AGP Executive Report

State Politics: A Virginia Senate resolution seeks an investigation of Sen. Louise Lucas, who faces federal charges; expulsion would require a separate vote. Lawmakers are also preparing to take up affordability, surveillance cameras and data centers in 2027. Data Centers & Utilities: JLARC says a data-center tax break makes up 60% of Virginia’s incentive spending. Meanwhile, state utility regulators’ staff recommend rejecting Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra as filed, amid concerns about customer costs and risk. Business & Growth: McLean-based Mars plans a record $1.4 billion in U.S. manufacturing investment next year, though it has not detailed Virginia spending. At Dulles, a new 14-gate concourse opens as airport growth puts renewed focus on road and transit access. Local Economy: Roanoke Valley home sales fell 7.6% in the third quarter from a year earlier, while September’s average sale price rose 1.5%. Technology: Amazon’s delivery drone won a landmark safety approval in the U.K.; the company is hiring for a possible Suffolk operation, but has not announced a local launch date.

Statehouse Agenda: Virginia lawmakers are preparing to take up affordability, data-center growth and Flock surveillance cameras in 2027, as voters’ choices reshape state politics. Energy and Influence: Clean Virginia is launching district-by-district texts detailing Dominion Energy’s campaign contributions. The effort comes as regulators prepare to hear the utility’s proposed $67 billion merger with NextEra, starting Nov. 17. Political Fallout: A Republican state senator has proposed an investigation of Democratic Sen. Louise Lucas, who faces federal charges; expelling her would require a separate Senate vote. Voter Rights: Virginia voters approved constitutional amendments on abortion, same-sex marriage and voting rights, but a lawsuit is challenging the reproductive-rights amendment. Household Costs: Low-income seniors in Lee, Scott and Wise counties and Norton can seek winter heating help, with some eligible for assistance covering a full electric bill. Research: Mayo Clinic and Virginia Tech scientists identified five biological subtypes of fatty liver disease, a finding that could help doctors better assess risks and tailor care.

Health Coverage: Virginia’s $150 million premium-subsidy fund offers eligible marketplace customers up to 70% off premiums, but aid is first-come, first-served. Enrollment runs through Jan. 29, after roughly 70,000 Virginians dropped coverage over cost. State Politics: A Virginia Senate resolution seeks an inquiry into Sen. Louise Lucas, who faces federal charges; expulsion would require a separate vote. Voters approved constitutional amendments on reproductive rights, marriage equality and voting rights, though a lawsuit challenges the reproductive-rights amendment. Richmond Region: Henrico supervisors are set to consider marijuana sales and public-use rules, including a proposed 3.5% local tax. Separately, a $50 million Varina industrial project near Richmond International Airport is planned. Energy & Growth: Virginians told state regulators the proposed Dominion-NextEra merger could bring higher bills. In Carroll County, supervisors unanimously made data-center restrictions permanent after residents raised concerns. Virginia Beach: A city task force will present 27 safety recommendations, including a violence-interruption pilot and plans to limit vehicle access on parts of Atlantic Avenue during some events.

State Politics: A Republican senator has proposed an inquiry into Sen. Louise Lucas, who faces federal charges; any expulsion would require a separate Senate vote, and Lucas is presumed innocent. Virginia Elections: Voters approved three constitutional amendments, including protections for reproductive freedom and repeal of the state’s same-sex-marriage ban. In Richmond, school-board newcomer Jackie McDonnough defeated prominent former official Anne Holton, a result analysts attributed to grassroots organizing over political connections. Transportation: VDOT opened the $300 million Route 58 widening over Lover’s Leap Mountain, adding lanes, wider shoulders and a truck escape ramp. Household Costs: A Newport News refugee family of 18 lost about $1,800 a month in food assistance after federal eligibility rules changed; advocates say thousands of Virginia immigrants also lost Medicaid coverage. Energy and Data Centers: A new national study finds data centers have had a limited overall effect on electricity prices, though their rapid growth has pushed costs higher in parts of Virginia and other PJM states.

Economic Development: Federal officials approved all 153 of Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s recommended Opportunity Zones in Virginia, including new sites in Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners, offering tax incentives intended to attract long-term investment. Election Fallout: Virginia voters approved three constitutional amendments, including protections for reproductive freedom and an end to the lifetime voting ban for people with felony convictions. Democrats made broad gains, though Republican John McGuire held the 5th Congressional District seat. Data Centers: Midterm backlash is putting pressure on data-center expansion nationwide. Virginia’s substantial industry faces growing scrutiny over power demand, costs and local impacts. Schools and Local Taxes: Spanberger’s education team is prioritizing early learning, career training and college readiness. Voters rejected school-construction sales taxes in many Virginia localities, while Richmond voters approved one.

Federal Court Fight: A judge has halted work on President Trump’s proposed 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery. Gov. Abigail Spanberger and Attorney General Jay Jones say Virginia will keep challenging the project. Election Fallout: Democrats made major gains in Virginia, flipping the 1st and 2nd congressional districts and winning the Senate race. Voters also approved constitutional amendments on reproductive freedom, same-sex marriage and restoring voting rights for people with felony convictions; legal challenges are expected. Energy and Data Centers: Virginia regulators’ staff recommend denying Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra as proposed, while customers warn it could bring higher bills and new risks. Separately, Northern Virginia’s data-center boom faces fresh scrutiny over grid reliability, power costs and community impacts. College Costs: VCU’s growing basketball budget has renewed questions about whether students should help fund player compensation through mandatory fees. Courts and Democracy: Justice Sonia Sotomayor, speaking at Mount Vernon, called this a “rough patch” for the rule of law and said she hopes the Supreme Court’s presidential-immunity ruling will be overturned.

Utility Merger: Virginia regulators’ staff recommended rejecting Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra as filed. Residents warned state regulators it could raise bills and add risks. Election Results: Mark Warner won a fourth Senate term as Democrats made major gains in Virginia’s congressional races, while Republican John McGuire held the 5th District. Voters also approved constitutional amendments protecting reproductive freedom, same-sex marriage and voting rights for people with felony convictions; lawsuits now challenge some of the changes. Richmond Schools: City voters approved a higher sales tax for school construction, prompting questions about how the money will be spent and which projects will come first. Local Growth: Data-center expansion remains a flashpoint as Virginia communities weigh electricity costs, infrastructure demands and public input.

Trump Arch: A federal judge halted construction of President Trump’s proposed Washington arch for 14 days, finding Virginia and D.C. are likely to succeed in arguing the project bypassed required legal approvals. Utility Costs: Virginians warned regulators that the proposed Dominion Energy–NextEra merger could bring higher bills and new risks; the companies oppose a rate freeze as the review continues. Election Fallout: Virginia voters approved constitutional amendments protecting reproductive rights, same-sex marriage and voting rights, but lawsuits now challenge some of the changes. Richmond voters also backed a higher sales tax for school construction, with next steps still to come. Political Scrutiny: A Republican state senator is seeking a Virginia Senate investigation of Democrat Louise Lucas, who faces federal charges tied to a cannabis business she co-owns, and has raised the possibility of expulsion. Transportation: VDOT opened new lanes on Route 58 over Lovers Leap Mountain, part of a $300 million widening project aimed at improving safety and supporting travel and commerce in Patrick County.

Trump Arch: A federal judge blocked construction of the proposed 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery for 14 days, finding Virginia and D.C. likely suffered economic harm from traffic and that legal requirements may not have been met. Virginia Ballot Measures: Voters approved all three constitutional amendments: protecting abortion rights, removing the same-sex marriage ban and restoring voting rights to people who complete felony sentences. The abortion and marriage amendments could still face court challenges. Power Bills: Regulators approved spreading $922 million of Dominion Energy’s fuel-cost shortfall across customers’ bills over seven years, after fuel costs surged well beyond forecasts. Energy Planning: Virginia is partnering with NASA Langley to use four decades of weather and climate data in energy forecasts, helping officials plan for extreme conditions and rising demand, including from data centers.

Data Center Pushback: Midterm victories for candidates promising construction pauses put roughly 40% of planned U.S. data-center capacity at risk, sharpening questions for Virginia, a major market for the facilities. Virginia Elections: Mark Warner won reelection to the Senate, Democrats flipped two House seats, and Republican John McGuire held the 5th District. Voters also approved three constitutional amendments, including protections for abortion rights, repeal of the same-sex-marriage ban and automatic restoration of voting rights after felony sentences. Dominion Merger: The State Corporation Commission held a public hearing on Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra. A Chamber-backed study touts jobs, investment and bill credits, while Virginians weigh whether the deal would actually lower costs.

Election Results: Virginia Democrats scored major victories, while voters approved all three constitutional amendments, covering reproductive freedom, marriage equality and restoration of voting rights. The abortion amendment is headed for a court challenge. Pocketbook Issues: Central Virginia voters said rising costs helped drive their choices. Affordability is also a concern as public hearings begin on the Dominion-NextEra merger. Data Center Debate: Opposition is growing, with Chesapeake council winners saying they oppose new centers and local opponents scoring a win in Strasburg. Richmond Climate: As warmer summers strain sugar maples, the Fan District’s Adopt-a-Tree program has planted its 1,000th tree, part of a local effort to keep the neighborhood green.

Virginia’s Election: Mark Warner won a fourth Senate term, while Democrats flipped Virginia’s 1st and 2nd congressional districts; Suhas Subramanyam also won reelection. Democrats took control of Congress after sweeping gains nationwide. Constitutional Changes: Voters approved amendments protecting reproductive freedom, same-sex marriage and automatic restoration of voting rights for people released from prison. The reproductive-freedom amendment faces a court hearing next week. Local Results: Roanoke Democrats won all three open City Council seats, while Virginia Beach incumbents mostly held on and voters chose a new representative in District 4. Chesapeake council winners said they oppose data centers, adding to growing pushback against the projects. Business: Legacy Bank plans a full-service Bluefield branch, expected to open in late 2027.

Virginia Elections: Mark Warner won a fourth Senate term, Elaine Luria reclaimed Virginia’s 2nd District, and Democrat Shannon Taylor flipped the 1st. Democrats also captured both chambers of Congress nationally. Virginia voters approved constitutional protections for reproductive freedom and same-sex marriage and restored voting rights. I-81 Work: VDOT plans to open a third northbound lane near Staunton between exits 222 and 225 during the week of Nov. 9; widening work continues through 2027. Housing: Falls Church’s Virginia Village redevelopment proposal includes 132 affordable apartments and 10 townhomes. Data Centers: Voters’ growing resistance to new data centers is raising pressure on an industry central to Virginia’s economy, as communities weigh its costs and benefits.

Virginia Results: Sen. Mark Warner won a fourth term, while Democrats Shannon Taylor and Elaine Luria flipped Virginia’s 1st and 2nd congressional districts. Suhas Subramanyam was re-elected in the 10th. Constitutional Amendments: Voters approved protections for reproductive freedom and same-sex marriage, plus automatic voting-rights restoration for people released from prison after felony convictions—ending Virginia’s lifetime ban. National Power Shift: Democrats flipped North Carolina’s Senate seat, held Georgia and were projected to take the House, setting up a new check on President Trump’s administration. Local Taxes: York County voters rejected a proposed 1% sales-tax increase for school construction, despite officials citing major building needs. Data Center Scrutiny: A lawsuit challenges Botetourt County’s agreement with Google, amid wider Virginia concerns about data centers’ effects on power, water and local communities.

Election Day: More than 13,500 Richmonders voted in the first three hours Tuesday, and over 34,000 had voted early—more than double the 2022 total. Richmond voters cited the economy, school funding and taxes as key concerns. Across Virginia: More than 1.6 million Virginians voted early statewide. Arlington’s Election Day began smoothly after early turnout topped 2022’s final total, though some precincts reported longer lines. Voters are also deciding races and constitutional amendments, including proposals on abortion access and restoring voting rights to people after release from prison. Household Costs: High power bills remain a concern, while solar aid for thousands of Virginia households is still frozen despite court orders to restore it. A proposed sales tax increase for school construction is also on ballots in several localities.

Election Day: More than 1.6 million Virginians had voted early by Monday, well ahead of the 2022 midterm pace, as voters prepare to decide congressional races and ballot measures. In Virginia Beach, House Speaker Mike Johnson and former Gov. Glenn Youngkin joined Rep. Jen Kiggans for a final rally as she faces Democrat Elaine Luria in a closely watched 2nd District contest. Voting Oversight: The Justice Department plans to send more than 1,000 monitors to polling places nationwide, including in Virginia. Charlottesville’s registrar says observers will watch election procedures but not interfere. Health Research: A University of Virginia School of Medicine researcher says FDA reports link energy drinks and stimulant supplements to serious heart events; 45% of the reports involved adults ages 18 to 34.