I’m in today’s @richmond.com opinions page. The SCC should reject the proposed Next-Era Dominion merger.

This is so bleak. And explains why Americans are so pessimistic about technology and AI. I’d really rather just talk to my kids! They’re interesting and fun people!

Always a pleasure to speak to students and their parents at the conclusion of Richmond Debate Institute camp at VCU. Phyl and his team do a tremendous job! Kids debated about the moral imperative of space travel, legislative ideas, the pros and cons of a cap and trade system, and more!

"For far too long, too many vape shops have been ignoring the law, selling illegal and dangerous products to Virginians, and taking advantage of gaps in the law to sell vapes to kids. That ends now. . . " said Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg.

There is a better way. Legislators should move forward with having data centers pay for their infrastructure and supply needs. Keeping ratepayer energy bills lower and modernizing our grid. The SCC should vote NO on this merger. 4/

Third, does anyone actually think it becomes easier to watch out for Virginians as we try and ensure their bills stay low while we solve these energy problems if the company is in Florida? Where we are one part of a larger profit portfolio? 3/

Second, our energy infrastructure and supply growth issues are tied to data centers. Gov. Spanberger, some legislators, and I believe data centers should pay for that growth. The utilities think we should pay for it so they can profit. This is what this merger is largely about. 2/

First, we know this merger will likely lead to energy bill increases and a company that actively pushes for (even) more expensive projects. We can see that in NextEra’s behavior. Here is one example, where they unethically tried to stop cheaper energy from going online. 1/

"Richmond-area home sales rise as median price reaches $460,000" Source: richmond.com/news/local/b...

This protects Virginians, prevents bills from increasing, and promotes a reliable grid. 2/

I had a blast this past weekend at the ribbon cutting for Momma Luna's Magic Tattoo Co new location on Horsepen. I got a temporary tattoo and made the first purchase! Amy has this thriving business as a 2nd job! It’s quite the business she and her family have grown. Here’s to success on Horsepen!

The third annual American Muslim Heritage Celebration today was a great success! Great to see so many local communities come together to celebrate their unique cultures. Henrico and Richmond truly represent the concept of pluribus unum--out of many, one!

Love that Brick Road Coffee RVA in the 16th District sells coffee named after western Henrico’s major thoroughfares! I got the Pouncey Tract Road beans. Also their cafe con leche is fantastic! Please support them--it's a great local business!

Yesterday, the Joint Subcommittee I chair to look at consolidating all elections in Virginia into even years got back to work. Starting next week we will look at constitutional and legal language that would the change. Then, we will vote on whether or not to recommend the move in August. 1/

Today, several other legislators joined me in sending a letter to the SCC endorsing the Spanberger Administration's position on the SCC’s pending data center transmission costs case. As we conclude: “The bottom line is data centers should pay for their transmission lines, not Virginians.” 1/

Wonderful to start my day yesterday at the Houston Home ribbon cutting in Glen Allen! Run by Hope Tree Family Services, the Houston Home is a fully accessible home for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that allows them to live autonomously and independently.

It was an honor to go to the Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad this past week and present Don Unger with a Virginia Senate Commending Resolution celebrating his over 50 years of service to our community! Just amazing!I

A fired up canvass launch yesterday morning to kick off a full day of knocking doors. I had great conversations in the Coalpit precinct!

Housing near jobs. "A Connecticut strip mall added apartments above an existing Walgreens, proving that even car-centric areas can become walkable and inviting. Stop letting the status quo gaslight you. Our built environment doesn't have to look the way it always has. (Noroton Heights)"

We had a great town hall yesterday at the Cedarfield Retirement Community! We had a robust discussion about energy, data centers, education, and the past legislative session. So many good questions! Want me to come speak with residents of your community? Let me know!

I enjoyed talking to the Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Travel Assn last night at a great restaurant in SD-16, Twin Hickory Tavern, about the 2026 legislative session and how we can continue to ensure Henrico and the RVA region thrive. Our food, tourism, and culture scenes are second to none!

I enjoyed my visit at Regirer Health & Rehab off Pemberton yesterday! I especially loved talking to Laura about how my permanent absentee voter bill empowered her to be able to vote in every election despite her health problems!

Last week Virginia Governor Spanberger signed a variety of energy bills including a bill @katrinacallsen.com and I have carried for the last two years. Our bill will get more solar where everyone agrees it should go, create more Virginia jobs, and increase energy supply!

🇺🇸Happy 250th & July 4th Weekend, USA!🇺🇸 As Lincoln noted, the American creed was the promise to its citizens and the world that freedom would flourish! “It..gave promise that in due time the weight would be lifted from the shoulders of all men. This is..embodied in the Declaration..”

Start with the facts: Teachers are super patriotic and want their students to know about the Constitution and American values. It’s really about state policy. 2/

Reflecting on this on this July 4: Teachers and schools do teach kids to appreciate this country. This is the wrong conversation. The real conversation is how to get more of an emphasis on U.S. history and civics in state education policy. Because states don’t do a good job of prioritizing it. 1/

🇺🇸 July 4th weekend read 🇺🇸

I was proud to receive a 2026 Legislative Leader Award from the @sierraclub.org of Virginia. I’ve prioritized building clean energy because it’s the cheapest for ratepayers, will lead the transition to the energy grid & economy we need, and ensures a healthy environment for future generations.

Great night last night celebrating @vademocrats.bsky.social accomplishments in tackling affordability, protecting Virginians’ rights, and moving the Commonwealth forward economically! Now it’s back to work today to work and fight for the people of Virginia!

This past weekend was the ReEstablish Richmond Multicultural Festival at the Richmond Raceway. It was a wonderful event of music, food, culture, and friends! Reestablish does such important work in our community--they truly help knit our community together.