AGP Executive Report

Election Watch: Virginia’s Nov. 3 ballot includes proposed constitutional amendments on reproductive rights and automatic restoration of voting rights for people released after felony sentences. Early voting has already surpassed 2022 levels, while Virginia Beach’s election board voted to deny DOJ monitors access. Utility Bills: Dominion is asking state regulators to recover costs from rejoining the carbon market, a move that could add up to $13 a month to customer bills. Clean Energy: A Virginia Beach project will turn wastewater biogas into renewable natural gas, enough to heat about 5,000 homes a year; construction is expected to create 268 jobs. Business Growth: Aerospace defense firm Auria plans to open an East Coast headquarters in Reston, investing $1.8 million and creating dozens of Virginia jobs.

Election Countdown: Virginia voters head to the polls Tuesday after early voting surpassed 2022 levels. The 5th District race between Republican John McGuire and Democrat Tom Perriello has tightened to a toss-up, while voters will also decide three constitutional amendments, including proposals on reproductive rights and automatic restoration of voting rights after felony sentences. Data Center Debate: Virginia’s fast-growing data center industry is a campaign flashpoint, with residents raising concerns about electricity, water, noise and local costs. Dominion Energy projects higher bills, and Gov. Abigail Spanberger is seeking a rate freeze as regulators review Dominion’s proposed merger with NextEra. Richmond: A woman was shot outside Republican Party of Virginia offices; police say the shooting was not election-related. Virginia Economy: A new federal grant of nearly $25 million will support an advanced manufacturing hub, while the state’s corn harvest exceeded expectations despite drought-stressed conditions.

Richmond Shooting: A woman was shot outside the Republican Party of Virginia’s Richmond offices. Police say the shooting was not related to the election; a man is wanted. Election Watch: Virginia voters head to the polls Nov. 3, with a constitutional amendment on automatically restoring voting rights to people after release from prison among the questions on the ballot. Saturday is the last day for early voting. Data Center Debate: Virginia’s data center boom is fueling concerns about health, power and water use. A national study found new centers brought 1,000 to 1,300 local jobs on average, mostly in supporting industries rather than shops and restaurants. Eastern Shore: A fast-moving harmful algal bloom killed marine wildlife and caused millions of dollars in oyster-farm losses. William & Mary scientists are working on better monitoring and earlier warnings. Medicare Costs: Stand-alone Medicare drug-plan premiums are set to rise an average of 50% in 2027. An Abingdon resident avoided a steep increase by switching plans during open enrollment.

Virginia Elections: More than 1.2 million Virginians have voted early, surpassing 2022 midterm turnout. On Nov. 3, voters will decide local and congressional races and three constitutional amendments on reproductive rights, same-sex marriage and voting rights. Richmond Safety: A woman was shot outside the Republican Party of Virginia’s Richmond offices. Police said the shooting was not election-related; a man is being sought. Utility Bills: Gov. Abigail Spanberger is seeking a rate freeze as Virginians raise affordability concerns over the proposed Dominion-NextEra merger. Health Research: VCU received a $3.8 million NIH grant for a five-year trial testing whether an anti-inflammatory drug can help patients hospitalized with acute heart failure. The study plans to enroll 80 people, with recruitment expected to begin in 2027. Data Centers: Google is still evaluating a possible Goochland County site, amid broader debate over the costs and local benefits of data center growth.

Election Watch: More than 1.2 million Virginians have voted early, surpassing 2022 midterm turnout, with Election Day set for Nov. 3. Voters will also decide whether to enshrine reproductive rights and a fundamental right to vote in the state constitution. Data Centers: Google is still evaluating a potential Goochland County campus at West Creek as concerns over energy, water and local control shape Virginia campaigns. Mark Cuban cautioned communities against opaque data-center contracts. Household Costs: Dominion is asking regulators to let it recover costs tied to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a move that could add up to $13 a month to customer bills. Schools & Rural Care: Loudoun school officials raised the possibility of closing four low-enrollment elementary schools to address projected budget deficits, drawing immediate opposition. Separately, $11.8 million in grants is available for mobile and hybrid care projects in rural Virginia. U.Va. Health: The system expects federal Medicaid and reimbursement changes could reduce annual revenue by more than $100 million by 2032.

Election Watch: More than 1.2 million Virginians have voted early—well ahead of the 2022 pace—as voters prepare to choose congressional and local representatives and decide three constitutional amendments on reproductive rights, same-sex marriage and voting rights. Election officials say they’re ready for Election Day, Nov. 3. House Race: Virginia’s 5th District contest between Democrat Tom Perriello and Republican John McGuire is now rated a toss-up, putting the closely watched race among those that could shape control of the House. Child Care Costs: Virginia estimates it could take $4.5 billion a year to make child care affordable statewide. In Virginia Beach, one provider serving children with special needs shows the personal stakes as families seek reliable care. Local Economy: Data center growth remains a point of dispute, with Fairfax leaders seeking coordination with Gov. Abigail Spanberger as state rules evolve.

Virginia Ballot: Voters will decide whether to enshrine reproductive freedom in the state constitution, including rights covering abortion, contraception and fertility care. Election Watch: Early voting is surging as the economy tops voter concerns, and Virginia’s 5th District race is now considered competitive. Political Fallout: Sen. Louise Lucas says she will not resign while facing federal charges tied to an alleged cannabis enterprise. Data Centers & Power: Opposition is reshaping local politics: a Virginia data center application was withdrawn, while Dominion Energy and Richmond-based PingThings launched a five-year grid-data partnership amid rising electricity demand. Rural Recovery: Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced more than $52 million for Hurricane Helene recovery and rural communities.

Election Watch: Virginia voters head to the polls Nov. 3 for federal, local and school-board races, with education policy, affordability and data-center growth among the issues shaping campaigns. Early voting is picking up, and local ballot measures could directly affect communities. Power Bills: State Corporation Commission staff recommend rejecting Dominion Energy’s proposed $67 billion merger with NextEra, saying the companies have not shown it would serve the public and warning of possible higher costs. Gov. Abigail Spanberger has called for a six-year residential rate freeze if the deal advances. Schools and Child Care: Virginia lawmakers are beginning a two-year overhaul of K-12 school funding. The state is also weighing childcare plans that could cost up to $4.5 billion annually by 2036 to ease family costs and raise provider pay. Health and Safety: A federal judge dismissed RICO claims against current and former U.Va. Health leaders and ruled the university immune from the lawsuit. Household Costs: New Virginia SNAP rules taking effect Sunday bar purchases of soda and some energy drinks, while other sugary drinks remain eligible. Rural Recovery: Spanberger announced more than $52 million for Hurricane Helene recovery and rural communities.

Virginia Elections: With Election Day nearing, Republican Bert Mizusawa is challenging Sen. Mark Warner, who is seeking a fourth term; congressional candidates are also debating affordability and data centers. Hurricane Recovery: Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced more than $52 million for Hurricane Helene recovery. Schools: Virginia lawmakers approved a plan to advance a new K-12 funding formula. Political Accountability: Sen. Louise Lucas says she will not resign while facing federal charges in an alleged cannabis and corruption scheme; Spanberger criticized the timing of the case but withheld comment on the charges. Data Center Debate: Local concerns over power costs, tax breaks and community control are gaining traction, with New Kent drafting guidelines and a Virginia Technology Park project withdrawing its application.

Election Countdown: With Virginia’s Nov. 3 midterms nearing, early voting is surging in Lynchburg as voters focus on local frustrations and three proposed constitutional amendments. Candidates are campaigning on affordability, energy and data centers. Lucas Case: State Sen. Louise Lucas says she won’t resign after federal charges alleging a marijuana and corruption scheme. Gov. Abigail Spanberger has questioned the timing of the prosecution, while Portsmouth supporters have rallied behind Lucas. Data Center Debate: A proposed 220-acre data center campus in Frederick County was withdrawn, but plans for 21 buildings at Pittsylvania County’s Berry Hill site are moving ahead. Lawmakers are sparring over data center tax breaks as rising power demand raises concerns about household bills. State Investment: Virginia retained its top bond ratings from three major agencies. James Madison University also broke ground on a $115.3 million health and behavioral studies building intended to help address health care workforce shortages, especially in rural communities.

Political Fallout: Virginia voters in Portsmouth rallied around City Council candidate Lisa Lucas-Burke after federal prosecutors charged her mother, state Sen. Louise Lucas, and six others in an alleged marijuana and corruption scheme. Gov. Abigail Spanberger criticized the timing of the case but withheld further comment; Lucas denies wrongdoing. Midterm Watch: Early voting is surging in Lynchburg, with local frustration and ballot amendments among the issues drawing voters. A proposed change to Virginia’s felon-rights process is also prompting concern. Power and Growth: Dominion’s data-center-driven demand is colliding with calls for a six-year rate freeze as Virginia weighs the utility’s proposed merger with NextEra. Residents are also watching whether data-center costs will push up household bills. Virginia’s Finances: The commonwealth retained its top bond ratings from Moody’s, Fitch and S&P, a sign of fiscal strength that can help keep borrowing costs down for taxpayers.

Virginia Politics: Republican Senate nominee Bert Mizusawa visited U.Va. as he prepares to face incumbent Mark Warner, while the federal case against Democratic Sen. Louise Lucas remains a major campaign flashpoint. Prosecutors accuse Lucas and six others of racketeering and conspiring to distribute marijuana; she has denied wrongdoing. Data Centers: Opposition to AI infrastructure is emerging as a rare bipartisan election issue. Amazon abandoned a planned $427 million data center project in Loudoun County, and Virginia advocates called for a pause on new facilities in Richmond. State and local officials hold significant influence over approvals and power infrastructure. Housing: Ahead of Virginia’s 2027 building-code update, lawmakers are urging changes that could allow some buildings up to six stories and 24 homes to use one stairwell, potentially easing construction on narrow lots. Research: George Mason and VCU researchers received a $200,000 state grant to study chemotherapy-related nerve pain in breast cancer survivors.

Lucas Indictment: Virginia Sen. Louise Lucas faces federal racketeering, money-laundering and drug charges in an alleged marijuana business scheme. Lucas denies wrongdoing and says she is being targeted; prosecutors say the alleged scheme involved discussions with other state lawmakers, while some Virginia Democrats have questioned the timing of the case. Data Center Pushback: Amazon has abandoned a proposed $427 million Loudoun County data center deal amid local opposition. Suffolk approved a temporary ban on data centers, and advocates rallied in Richmond for a pause on new projects as communities weigh the impact on power demand and neighborhoods. Cybersecurity: Gov. Abigail Spanberger ordered a statewide plan to strengthen Virginia’s defenses against cyberattacks, including emerging threats linked to AI. Energy and Elections: Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra faces scrutiny from Virginia leaders and state regulators. Sen. Mark Warner, 71, says he will not seek another term, setting up a consequential Senate race as voters head toward the midterms.

Virginia Politics: Sen. Louise Lucas faces federal charges alleging a five-year marijuana trafficking and money-laundering scheme. State leaders urged due process, while critics questioned the timing of the case ahead of Election Day. Election 2026: Early voting is surging in Virginia, and state officials have issued guidance to protect polling places from intimidation or interference. Data Center Pushback: Amazon walked away from a $427 million Virginia data center plan after neighborhood opposition; protests and local restrictions are adding pressure for a broader pause on new projects. Energy Costs: Gov. Abigail Spanberger is seeking a six-year rate-hike freeze if Dominion’s proposed merger with NextEra Energy goes through, as state regulators scrutinize the deal.

Data Center Pushback: Amazon has abandoned its proposed data center project on a former George Washington University campus in Ashburn after local opposition. The company still owns the $427 million site, which is now expected to be rezoned mainly for housing. Virginia Politics: State Sen. Louise Lucas has been indicted in an alleged cannabis trafficking and corruption scheme. State leaders have called for due process, while one political analyst says the case may have little effect on voters’ choices. Cybersecurity: Gov. Abigail Spanberger ordered a statewide plan to guard against cyberattacks, including those linked to artificial intelligence, and called for closer coordination among public agencies, universities and businesses. Housing & Utilities: Virginia home sales fell 4.2% in September from a year earlier, while pending sales dropped 14.3% as mortgage rates rose and inventory climbed. Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra also faces regulatory scrutiny, with Spanberger seeking stronger protections for customers. Election Watch: Early voting is surging in Virginia ahead of the Nov. 3 congressional midterms.

Virginia Politics: State Sen. Louise Lucas faces federal charges alleging she led a marijuana trafficking and money-laundering scheme; she has denied wrongdoing, and state leaders have called for due process. Data Centers: Amazon dropped a proposed $427 million Loudoun County data center project after local opposition, agreeing to give land for community use and contribute $5 million to affordable housing. Advocates are also urging a statewide pause on new projects. Cybersecurity: Gov. Abigail Spanberger ordered a statewide plan to protect Virginia from AI-driven cyberattacks. Elections: Early voting is surging ahead of Virginia’s congressional midterms. Energy: Spanberger says the proposed Dominion-NextEra merger needs stronger protections, including a six-year rate freeze for customers.