,(with JD Vance doing the only thing he was elected to do, casting a tie breaking vote); 268 members of Congress, have given the middle finger to the American people. They have said: you don’t deserve healthcare. You don’t deserve homes. You don’t deserve quality education; you don’t deserve to pay lower taxes; you don’t deserve a livable wage. You sent us here to bow down to the king, and give tax breaks to billionaires. That’s what we did with this vote on the big, horrendous bill. All Republican members of the Virginia delegation voted for this. We couldn’t change their minds, but we can change their seats.

Proud of my Lt. Governor, Justin Fairfax, who has been elected chair of the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association.