Virginia State Capitol Reporter @8NEWS | CT ➡️ BOS ➡️ LA ➡️ VA | @EmersonCollege Alum | Deleter of Misspelled Tweets | Formerly @KNOE8 | 📧tenglander@wric.com
- Tweets 15,846
- Following 488
- Followers 4,407
- Likes 3,175
Pinned Tweet
Happening Now: Governor Glenn Youngkin and Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger greet reporters after having lunch at the Executive Mansion with their spouses. @8NEWS
35
95
1,523
233,660
Breaking: In a letter obtained by 8News, @GovernorVA tells Virginia's congressional delegation that Virginia will not be participating in the new IRS Direct File Program.
The program would allow taxpayers to file their taxes online for free directly on the IRS' website.
158
1,109
2,590
511,887
Breaking: The other four members of the Chesterfield County School Board are calling on Dot Heffron to resign from the board, effective immediately.
Chesterfield County School Board Chair Dot Heffron must immediately resign after her comments promoting the murder of Charlie Kirk. Nobody who would cheer murder should be allowed within 100 yards of a student. I call on leaders from both parties to not only publicly condemn her despicable comment and rebuke any endorsement she has made, but also join me in demanding her resignation. breitbart.com/politics/2025/…
30
814
2,311
39,300
About 40 people are here in Midlothian at @RobWittman’s mobile office hours. They are concerned about what they say are Republicans’ efforts to make cuts to Medicaid, Social Security, SNAP, and other crucial services.
56
612
1,691
72,404
.@GovernorVA says he was “shocked” @SpanbergerForVA sent a letter to UVA. He called it “inappropriate” and filled with errors.
He says there is only “one governor” and it’s him.
New: Governor-elect @SpanbergerForVA wants the University of Virginia to pause the process of selecting a new president until she is sworn in as governor and a full Board of Visitors is appointed.
127
281
1,698
708,688
Abigail Spanberger's margin of victory currently sits at 14.8%.
That's the largest margin for a Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Virginia since Albertis Harrison won by 27.8% in 1961.
That was 18 years before Abigail Spanberger was born.
75
293
1,693
71,358
Democratic House Speaker @SpeakerDonScott says Virginia Republicans lost last night in part because they spent so much time focusing on transgender cultural issues like “where these kids peeing, where they pooping” instead of focusing on kitchen-table issues.
58
151
1,440
164,461
.@SenLouiseLucas starts her speech by saying she has a cane from “having my foot up Glenn Youngkin’s a$$.”
108
169
855
66,984
New: Governor-elect @SpanbergerForVA wants the University of Virginia to pause the process of selecting a new president until she is sworn in as governor and a full Board of Visitors is appointed.
79
149
1,078
477,285
Breaking: Along party lines, the House of Delegates has passed a proposed constitutional amendment that could allow Democrats to redraw Virginia’s congressional districts in time for the 2026 midterm elections.
84
204
1,042
85,060
I’m old enough to remember people killing Lamar Jackson for failing to win a playoff game in his first two seasons. Kyler Murray is on year three.
15
218
916
Caught this cute moment after a young man asked @GovernorVA why he signs bills in cursive.
Youngkin tells him, "You have to practice your cursive signature so that when you're governor, you can sign bills too."
The kid replies, "I don't know that I want to be governor."
28
101
861
46,247
Here is a copy of @JasonMiyaresVA’s memo to UVA and VCU Health Systems saying given President Trump’s executive order, “The chemical and surgical mutilation of children must end immediately.”
#BREAKING NEWS: VCU Health suspends gender-affirming care for those 18 and younger trib.al/ChSOB8N #RVA #Virginia #VCU
25
177
816
321,106
“I didn’t come here to get things done” is really a bizarre admission from an elected official.
Good: I leave with no regrets.. I didn’t run for Congress promising to bring the money back home, to deliver the earmarks or the pork projects I didn’t run promising to work across the aisle, to compromise, or find common ground or to get things done.
10
74
720
60,302
In a final day campaign stop, @SpanbergerForVA is in Chesterfield joining a canvass launch.
Spanberger is here with @JennMcClellanVA and Michigan Senator @ElissaSlotkin.
In a final day campaign stop, @winwithwinsome and @GlennYoungkin are making pancakes before speaking to voters. @8NEWS
326
87
700
77,649
Breaking: Along party lines, the Virginia Senate has passed a proposed constitutional amendment that could allow Democrats to redraw Virginia’s congressional districts in time for the 2026 midterm elections.
The amendment has already passed the House.
Breaking: Along party lines, the House of Delegates has passed a proposed constitutional amendment that could allow Democrats to redraw Virginia’s congressional districts in time for the 2026 midterm elections.
40
151
635
27,250
Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) and Democratic Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger (@SpanbergerForVA) hug after sharing lunch at the Executive Mansion. @8NEWS
Happening Now: Governor Glenn Youngkin and Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger greet reporters after having lunch at the Executive Mansion with their spouses. @8NEWS
27
63
593
327,231
Boston sports Twitter is one of the most irrational places on Earth.
After Game Two: Celtics are going to win the NBA Championship. Get the Duck Boats ready.
After Game Three: So many turnovers. I don't know how the Celtics even made the playoffs.
It's one game people. RELAX
30
54
549
One of my favorite videos involving Nancy Pelosi comes from President Bush’s State of the Union in 2007. Proof our politics don’t have to be so divisive.
Howard Mortman
34
110
474
They say a dog is a man’s best friend. This cute pup is waiting for his owners to return home. They were taken to the hospital after their home was destroyed by a tornado in Caldwell Parish this evening. @KNOE8
24
105
514
Attorney General Jason Miyares basically says Dems can't legally redraw Virginia's congressional maps in time for the 2026 midterms
Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares just issued an opinion related to redistricting. His opinion is that the next House election is taking place in 2027 because the 2025 is already ongoing oag.state.va.us/files/Opinio…
39
133
499
31,279
If you look at @winwithwinsome’s latest ad, it says Abigail Spanberger supported a bill in the 105th Congress.
The 105th Congress ran from 1997-1999, 20 years before @SpanbergerForVA was first elected to Congress.
33
88
444
41,729
For those keeping track at home:
1. Governor-elect Spanberger wrote a letter to UVA
2. Governor Youngkin wrote a letter responding to Spanberger
3. Jim Ryan wrote a letter responding to Youngkin (and others)
The Virginia politics mailman is incredibly busy.
13
50
416
92,117
Happening Now: The Democratic statewide ticket of @SpanbergerForVA, @SenatorHashmi, and @jonesjay share the campaign stage for the first time. More tonight on @8NEWS.
22
55
376
11,436
In a final day campaign stop, @winwithwinsome and @GlennYoungkin are making pancakes before speaking to voters. @8NEWS
36
57
349
103,247
New VA Poll from Christopher Newport University with early voting starting tomorrow
Gov. Race:
🔵 Abigail Spanberger (D): 52%
🔴 Winsome Earle-Sears (R): 40%
LG's Race:
🔵 Ghazala Hashmi (D): 48%
🔴 John Reid (R): 37%
AG's Race:
🔵 Jay Jones (D): 48%
🔴 Jason Miyares (R): 41%
42
79
339
24,309
It appears @jonesjay has life. His campaign announced that since last night's AG's debate, they've raised $500,000.
316
57
322
918,279
In the letter, Youngkin says Direct File is at odds with Virginia law and implementing the program would cost the state $1.5 million.
Youngkin says the General Assembly rejected his proposal to allocate $150 million to update Virginia's tax collection system.
22
50
257
30,681
The line for the @NikkiHaley rally in Richmond is long. One man from Henrico told me he “doesn’t understand” @realDonaldTrump position on Ukraine, and Haley is “more electable” than Trump. @8NEWS
185
40
275
37,181
Attorney General-Elect @jonesjay announces his transition team, headlined by former Governor Ralph Northam (@VAGovernor73)
67
33
308
221,352
I asked the room if gerrymandering Virginia is wrong, was it wrong for President Trump to gerrymander Texas.
@MorganGriffith said Texas is a different state with a different Constitution.
He says what’s happening in VA is wrong, but says Texas has a different process.
Happening Now: All 5 GOP members of Virginia’s Congressional delegation are holding a press conference in response to Democrats holding a special redistricting session.
67
35
304
298,247
New: @GovernorVA tells reporters they are deploying/staging state resources including the National Guard ahead of dozens of planned anti-Trump protests tomorrow across Virginia and the nation.
“There will be zero tolerance for any violence.”
18
62
300
36,964
I’m starting to think Steve Belichick won’t be interviewing for any head coaching openings in the near future.
28
26
263
Perhaps the final Virginia poll from @EmersonPolling/@thehill:
Governor’s Race:
🔵 Abigail Spanberger (D): 55%
🔴 Winsome Earle-Sears (R): 44%
Attorney General’s Race:
🔵 Jay Jones (D): 49%
🔴 Jason Miyares (R): 47%
They did not poll the lieutenant governor’s race.
49
38
296
151,479
VA State Senator @pwcdanica, the first openly transgender state legislator is U.S. history, was asked today about Youngkin's White House visit.
"He wants to say he wants parental rights, then how about when parents of trans kids go to the doctor, that he butts out of it."
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is front and center as President Trump signs an executive order that seeks to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s and girl’s school-sponsored athletics by denying federal funds to schools that allow it.
52
51
260
38,102
It really is remarkable how one mild snow storm has brought a relatively major city to a complete halt.
Residents can’t shower and state government can’t function all becuase of four inches of snow.
9
40
248
33,259
Levar Stoney started the 2025 election cycle hoping to be the next Governor of Virginia.
He will end the cycle early after finishing second in the Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor.
Quite a fall for the former Mayor of Richmond.
29
30
244
11,017
A remarkably special moment as the House honors @CandiMundonKing’s daughter, Candis.
Candis passed away earlier this month after battling sickle cell disease.
9
29
246
15,462
According to @VoteHub, @SpanbergerForVA won VA-01 and VA-02, two congressional districts currently held by Republicans.
As is, the results could serve as a warning sign to @RobWittman and @RepJenKiggans.
Plus, the results could be even more troubling considering redistricting.
24
36
223
44,248
Breaking: A spokesperson for Governor Glenn Youngkin’s PAC says @GovernorVA will no longer support North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson’s campaign for Governor.
23
73
190
213,707
Youngkin added that Spanberger was trying to “bully and intimidate” the UVA Board of Visitors.
12
15
215
24,991
The Democratic ticket is selling bumper stickers and the Republican ticket isn’t talking to each other.
Wild times in Virginia politics
Virginia's Democratic ticket is set — and now, you can get the merch to rep it.
For a limited time, use code UNITY to get 15% off: abigailspanberger.myshopify.…
ALT A graphic of new Spanberger-Hashmi-Jones merch.
3
27
207
14,918
Tom Brady never lost a Super Bowl by 22 (Mahomes in SB 55)
Brady never lost a Super Bowl by 18 (Mahomes tonight)
Brady never had three turnovers in a Super Bowl (Mahomes Tonight)
Brady never lost a Super Bowl to Mahomes (Mahomes lost to Brady in SB 55)
Tom Brady is the GOAT
6
35
192
14,046
Happening Now: All 5 GOP members of Virginia’s Congressional delegation are holding a press conference in response to Democrats holding a special redistricting session.
28
49
200
125,749
Roanoke College Poll on VA Gov Race:
Abigail Spanberger (D): 43%
Winsome Earle-Sears (R): 26%
Undecided: 28%
Spanberger +17
12
26
188
12,431
New: Former Democratic Senator Joe Morrissey is supporting Republican John Reid over his former Democratic Senate colleague, Ghazala Hashmi, in the race for Lieutenant Governor.
15
53
194
42,594
New: In a letter obtained by @8NEWS sent to Governor-elect @SpanbergerForVA, Governor Youngkin says, “I am advised that this was likely the first time in the history of our Commonwealth that a Governor-elect attempted to interfere with the governance of a university.”
.@GovernorVA says he was “shocked” @SpanbergerForVA sent a letter to UVA. He called it “inappropriate” and filled with errors.
He says there is only “one governor” and it’s him.
25
44
197
14,096
In a funny moment, @ScVanValkenburg says Republicans like to accuse Democrats of having Trump derangement syndrome.
@SenLouiseLucas looks at her Republian colleagues and says, “I do.”
18
16
179
16,361
This is the scene tonight in Farmerville. Several homes were destroyed, dozens were injured, and countless lives were forever changed. I'll be live on the scene throughout the morning on @KNOE8. @NWSShreveport
6
70
157
Governor Youngkin's full answer to my question is below.
I have reached out to @SpanbergerForVA's team to get their response.
18
22
159
18,298
Jay Jones is at the @SpanbergerForVA rally with @BarackObama.
I believe (correct me if I’m wrong) this is the first time Spanberger and Jones have been at the same event since the Jay Jones text messages came out.
47
25
156
25,363
The Democratic Big Three (@SpeakerDonScott, @SenLouiseLucas, and @DelegateTorian) address the media after Dems finalized their budget amendments which include an additional $1,000 bonus for teachers, tax rebate checks for Virginians, and a 1.5% bonus for state employers. @8NEWS
25
44
145
15,395
On the House floor, @NickJFreitas is asking the House to adjourn in honor of Charlie Kirk.
The motion is agreed to.
Many Democrats left their seats for the vote and some remained seated (indicating they’re voting against the motion.)
11
35
142
54,441
.@SpanbergerForVA responded today in Mechanicsville to comments @winwithwinsome made to me about same-sex marriage.
"I have been very clear that I, like the vast majority of Virginians, support the right of our fellow Virginians to marry."
Other moments from my interview with @winwithwinsome
Same-Sex Marriage:
"Civil unions, fine, but when it comes to marriage, because it’s a religious issue, I don’t want a person who has religious faith to feel that they’re forced against their will. It’s freedom of religion."
3
31
144
19,236
Gilbert was sworn in just 37 days ago and gave up being the Minority Leader in the Virginia House of Delegates for the job.
Wow
A spokesperson for the Western District of Virginia’s United States Attorney Office just confirmed to me that US Attorney Todd Gilbert turned in his resignation effective today at 5 pm. Robert Tracci is now the acting US Attorney for the Western District of Virginia.
3
46
136
24,421
New polling from @EmersonPolling shows Donald Trump beating Joe Biden in Virginia.
Trump: 45%
Biden: 43%
@LarrySabato says Biden is in “deep trouble.”
wric.com/news/politics/capit…
45
59
125
114,642
New: In a letter obtained by @8NEWS, former UVA University Council Timothy Heaphy criticizes @GovernorVA's letter to @SpanbergerForVA.
He says former President Ryan always followed the law and accused Youngkin of perpetuating a "false narrative."
9
39
144
6,626
Me: Hey delegate, your bill is interesting. Are you available for an interview?
Them: The delegate is not available today.
Me: No worries, we can hold the story until he is ready!
Them: The delegate will never be available.
5
17
137
15,660
Governor Youngkin has signed @JoshuaCole's bill to prohibit political candidates from using campaign funds for personal expenses. It's no secret that Virginia has some of the worst campaign finance laws in the country. @GovernorVA
4
36
131
16,973
This has become a circus in the House.
Republicans are trying to use their introductions to call out Jay Jones.
@SpeakerDonScott has ruled Republicans out of order and has called for the sergeant at arms.
74
25
128
20,700
I assume @winwithwinsome didn’t approve this message, but it’s every man for himself on Election Day
13
10
130
16,105
🚨 Tonight on @8NEWS at 11: My exclusive sit-down interview with Jay Jones, after we learned that he sent text messages in 2022 to Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner suggesting that former GOP House Speaker Todd Gilbert should "get two bullets to the head."
93
41
123
50,540
Breaking: The Virginia Board of Health has accepted the petition and will create a new regulation to prevent transgender women from playing on women’s sports teams in Virginia.
It’s a process that VDH says typically takes 18-24 months.
Happening Now: Three college swimmers are petitioning the Virginia Board of Health to create a new state regulation that would prohibit transgender women from competing on women’s sports teams and from accessing spaces where women undress. More tonight on @8NEWS
24
37
124
81,336
New: A new VCU Poll shows @SpanbergerForVA leading @winwithwinsome 49%-40%.
LG: Hashmi leads Reid 45%-41%
AG: Jones leads Miyares 47%-41%
24
18
120
93,489
Important for same-sex couples in Virginia.
The Virginia Constitution currently bans same-sex marriage, however, a constitutional amendment will likely change that next year.
Supreme Court rejects call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, spurning appeal from three-time divorcee Kim Davis.
apnews.com/article/supreme-c…
6
14
121
11,903
New: Virginia House Democrats announce their first priorities during the 2026 session.
They include protecting abortion and LGBTQ rights, redistricting, raising the minimum wage, paid sick leave, and more. @8NEWS
105
257
1,403
202,047
The Department of Homeland Security claims 20 counties and 13 cities in Virginia are “deliberately obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws.”
There are some very conservative localities listed. @8NEWS
Today, DHS issued a comprehensive list of sanctuary jurisdictions that are deliberately obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws and endangering American citizens.
We are exposing these sanctuary politicians who harbor criminal illegal aliens and defy federal law.
@POTUS Trump and @Sec_Noem will always put the safety of the American people first. Sanctuary politicians are on notice: comply with federal law.
Review the jurisdictions on the list HERE: dhs.gov/sanctuary-jurisdicti…
18
39
114
113,662
Yesterday, I was able to chase down @SenLouiseLucas after she decided she wasn't going to docket any bills relating to VMSDEP.
I asked her why one Senator should have so much power, her message to military families, and more.
Her responses ⬇️⬇️⬇️
43
38
99
21,456
New: @SpeakerDonScott says he is continuing a program that will provide members of the Virginia House of Delegates with $300 per week per child to help pay for childcare while Delegates are in Richmond during the 2026 General Assembly session.
14
19
109
13,814
Inbox: Former Democratic Presidential Candidate Beto O'Rourke is holding a town hall in Henrico County later this month.
10
10
108
27,060
For the first time, @GovernorVA is addressing his decision to ask @JohnReid4VA to drop out of the race for Lieutenant Governor.
Youngkin says "the decision is John's" while adding the alleged Tumblr account with sexually explicit images is a "distraction." From @DCNewsNow
31
18
102
64,242
Ten bucks says whoever moderates this CNN debate hasn’t stepped inside the Virginia State Capitol in the last five years.
7
3
106
8,816
The final @StateNavigate poll has to be the best poll for Dems I have seen.
For reference, @atlas_intel yesterday had Ghazala Hashmi +6.1% and Jason Miyares +1.5%.
FINAL VA @StateNavigate POLL
GOV | 🔵Spanberger +13
LG | 🔵Hashmi +12
AG | 🔵Jones +3/4 (49-46, but 4 when rounding)
HoD Generic | 🔵DEM +11
statenavigate.org/virginia-p…
28
9
108
15,328
Statement from Virginia House Speaker @DonScott757 after he received a pardon from @POTUS on his last full day in office.
Scott spent eight years in federal prison on drug charges before becoming the first Black Speaker in Virginia’s history.
4
28
101
11,827
President Trump has nominated Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Rich Anderson to be the next Assistant Secretary of the Air Force. @RichAndersonRPV
1
21
95
18,221
Maryland Governor Wes Moore is coming to Virginia to campaign for @SpanbergerForVA
Virginia! Gov. Wes Moore is coming to Harrisonburg, Blacksburg, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Stafford on Saturday to campaign for Abigail Spanberger!
Harrisonburg: mobilize.us/spanbergerforgov…
Blacksburg: mobilize.us/spanbergerforgov…
Richmond: mobilize.us/spanbergerforgov…
Fredericksburg: mobilize.us/spanbergerforgov…
Stafford: mobilize.us/spanbergerforgov…
56
15
100
17,687
This poll allegedly found that @JohnReid4VA is tied with @SenatorHashmi while @winwithwinsome trails @SpanbergerForVA by 11 points and @JasonMiyaresVA trails @jonesjay by 6 points.
Consider myself extremely skeptical.
NEW donor memo obtained by @thehill shows Virginia Republican lieutenant governor candidate John Reid virtually tied w/ his Democratic opponent Ghazala Hashmi #vapol
9
13
98
11,941
Henrico County fact checking Elon Musk on his own platform.
Hi, Elon. The assertion that some Henrico County precincts experienced 100% or greater turnout in the 2020 general election is incorrect. Here's a chart from the Henrico Voter Registration and Elections Office: henrico.gov/assets/2020_nov_…
🧵(1/5)
1
13
84
6,293
U.S Senate Candidate @LukeMixonLA at a campaign event at the Monroe Federation of Teachers. Hear from Mixon tonight at ten on @KNOE8.
1
11
77
Quite the line in Henrico for tonight’s @JohnReid4VA rally.
3
22
92
12,118
I’m here in Henrico for Abigail Spanberger’s first appearance since becoming the Democratic nominee for governor.
She is expected to unveil parts of her plan to help working families, which is expected to include raising the minimum wage, among other measures. @SpanbergerForVA
20
15
90
3,872
New: Here is a copy of the Joint Resolution Virginia Democrats plan to pass allowing them to take up redistricting during the current special session.
It’s authored by House Majority Leader @C_Herring. @8NEWS
13
32
94
22,774
News: @JohnReid4VA tells reporters he hasn’t heard from @winwithwinsome recently.
He says he’s disappointed, but adds he too will run his own race.
14
19
94
79,621
The Virginia Department of Social Services is calling the federal government shutdown the “Democrat shutdown” on its website.
20
19
90
13,289
I just learned that the Republican nominee for House District 84 (Nadarius Clark's seat), Felisha Storm, served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023.
8
9
90
13,305
At the Jason Miyares rally, folks are handing out Jay Jones themed “Get out of Jail Free” cards.
9
23
88
11,318
Porzingis should not play until the Celtics lose to the Pacers twice. If that doesn’t happen…rest him for the NBA Finals.
4
2
85
7,496
Please say a prayer for the members of the House of Delegates, their staffs, and the reporters who cover the General Assembly.
Today’s calendar contains 300+ bills and is over 200 pages long.
Get your coffee or Celsius ready!
2
8
88
6,378
Interesting that John Reid got 50,000 more votes than @winwithwinsome
Losing is awful…. For me personally (and I suspect for a lot more people in the future) but I am appreciative that folks noticed my work ethic and creative campaign.
Here’s to the future.
9
8
87
12,762
8News Exclusive: @SpanbergerForVA says if she's elected governor, she WILL NOT sign a bill that fully repeals VA's current right-to-work law.
"I support labor. I support our strong Virginia economy, but no, I don’t support a full repeal of our current right-to-work statute."
18
26
84
118,237