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Anti-abortion group targets Democrats to stop Va.’s reproductive rights constitutional amendment

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virginiamercury.com – Charlotte Rene Woods – 2025-06-24 05:00:00


Women Speak Out Virginia plans to deploy 100 volunteers to knock on 150,000 doors in Richmond and Virginia Beach by July, aiming to influence voters against a proposed constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights. The amendment, supported by Democrats, would enshrine abortion protections in Virginia’s constitution and remove the current requirement for three physicians to approve later abortions. Republicans and pro-life groups like SBA Pro-Life America oppose it, focusing on competitive legislative districts crucial for the amendment’s success in the 2026 session and subsequent voter referendum. Planned Parenthood Advocates supports pro-choice candidates, emphasizing reproductive freedom as a winning campaign issue.

by Charlotte Rene Woods, Virginia Mercury
June 24, 2025

Women Speak Out Virginia is sending 100 people out to knock on 150,000 doors in Richmond and Virginia Beach between now and late July. Their aim: influence voters to elect candidates this fall who oppose a proposed constitutional amendment to enshrine reproductive rights into Virginia’s constitution.

“As the largest pro-life voter contact program in the country, we are known for our impact on elections,” SBA Pro-Life America Virginia state director Marlene Downing said in a statement. “Our doorstep conversations change the minds of persuadable voters and energize pro-life Americans to go to the polls.” (SBA Pro-Life is a partner of Women Speak Out Virginia.)

Abortion and other reproductive health measures don’t always fall along partisan lines. Red, blue and purple states have sent reproductive rights messages in recent years with red states such as Kansas rejecting an amendment to strip residents of abortion rights and Ohio enshrining abortion rights in its constitution. Virginia’s amendment to do similarly has only advanced because of Democratic majorities in the House of Delegates and state Senate. 

It must pass again in the 2026 legislative session. From there, it would appear on statewide ballots for voters to finally approve or reject. But that depends on whether Democrats can retain their control in the House this year — where all 100 seats are up for election. A handful of competitive districts will be paramount to the amendment’s success or defeat — several of which SBA is focusing on this summer.

Our doorstep conversations change the minds of persuadable voters…

– Marlenę Downing, Virginia state director of SBA Pro-Life America

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia director Jamie Lockart said that opponents of the amendment “see this as their last attempt to stop this.”

That’s because amending the state’s constitution — be it adding something or taking something out — is harder to do than passing a single law. But it also means that enshrined protections are unable to be undone within a single legislative session.

In the years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a federal case that had protected access nationwide, states have sought restrictions and bans or placed protections in their constitutions. Other reproductive health choices like contraception or fertility treatments have been legislated on or challenged in courts. Amid this shifting landscape, Virginia is currently the least-restrictive southern state when it comes to abortion — and it’s seen a surge of out-of-state patients since the fall of Roe. 

This year, Virginia’s reproductive rights amendment will likely feature as a prominent selling point for candidates — whether they’re vowing to defend it or defeat it. 

What current law allows

Current state law allows most abortions up to around 26 weeks of pregnancy and later abortions require three physicians to attest that continuing a pregnancy would threaten the life of the parent or “irremediably impair” their physical or mental well-being. 

Later abortions make up about 1% of abortions, according to data from Kaiser Family Foundation, a health data nonprofit. About 4% of abortions in Virginia occur between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy — this is usually when severe fetal anomalies are more likely to be detected. Most abortions in Virginia happen under 13 weeks. 

A recent Pew Research Center poll noted support for abortion has remained fairly consistent in recent decades, with 62% of Americans surveyed agreeing that it should be legal in all or most cases

The amendment, if approved, would largely shore up Virginia’s existing protections for abortions and would remove the three physician thresholds needed for later abortions. 

Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, challenged the motion on the House floor earlier this year, calling it a “word salad” designed to “cloud the true intentions.”  He argued that lowering the doctor threshold to just one doctor removes safeguards.

“The abortion doctor can do that,” he said. Supporters of the amendment countered the change is intended to address barriers faced by rural patients.

He also accused Democrats of supporting infanticide with the amendment, and opponents of the state’s current abortion laws have argued the amendment would allow the procedure up to “the moment of birth.”

State and federal law prohibit infanticide and such accusations have been widely debunked by medical experts.

Still, SBA door-knockers are expected to focus on that message as they did in a press release announcing their campaign.

Director Downing asserted that Democrats are “determined to wipe away all limitations on abortion in Virginia” and said that they would repeal Virginia’s parental involvement laws. 

Republicans had sought changes to the amendment that could shore up existing state law regarding parental consent for minors seeking surgeries, including abortion. Democrats rejected the efforts with House Majority Leader Charniele Herring, D-Alexandria, referencing both existing law and a judicial bypass option some minors can petition for. 

“The law is the law unless the court says it’s not,” she said at the time. 

Vulnerable candidates get Planned Parenthood support

While Herring’s seat is reliably Democratic leaning, Republicans and abortion opponent groups like SBA Pro-Life have their eyes on others. Between Richmond and Virginia Beach, the canvassing efforts will target potential voters with vulnerable Democratic candidates 

Targeted contests include incumbent delegates Nadarius Clark, D-Suffolk, and Michael Feggans, D-Virginia Beach, along with Democrats running in competitive districts near Richmond, Petersburg and Williamsburg.

May Nivar, is challenging Del. David Owen, R-Henrico. He secured his election by a little over 700 votes in 2023. Jessica Anderson and Kimberly Pope Adams face rematches with incumbents Del. Amanda Batten, R-James City County, and Del. Kim Taylor, R-Petersburg, the latter of which won by 53 votes last time. Meanwhile, challenger, Lindsey Dougherty will challenge Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Colonial Heights as well.

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia plans to support the Democratic candidates through door knocking and other campaign events throughout the rest of the year. Democrats can also expect support from ReproRising Virginia, whose executive director calls “reproductive freedom” a “winning issue.”

“Our organization will be doing everything we can to elect champions statewide, but especially to the House of Delegates,” Lockhart, of Planned Parenthood, said. “We’re confident that when voters have the ability to vote on protecting their rights, they will resoundingly do so.” 

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Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com.

The post Anti-abortion group targets Democrats to stop Va.’s reproductive rights constitutional amendment appeared first on virginiamercury.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Left

This article presents detailed coverage of Virginia’s reproductive rights debate, highlighting Democratic efforts to enshrine abortion protections in the state constitution while also including perspectives from Republican opponents. The framing tends to emphasize the challenges faced by pro-choice advocates and provides context on recent legal and political developments that favor reproductive rights. Although it reports views from both sides, the article leans slightly toward supporting reproductive freedoms, given the emphasis on Democratic initiatives and Planned Parenthood’s role. The balanced tone and factual presentation, however, avoid strong partisan language, placing it close to the center-left spectrum.

News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Commanders rookies get first taste of road life in the NFL | NBC4 Washington

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www.youtube.com – NBC4 Washington – 2025-08-07 17:55:19

SUMMARY: The Commanders rookies got their first real taste of NFL road life during Wednesday’s joint practice against the Patriots. For many, including first-round pick Josh Connolly, it was their first time facing an outside opponent, raising competition levels. Connolly embraced the challenge, eager to learn and improve. Second-round cornerback Trey Amos also impressed, noting the speed felt comparable to what he expected. Veterans provided mentorship, sharing advice to help rookies adjust. The practice ended on a high note for New England native Mikey Sanders, who intercepted a pass in the two-minute drill, showcasing the rookies’ growing confidence and skills on the road.

The Washington Commanders are in New England for a preseason game against the Patriots. Team Insider JP Finlay reports on the first NFL road trip for the rookies.
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Virginia House in the balance: 5 key races to watch this fall

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virginiamercury.com – Markus Schmidt – 2025-08-04 04:25:00


The 2025 Virginia House of Delegates election is highly competitive, with both parties targeting suburban swing districts in Chesterfield, Williamsburg, Chesapeake, Prince William, and Hampton to determine control of the 100-seat chamber. Democrats, holding a slim majority, are running candidates in all districts and investing heavily in a $9 million TV ad campaign. Republicans, fielding candidates in 83 districts, are focusing on winnable seats. Key races include Districts 75, 71, 89, 22, and 86, where recent elections show narrow margins and shifting political landscapes. Fundraising and local candidate strength will likely determine results amid broader state and national trends.

by Markus Schmidt, Virginia Mercury
August 4, 2025

As the battle for Virginia’s House of Delegates heats up, both major parties are zeroing in on a small number of suburban swing districts that could ultimately decide which side holds the majority come January.

Among the most closely watched races this year are contests in Chesterfield, Williamsburg, Chesapeake, Prince William, and Hampton — five competitive districts that reflect broader political shifts in Virginia and where both parties are making heavy investments in money, message, and manpower, according to data from the Virginia Public Access Project.

While Democrats currently hold the majority, their grip on the 100-seat chamber is slim. 

With every seat on the ballot this November — along with races for governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general — the stakes are unusually high. And both sides say they’re ready.

House Democrats are touting historic momentum this cycle, running candidates in all 100 districts for the first time in recent history — including in reliably Republican areas where they haven’t competed in years. 

Their campaign arm recently announced a $9 million TV ad reservation, covering the state’s four biggest media markets — Washington, Richmond, Norfolk, and Roanoke — with more than $8.5 million slated for the final three weeks of the campaign.

“This is how we not only protect our majority, but expand it,” said House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, in a statement. “House Democrats aren’t just reacting — we’re setting the pace. This ad buy is about making sure voters hear directly from us, early and often, about what we’re doing to protect their freedoms, lower costs, and move Virginia forward.”

Republicans, meanwhile, are focused on the districts most likely to determine the balance of power. 

While they’re fielding candidates in 83 districts — short of a full slate — party leaders say that’s by design. They argue Democrats are spreading themselves thin in unwinnable territory, while Republicans are concentrating on a narrower, more winnable map.

“They’ve got candidates in 20 of the reddest districts who are going to raise $1,000 — do you think that concerns us even a little bit?” Republican Party of Virginia Chair Mark Peake told The Mercury. “I don’t think (Democrats) have as much enthusiasm as we do.”

Peake said GOP House Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, is working hard to raise funds and support candidates across the state, particularly in the 10 to 15 districts seen as most contested. 

“We are fully competitive in all of those, with fundraising and quality candidates who are well known in their communities and working extremely hard,” he said.

Political analysts say the terrain slightly favors Democrats this year, especially in fast-changing outer suburban areas. 

“It’s no surprise that the most competitive districts right now are in Republican hands,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. “This is an environment where Republicans are facing significant headwinds for a bunch of reasons, and that’s creating a tailwind that would help Democrats who, in other years, might be more vulnerable.”

Farnsworth pointed to the suburbs of Chesterfield County and Prince William as key bellwethers. 

“The action in this election cycle in Virginia is largely in these outer-ring suburban counties,” he said. “The rural areas tend to be very red, and the urban areas more Democratic. But those transitional places are where Republican fortunes are particularly at risk this year.”

Democrats and Republicans alike agree that a few closely contested races will likely determine the House majority — and perhaps the direction of state government under a new governor.

Here’s a closer look at five of the most competitive House districts in Virginia this year.

House District 75

In a high-stakes rematch, Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, faces Democrat Lindsey Dougherty once again in a district that’s seen its political balance shift in recent years and that is shaping up to be this cycle’s most competitive contest. 

Covering parts of Chesterfield and Prince George counties and the city of Hopewell, this district leans slightly Republican, but not decisively. 

Vice President Kamala Harris carried it in 2024 with 52.3%, while GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump pulled 46.2%. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., performed even better, winning 54.6% to Hung Cao’s 45.2%. Yet just three years earlier, in Virginia’s previous gubernatorial election, Republican Glenn Youngkin bested Democrat Terry McAuliffe here by a solid 8-point margin.

Coyner, a moderate Republican and attorney who previously served on the Chesterfield County School Board, was first elected in 2019 after defeating Dougherty with 55.1%. She’s known for occasionally bucking her party, notably voting to abolish the death penalty and protect same-sex marriage in Virginia. 

Dougherty, originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, has made her mark in Virginia as a dedicated volunteer advocating for children’s health care and support for single mothers. 

Coyner enters the fall with a financial advantage, raising $546,436 to Dougherty’s $227,774 — despite Democrats’ broader statewide edge in campaign cash.

House District 71

Del. Amanda Batten, R-James City County, is seeking reelection in a district where the GOP holds a narrow edge — but recent Democratic victories suggest the race could go either way. 

The 71st spans parts of James City and New Kent counties, as well as Williamsburg. Harris narrowly won the district in 2024 with 51.5%, and Kaine topped Cao here 52.3% to 47.5%. However, Youngkin beat McAuliffe in 2021 by nearly 8 points, and the area has reliably leaned red in most past cycles.

Batten, first elected in 2019, chairs the House Republican Caucus and leads the “Purple Caucus,” an informal coalition of Republicans in politically vulnerable districts. She previously worked for GOP leaders in the General Assembly. 

Her Democratic challenger, Jessica Anderson, is a lifelong Virginian from Newport News with a background in education.

This cycle, Democrats are signaling they see an opportunity: Anderson has narrowly outraised Batten, pulling in $356,915 compared to the incumbent’s $305,863.

House District 89

With Del. Baxter Ennis, R-Chesapeake, stepping down after one term, the open-seat contest in District 89 is drawing serious attention from both parties. The district, covering parts of Chesapeake and Suffolk, leans Republican by just over two points — and recent election results paint a mixed picture. 

Harris edged Trump here in 2024, 50.1% to 47.2%, and Kaine performed even better, winning by over five points. Youngkin, however, beat McAuliffe by more than 7 points in 2021.

Republican Mike Lamonea, a retired Homeland Security special agent, is facing Democrat Karen Carnegie, an attorney and community activist with deep ties to local civic groups, including the Girl Scouts and the Ruritan Club. Carnegie’s strong community presence and local activism make her a formidable opponent in a competitive landscape.

She’s also ahead in fundraising, with $205,436 to Lamonea’s $194,811 — a tight margin that mirrors the race itself.

House District 22

Del. Ian Lovejoy, R-Prince William, is looking to hold onto his seat in one of the most closely watched matchups in Northern Virginia. He faces a challenge from Elizabeth Guzman, who represented a neighboring district from 2018 to 2024 and is aiming for a return to the House. 

District 22 includes parts of Prince William County and leans slightly Republican.

The margins here have been razor-thin. In 2024, Harris edged Trump 49% to 47.9%, and Kaine carried the district by just over 2 points. Guzman, who unseated a longtime Republican in 2017, ran unsuccessfully for state Senate in 2022 but remains a well-known figure in the region.

She’s also leading financially, with $402,989 raised compared to Lovejoy’s $250,858. Lovejoy, a former Manassas City Council member and small business owner, won his first term in 2023 and is now defending it in what could become a costly, hard-fought race.

House District 86

Del. A.C. Cordoza, R-Hampton, the only Black Republican in the House of Delegates, is in a tough reelection battle against Democrat Virgil Thornton in a district that has become a top target for Democrats. Covering Poquoson, parts of Hampton and York County, the 86th leans Republican — but just barely. In 2024, Harris eked out a win over Trump by 1.1 points, and Kaine took it by a margin of less than 3 points over Cao.

Cordoza won the seat in 2021 and has since attracted statewide GOP support. Concerned about holding the district, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the full Republican statewide ticket — including Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, AG Jason Miyares, and GOP lieutenant governor nominee John Reid — recently headlined a joint fundraiser for him in Hampton, despite internal fractions between the candidates. 

Thornton, a community leader running on a platform of economic justice and public safety reform, has outraised Cordoza with $149,805 to the incumbent’s $106,283 — another sign Democrats believe this district could be a sleeper flip.

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Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com.

The post Virginia House in the balance: 5 key races to watch this fall appeared first on virginiamercury.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Left

This article presents a generally balanced report on Virginia’s House of Delegates races but leans slightly toward a Center-Left perspective. It highlights Democratic momentum, campaign funding advantages, and progressive policy goals such as protecting freedoms and lowering costs, while giving fair attention to Republican strategies and candidates. The coverage includes quotes from Democratic leaders with more emphasis on their electoral opportunities and detailed profiles of Democratic candidates’ backgrounds and fundraising. The tone remains largely factual and informative but subtly favors Democrats through emphasis on their historic efforts and the challenges facing Republicans in the current political environment.

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Hoggle denied bond, prosecutors say she talked about strangling her kids | NBC4 Washington

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www.youtube.com – NBC4 Washington – 2025-08-05 21:08:12

SUMMARY: Catherine Hoggle was denied bond in a hearing revealing new allegations, including that she told someone in a day program in 2014 she had strangled her children and made a disturbing drawing about disposing of them to relieve stress. These statements surfaced before her children, Sarah and Jacob, were reported missing. Prosecutors also cited sealed records of prior threats and noted she had recently been released from psychiatric care without conditions, living independently. Despite her attorney’s claim she is not competent to stand trial, the judge deemed her a flight risk and danger, keeping her jailed awaiting trial on two murder charges.

A judge denied bond for Catherine Hoggle, accused of killing her children, Jacob and Sarah, who disappeared more than a decade ago. News4’s Darcy Spencer reports.
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NBC4 Washington / WRC-TV is the No. 1 broadcast television station and the home of the most-watched local news in Washington, D.C. The station leads the market in providing timely and breaking news and information in text, video and graphics across more than 15 platforms including NBCWashington.com, the NBC4 app, NBC4 streaming news channel, newsletters, and social media.

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