“The issue is this: We’re not going to stop artificial intelligence. We have to put guardrails on it. But I also think we need guardrails on data centers,” the Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “I think it’s a good first step.”
“The data center industry wants to pay its fair share for power,” attorney Charlie Payne, who represents several data center clients in the Fredericksburg region, said.
Samuel Chisolm Jr., chairman of the Prince William County Democratic Committee (PWCDC), announced his resignation effective June 12, 2026, pointing to intense internal party divisions exacerbated by the recent loss of the Woodbridge District supervisor seat in a special election.
In a resignation letter dated June 1, Chisolm described a party fractured by self-interest, ego, and disagreements over its core mission.
“Today the majority of State Central Committee, which essentially acts as the elected board of directors for the Republican Party of Virginia, voted to remain neutral and abstain from taking a position on the 3 horrendous amendments that will be on your ballot this November,” Virginia Scope reported. “There is no doubt everyone in the room Saturday opposes the radical constitutional amendments,” First Congressional District SCC representative David Botkins said.
Republican Party of Virginia Chair Jeff Ryer clarified in an email to members that the State Central Committee did not vote to stay neutral but instead referred the issue of the three constitutional amendments to the Resolutions Committee by a 32-30 standing vote. The committee was instructed to consult local units and report back, with the matter possibly returning as soon as the June 13 meeting.
Colin Turner, a longtime Old Town Manassas resident, historic preservation advocate, and business consultant, announced today that he will seek a seat on the Manassas City Council as an independent candidate in the November 3, 2026, general election.
Turner’s candidacy adds to a competitive field for three open at-large seats on the seven-member council, which operates under a council-manager form of government in the independent city of Manassas.
“I am humbled to continue the fight to take on corruption, deliver real results, and make life more affordable for every Virginian,” CBS19 News reported. “I will continue to fight like hell for our military families, federal workers, and every working family in the District.”
Republican challengers in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District include John Gray and Philip Harding, both of Prince William County, along with Douglas Ollivant, and Waverly Washington. Tara Durant, who had been a frontrunner in the Republican primary, has dropped out. John Gray currently leads the field in fundraising among remaining candidates with over $228,000 in receipts, followed by Douglas Ollivant ($175,000).
Lisa Zargarpur, member of the Prince William County School Board, announced her candidacy for Coles District Supervisor on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors.
In a Facebook post, Zargarpur said she is shifting her focus after serving on the school board. “After serving two terms on the Prince William County School Board, I am now turning my attention to a different office. I can still support our schools while working for the greater community,” she wrote.
“Newly released campaign finance reports show committees tied to Virginia’s congressional redistricting referendum raised nearly $7.7 million during the final weeks surrounding the April 21 vote and subsequent legal fight over the constitutional amendment,” The Center Square reported.
“Virginians for Fair Maps reported raising about $4.6 million, while Virginians for Fair Elections reported about $2.9 million, according to VPAP filings.”
Virginia State Sen. Tara Durant (R-Stafford, Fredericksburg) has suspended her campaign for the Republican nomination in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, according to multiple sources.
Durant informed Virginia Scope reporter Brandon Jarvis that she is stepping back from the congressional race to focus on defending her state Senate seat in the 2027 election. She has not yet issued a formal public statement, but the suspension has been confirmed.
Early voting commences tomorrow, Friday, March 6, across Virginia for the April 21 special election on a proposed constitutional amendment concerning congressional redistricting. The statewide referendum arises amid partisan tensions and legal battles, with Democrats framing it as a necessary, temporary response to redistricting actions in other states that could disadvantage them nationally. Republicans view it as an unconstitutional power grab aimed at partisan advantage.
If approved by voters, the amendment would permit the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts for upcoming elections to “restore fairness,” with Virginia’s standard bipartisan redistricting process—established by a 2020 voter-approved amendment—resuming after the 2030 census.
