To pass a constitutional amendment in Virginia, it must be introduced as a joint resolution in either chamber of the General Assembly and approved by a majority in both. After a general election for the House of Delegates, the newly elected body must approve the same amendment again. The amendment then goes to a statewide referendum, where it becomes part of the constitution if approved by a majority of voters.

Three of the Constitutional Amendments were passed during the 2025 session and are now being put forward for the second time.  The fourth pertains to redistricting and was introduced during the outrageous, rushed “special session” one week before election day. I am still outraged at this obvious partisan power grab by the Democrats. One week before election day, Democrats called us back to Richmond for a political stunt on redistricting. 

I voted against these amendments in the 2025 session, and I will continue to oppose them in the 2026 session. 

First introduced in the 2025 session and now again for the 2026 session, HJ 1, a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to affirm a fundamental right to reproductive freedom in Virginia. If HJ 1 were passed by the voters, it would establish a constitutional right to elective abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy. This amendment would also remove Virginians' ability to have a say in protecting women, girls, and preborn children from the effects of elective abortion. 

If HJ 1 passes, minor children may receive an abortion, with no knowledge or say from parents or guardians; parents matter. Parents must sign school field trip permission slips and give written consent for a school nurse to even provide a sick child an aspirin, but Virginia Democrats want to allow minors access to abortions without parental knowledge? I voted against this in 2025 and remain opposed. I am firmly pro-life and will not stand quietly aside and allow this. I will fight to protect life. Will you fight with me? 

Another proposed amendment, originally passed during the 2025 session and now returned, is HJ 2, which proposes automatic restoration of voting rights for individuals upon release from prison. This includes violent offenders and individuals who have committed serious crimes, including some who have committed violent crimes against women and even children.   

In Virginia, felony convictions result in loss of civil rights such as voting, jury service, holding office, becoming a notary, and firearm possession. Currently, the Virginia Constitution provides that only the Governor can restore these rights, except for firearms. If enacted, this amendment would begin restoring people’s voting rights immediately upon their release from incarceration, regardless of whether they are still on probation or parole, or whether they owe any outstanding court debts or restitution to their victims. What about the victims? Shouldn’t the victims’ voices be factored into this process? 

I completely understand the desire for second chances, and I think the current process in Virginia for restoring voting rights to felons encourages accountability while remaining fair. It’s important for those who have made mistakes to demonstrate their commitment to turning their lives around before regaining these privileges. Virginia currently has clear, positive conditions for the restoration of rights, including completing their sentences, making partial repayments to victims, and submitting a formal application to the Governor that demonstrates they’re ready to be responsible members of our community. By taking these steps, we respect victims’ experiences while still believing in the power of redemption.

Next, HJ 3 proposes to repeal the constitutional definition of marriage as only between one man and one woman, along with related provisions. This is the text of the proposed amendment, which will redefine marriage in the Virginia Constitution: That marriage is one of the vital personal rights essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness. This Commonwealth and its political subdivisions shall not deny the issuance of a marriage license to two adult persons seeking a lawful marriage on the basis of the sex, gender, or race of such persons.

In their legal analysis provided to legislators, numerous faith-based groups state that, if passed, the repeal-and-replace marriage amendment would enshrine gender ideology into our state constitution, threatening girls' safety and sports, as well as basic religious liberties.  In 2006, Virginia voters chose by a vote of 57% to protect the sanctity of marriage in our Constitution. I support keeping this protection. 

Without clear protections in the Constitution, faith-based groups and religious leaders could face lawsuits or government pressure if they refuse to host or officiate weddings that conflict with their beliefs. This creates a worrying situation in which churches and religious organizations might end up in expensive legal fights just for sticking to their values, which undermines the traditions that have been respected in our Commonwealth. When considering this amendment, we need to ask ourselves whether we’re truly supporting the diverse beliefs that make Virginia great, or whether we’re opening the floodgates to unnecessary conflicts that could put our fundamental freedoms at risk.

And finally, the most recent liberal progressive stunt in Virginia, redistricting. Virginia voters already told us what they want by a vote of over 60% they said they want a Constitutional Amendment to end partisan redistricting. Yet, one week before election day, Virginia Democrats brought legislators back to Richmond for a purely political fight over redistricting — a move that wasted time and taxpayer dollars at a moment when our focus should be on the people we serve. 

HJ 4 was passed during this special-session political stunt and must pass again in the 2026 session before it can go to the voters. I voted against it then and will vote to oppose it again in January. 

In 2020, Virginia ended partisan redistricting (gerrymandering) through a widely supported bipartisan constitutional amendment. Despite voters' preference for fair, independent maps, Democrats are now seeking to reverse this change and reinstate the old system, raising concerns about election integrity. Letting political interests take priority over what voters actually want really shakes people’s trust in our elections and goes against the core values that our government is supposed to represent. We need to remain with the redistricting process that Virginia voters have already chosen to make sure every Virginian’s vote counts equally. Now is the time to urge every concerned Virginian to stand up for transparency, accountability, and the idea that our democracy should be shaped by the people, not by political games in Richmond.

A Constitutional amendment passed by the General Assembly does not need the Governor's signature; the Governor cannot veto or amend it. It goes straight to the people for their voice and their vote. This is where we must act. 

Should these measures advance to a ballot, whether in a Spring special election or on the November general election ballot, we must work to turn out like-minded conservatives to defeat them. Sadly, if approved by Virginia voters, these measures will become part of the Virginia Constitution and, unless subsequently repealed, they will affect future generations for many years. 

As always, my staff and I are here to assist you with any issues or concerns. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can be of service. You can reach us at 434.374.5129 or by email at

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