Jonas Eppert for Delegate

Today is a day to come together as a nation to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. In a time of so much division, may we pause to reflect on the courage, service, and shared freedoms that unite us as Americans.

Tyranny of the courts. The issue of mid cycle redistricting shows a clear pattern by Republicans to weaponize the judicial system to subvert the will of the voter. While I believe Democrats will still prevail in at least 8 out of the Commonwealth's 11 congressional races in November, the Virginia Supreme Court's decision severely limits our ability to hold Donald Trump and his corrupt regime accountable. We must look to utilize every tool available to protect and counter Republican efforts to erode our Republic and remaining Democratic institutions.

I’m proud to be a Virginian. Today we stood up for fairness and integrity by supporting the redistricting measure. It would have been easy to look the other way, but people across the Commonwealth chose to push back against Trump's overreach of power. Virginia showed that when it matters, we’re willing to defend our democracy. 10-1 here we come!

There's still time to get out and vote "Yes"! Make sure to get to the polls before 7!!!!

Today we mourn the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a leader who spent his life fighting for justice, dignity, and opportunity for all. His work reminds us that the Civil Rights Movement is not distant history, it is living memory, and the struggles he confronted are still with us today.

Let us honor his legacy not only with words, but with action. Speak out, vote, organize, and stand up for equality in your community. The work continues.

Today, Buddhist monks passed through the heart of HD 74 in the final leg of their Walk for Peace. Their presence is a quiet reminder that peace is not passive, it is a deliberate choice. In a world too often shaped by violence, war, and oppression, choosing diplomacy, dialogue, and restraint is not easy, but it is how we protect our shared humanity.

I heard we were making 2026 the new 2016. That's a trend I can get behind.

It took me a while to write this up because I was just so angry.

Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis VA hospital ICU nurse, was brutally attacked and executed by a gang of street thugs and proud boys allowed to operate with impunity on our city streets under the Trump administration. Alex was a hero in life and is now a hero in death.

Alex was in the area attempting to help direct protesters away from ICE activity in order to prevent another tragedy like the one that resulted in the killing of Renee Good. Witnesses and video show Alex attempting to place himself between federal agents and a woman who had been pushed to the ground. What followed was not law enforcement. It was an assault.

At least 5 federal agents surrounded Alex, pepper sprayed him repeatedly, and used the canisters themselves as weapons, slamming his head while forcing him to the ground. Agents removed the firearm he was legally permitted to carry. After he was disarmed, and face-down on the pavement, they shot him multiple times, including in the back, as he lay defenseless.

Let me be absolutely clear: This was not a tragic accident or a justified use of force. This was state-sponsored terrorism. It looked exactly like what it was on camera, the ex*****on of an American citizen in the street for trying to help someone.

I commend Governor Walz for activating the Minnesota National Guard and demanding accountability. Governors in every blue state should be prepared to use every lawful tool available to protect their residents, including state police and the National Guard, when the federal government is violating constitutional rights and terrorizing communities.

Alex Pretti deserved to live. His family deserves the truth. And the people deserve accountability.

Honored to witness history as Her Excellency Abigail Spanberger was sworn in as the Commonwealth’s first female Governor. A powerful moment for our state and a reminder of the progress we can achieve together.

In November, Virginians decisively chose a brighter future where affordability, social progress, and opportunity take center stage — rejecting a Republican agenda rooted in stoking division, resentment, and xenophobia. With Abigail Spanberger as Governor, Ghazala Hashmi as Lieutenant Governor, and Jay Jones as Attorney General, Virginia has the leadership it needs to stand firm and push back against the authoritarianism coming out of the White House.

This moment was made even more meaningful knowing my daughter was there with us—still waiting to be born, but already surrounded by history. She will enter a world where no dream is too great, where leadership looks more like the people it serves, and where she can always point to the woman who showed her the way.

Honored to attend Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi’s Inaugural Ball last night. Lindsay and I had a wonderful time celebrating this monumental win.

I am looking forward to tomorrow's historic inauguration.