Sr. politics reporter | deputy editor at @MercuryVirginia Previously: @CardinalNewsVA, @RTDNews, @bild Email: mschmidt@virginiamercury.com
Joined January 2013
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Jun 12
Gov. Spanberger is defending a wave of vetoes that frustrated Democrats during her first months in office.
“As I view it, I’m doing my job,” she told me. “The General Assembly passes bills, the governor has the responsibility to amend, sign, or veto.”
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May 19
NEW: @GovernorVA vetoes legislation that would have created Virginia’s long-delayed adult-use cannabis retail market, leaving the state in the same legal limbo it has faced since marijuana possession was legalized in 2021.
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#breaking The Supreme Court of Virginia has struck down Virginia’s voter-approved redistricting amendment.
The court ruled lawmakers violated the state constitution by advancing the proposal after early voting had already begun in the 2025 House elections.
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FBI agents raided the Portsmouth office and cannabis business tied to Virginia state Sen. Louise Lucas on Wednesday as part of a federal investigation, shaking Virginia politics and prompting swift reactions from Democratic leaders. #valeg
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Markus Schmidt retweeted
President Trump nominates former Virginia congressman David Brat to become US ambassador to Australia.
Brat was elected in 2014 after successfully primarying House majority leader Eric Cantor and served two terms before losing re-election in 2018 to Democrat Abigail Spanberger.
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Apr 27
The Supreme Court of Virginia heard arguments Monday in a challenge to the voter-approved redistricting amendment, with Justice Russell pressing both sides on election timing, public notice requirements and the scope of last October’s special session.
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Apr 23
The Virginia House just gaveled in for a special session to finalize the budget.
But they still don't have a deal because Democrats are stuck in a feud over data center tax breaks.
They also face a $250M hole after @governorva vetoed bill to legalize skill games. #valeg
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Apr 23
Va. Republicans are turning to the courts after losing the redistricting referendum, with a Tazewell judge now halting the new maps and the state vowing to appeal.
GOP leaders say the fight isn’t over; the case heads toward the Virginia Supreme Court.
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Apr 22
NEW: @GovernorVA signs package of reproductive rights legislation — dubbed “Momnibus” — into law, while multitasking and holding a newborn baby.
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Apr 22
At signing ceremony for reproductive rights legislation, @GovernorVA also celebrates the passing of Virginia’s redistricting referendum.
“Last night is an example of what happens when people are informed what their options are,” she says.
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Apr 22
#breaking Virginia voters approved the redistricting amendment Tuesday, 50.7%–49.3% with ~2.5M ballots cast, clearing the way for new congressional maps after months of legal and political battles.
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Apr 21
Turnout steady so far in the redistricting referendum.
At the Stonebridge polling site in Chesterfield, 400 votes had been cast by noon — about in line with last year’s statewide elections.
“It’s been very pleasant so far,” one volunteer tells me.
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Apr 21
It’s Election Day in Virginia! Voters will decide the fate of the redistricting amendment with major implications for the state’s congressional map.
Follow our live blog for updates, turnout, and results throughout the day:
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Markus Schmidt retweeted
Apr 20
.@SpeakerDonScott answers questions from the press in Capitol Square, Monday, April 20, 2026. @RTDNEWS
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Apr 16
#breaking Fmr. Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax fatally shot his wife in their Annandale home before taking his own life, police say.
One of their teenage children called 911 just after midnight.
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Apr 15
NEW: @GovernorVA signs immigration-related bills into law, proposes changes to others, setting up a clash with lawmakers over limits on ICE cooperation.
She rejects claims Virginia is a “sanctuary state,” saying coordination with feds continues. #vagov
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Apr 11
NEW: Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin is back on the campaign trail for the first time since leaving office, urging the Virginia Supreme Court to invalidate the state’s redistricting referendum at a “Vote No Rally” in Lynchburg.
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Apr 11
More than 100 people have gathered in Lynchburg for a “Vote No” rally on Virginia’s April 21 redistricting referendum, featuring remarks from former Gov. Glenn Youngkin, former AG Jason Miyares, and U.S. Reps. John McGuire and Jen Kiggans.
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NEW: @GovernorVA signs legislation raising Virginia’s minimum wage to $15/hour by 2028, with automatic inflation adjustments starting in 2029.
Democrats call it long overdue; Republicans warn of rising costs as budget talks continue.
#valeg #vagov
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