iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

NEW: @GovernorVA signs package of reproductive rights legislation — dubbed “Momnibus” — into law, while multitasking and holding a newborn baby.

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

At a signing ceremony for reproductive rights legislation, Gov. Abigail Spanberger 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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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

More than 100 people have gathered in Lynchburg for a “Vote No” rally on Virginia’s 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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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Inbox: Va. Republicans are calling for a 90-day suspension of the state’s gas tax, saying rising fuel prices are hitting families and urging Democrats to act. GOP leaders say the roughly 32-cent-per-gallon tax could be paused using state reserves. #valeg

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

Five years after Virginia legalized adult-use cannabis, the General Assembly has approved legislation to finally create a retail market. The Senate passed the bill 21–18 on Friday, the House just approved it by 64-32. If enacted, retail sales would begin Jan. 1, 2027. #valeg

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

Republican Del. Terry Austin and Democrat Del. Luke Torian — both heavyweights on House Appropriations — sharing a quick, bipartisan huddle on the House floor. #valeg

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Chesterfield schools closing for the April 21 special election because “robust turnout” is expected for Virginia’s redistricting referendum. Nothing says civic enthusiasm like canceling school for a ballot question most voters still can’t explain. 😬 #valeg

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

NEW: I just learned that the PAC behind the controversial mailers invoking civil rights imagery in Virginia’s redistricting referendum fight is led by former Del. A.C. Cordoza, according to the group’s treasurer. He sent me the statement below:

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Gov. Abigail Spanberger watches President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech from Williamsburg. Her Democratic response will start momentarily. (Pool photo by Erin Schaff)

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Post-crossover “affordability” messaging from House Democrats: Lowering everyday costs, housing affordability, health care premiums and co-pays, utility bills, child care — and touting 200+ bills passed, 800+ overall, with more than 75% bipartisan. #valeg

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

#breaking Abigail Spanberger is sworn in as Virginia's 75th governor, becoming the first woman to serve in this role. Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi and Attorney General Jay Jones were sworn in moment earlier.

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

Happening now: Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger arrives at her inaugural ceremony at Virginia’s state Capitol

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Happening now: Speaker Don Scott takes his oath of office for the second time, leading a House of Delegates with a 64-seat majority. #valeg

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Good morning from the state Capitol in Richmond! On day 1 of the 2026 session, Democrats are celebrating their new 64-seat House majority, which Speaker Don Scott calls “a new era for the commonwealth.” Later today, @GovernorVA will address the legislature for the last time. #vagov #valeg

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

Inbox: @kaine.senate.gov, member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, responds to U.S. strike on #Venezuela, calling it “a sickening return to a day when the United States asserted the right to dominate the internal political affairs of all nations in the Western Hemisphere.”

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

“This is a great country, and as a constitutional republic, the people elect their leaders,” Gov. Youngkin says as he congratulates Abigail Spanberger and reflects on his own victory four years ago. Youngkin also vows to support Spanberger during the transition phase. #VAGov

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

🔴 Gov. Youngkin is about to hold a media briefing following last night’s sweeping Democratic victory in Virginia — as Abigail Spanberger, Ghazala Hashmi and Jay Jones secured the state’s top offices and Democrats picked up 13 seats in the Va. House #VAGov

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

Happening now: Members of the GOP’s congressional delegation are pushing back against a last-minute effort by Democrats to redraw district lines. Republicans are framing this as “election interference” and as undermining the will of voters. #VALeg

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

🚨 A spokesman for the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs blames “radical liberals in Congress” for any shutdown fallout, warning some services could pause while core health care & benefits continue.

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

UPDATE: Dinwiddie Sheriff's Office releases the name of the suspect: Michael Ray Strawmeyer, 33, of DeWitt.

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Happening now: A small crowd has gathered at the Chesterfield County courthouse to protest yesterday’s deportations of immigrants by ICE

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

NEW: Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears breaks her silence on John Reid controversy: "It is his race, and his decision alone to move forward. We all have our own race to run." She says the controversy has become a distraction — and she's staying focused on defeating Spanberger.

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

NEW: Speaker Don Scott on targeting Confederate-linked tax-exempt groups: “We’ve got more monuments and roads named after it than any other state. It’s like racquetball, we can’t catch them all. If you know of any hiding under new names, send them our way. We want all of them.”

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 18/01/2025

#inbox: Youngkin joins list of pro-Trump governors ordering flags to be flown at full staff on Inauguration Day. “The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring” former President Jimmy Carter and remain at half-staff through Jan. 28

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 15/01/2025

Happening now: Fmr. U.S. Rep. and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger speaks at Moms Demand Action rally in Richmond’s Capitol Square. She vows that as governor, “I will sign common sense gun regulations,” some of which Youngkin vetoed. #valeg

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

LG Winsome Earle-Sears tells me she moved to a hotel room in Glen Allen after boiling water at her Richmond apartment for two days. “She’s here and she's thinking, you have to boil water in America,” she says of her mother, who’s currently visiting from Jamaica #VALeg

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 07/01/2025

UPDATE: Here’s an email that House Clerk Paul Nardo sent to staff this morning:

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Markus Schmidt @mschmidtrva.bsky.social · 10/12/2024

NEW: Congressman-elect John McGuire formally resigns from the state Senate, allowing the President Pro Tempore to set a date for a special election in #SD10. One GOP senator told me a few weeks ago that he’d get “a little nervous” if McGuire didn’t resign by Dec 10

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