Email from Senator Tammy Mulchi 2026 General Assembly Update 2026 General Assembly Update Dear Friend, It has been another busy week in Richmond, and I wanted to share a few key updates to keep you informed about what’s happening during this Legislative Session. This week, Democrats stopped a number of common-sense bills that would have helped small businesses, strengthened public safety, improved election integrity, and lowered costs for Virginians. These legislative proposals were designed to address important issues facing our community, and their rejection means that opportunities to support local businesses, enhance safety, ensure fair elections, and reduce expenses for families will not move forward at this time. This week brought a significant success regarding redistricting. Republicans achieved a major legal victory in the case of McDougle v. Nardo, which challenged the Democrats' efforts to advance the redistricting constitutional amendment (HJR 6007) during the 2024 Special Session. The court determined that the General Assembly had violated its own Special Session rules and had not met the necessary constitutional and statutory requirements. As a result, all actions connected to HJR 6007 in that Special Session have been declared void from the outset.   Additionally, the court concluded that the mandated “intervening House election” has not yet occurred. Early voting for the 2025 election began prior to the passage of HJR 6007, meaning the next qualifying election cannot take place until 2027. Furthermore, the court found that Virginia’s public notice requirements, as outlined in Va. Code § 30-13, were not followed. This oversight renders any purported “second vote” in 2026 invalid and ineffective. The fight is not over, and the Democrats have filed an appeal in Virginia’s Court of Appeals. I will keep you updated on our fight to stop this blatant partisan gerrymander. The winter storm last weekend resulted in minimal loss of power for Virginians. The lights stayed on because Virginia relied on dependable energy sources like natural gas and nuclear power. Our Republican Minority Leader McDougle has introduced legislation to require the SCC to direct public utilities to invest in the most reliable and affordable generation options. Meanwhile, Democrats and the Governor continue investing time and energy into solar and wind, and this weekend proved how ineffective lower-generation options can be when Virginians need power most. I, along with my Virginia Senate Republican colleagues remain committed to saving Virginians thousands on their power bills by repealing the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), rejecting the regional gas tax initiative, and requiring our utilities to invest in the most reliable and affordable resource scenario. Last Thursday morning, our caucus held a press conference where Republican leaders and caucus members highlighted the destructive taxes being pushed by Senate Democrats, along with soft-on-crime policies that put more criminals back into our neighborhoods. Democrats’ proposed tax hikes include: 1. New local sales tax in all Virginia counties and cities. 2. New income tax brackets 3. Delivery tax (Amazon, Uber Eats, FedEx, UPS orders in Northern Virginia) 4. Rideshare tax (Uber/Lyft) 5. Storage unit tax 6. Gym membership tax 7. Dog walking tax 8. Dog grooming tax 9. Counseling tax 10. Kindle tax 11. Vehicle repair tax 12. Home repair tax 13. Dry cleaning tax In addition, House Democrats have introduced HB 863 to eliminate mandatory minimums for a wide range of serious offenses, including violent felonies and crimes involving firearms, drugs, and child exploitation. Here is a list of some of the violent crime that would have their mandatory minimums stripped: Rape Forcible Sodomy Violation of a Protective Order Malicious bodily injury of a Law-Enforcement Officer or Fire Fighter 2nd Conviction of certain felony sexual assaults Carnal Knowledge of a child between 13-15 years old. Sexual Intercourse with one own’s child or grandchild Manufacturing, selling, or distributing methamphetamine 2nd DUI conviction Possession of a firearm by convicted felons Possession, reproduction, or financing of child pornography Bill link: [link removed] I know it looks bleak right now. Don’t tune out - stay engaged and hold every elected official accountable for the laws they pass. I will keep fighting these reckless Democrat policies and keep you informed as this battle continues. 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 the district telephone 434.374.5129, Capitol telephone 804-698-7509, or by email at [email protected] Senate District Nine Student Chosen to Serve as Senate Page Senator Tammy Brankley Mulchi (R-Mecklenburg) is proud to announce Miss Courtney Astle is serving as a Senate Page Program during the 2026 General Assembly session. Courtney was chosen for her strong academic performance, leadership potential, and enthusiasm for learning about state government. As a student-athlete, she stays busy playing basketball, volleyball, soccer, and golf, balancing her commitments both on and off the field with dedication and determination. Miss Astle is an 8th grader at Kenston Forest Middle School in Nottoway County. Courtney is especially excited about the opportunity to stay in a hotel during the program and experience life at the Capitol firsthand. Her favorite subject in school is math, where she enjoys problem-solving and critical thinking – skills that will serve her well during her time as a Senate Page. While she is eager for the experience, Courtney says the biggest thing she will miss from home is her dog, Josie, a Bouvier des Flandres and Poodle mix, who is a big part of her everyday life.  “Courtney represents the very best of our community—curious, hardworking, and ready to serve,” said Tammy Brankley Mulchi. “It is an honor to have her join the Senate Page Program, and I know she will take full advantage of this incredible opportunity to learn and grow.” Courtney shared her excitement as well, saying, “I’m really grateful to be selected as a Senate Page. I’m excited to see how the Senate works, meet new people, and be part of something so important. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.” The Office of Senator Tammy Brankley Mulchi congratulates Courtney Astle on this outstanding achievement and wishes her the very best during her time in Richmond. The Virginia Senate Page Program offers students a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the legislative process, and Courtney’s selection is a testament to her hard work, character, and promise for the future. Senator Mulchi and her staff look forward to welcoming Courtney to the Capitol and are confident she will represent Kenston Forest Middle School and her community with pride and excellence. Mulchi was elected to the Senate of Virginia in a January 2024 special election to replace retiring Senator Frank Ruff. Senator Mulchi represents the Ninth District, which includes the counties of Charlotte, Lunenburg, Nottoway, Mecklenburg, Pittsylvania, Halifax, part of Prince Edward, and the city of Danville. Senate Republican Caucus Celebrates Court Victory Protecting Virginia Voters and the Redistricting Commission RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia Senate Republican Caucus announced that the Tazewell County Circuit Court has ruled in favor of Virginia voters, declaring House Joint Resolution 6007 unconstitutional and void from the beginning. This landmark decision in McDougle, Stanley, and Kilgore v. Nardo protects the Virginia Redistricting Commission that voters overwhelmingly approved in 2020 and reaffirms that no political party—regardless of how much power it holds—can circumvent the law and the Virginia Constitution to serve its own interests. In October 2025, House Speaker Don Scott reconvened the 2024 Special Session—originally called by Governor Youngkin solely for budget purposes—and introduced a constitutional amendment to strip the citizen-led Redistricting Commission of its authority over congressional districts. The resolution passed along strict party lines, 50-42 in the House and 21-17 in the Senate, despite the General Assembly's own procedural rules requiring unanimous consent to add new items to the Special Session's limited agenda. Senator Stanley, alongside Senator Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover County), Delegate Terry Kilgore (R-Scott County), and citizen commissioner Virginia Trost-Thornton, filed suit to protect the Constitution and the will of Virginia voters. Judge Jack S. Hurley, Jr. agreed, writing, "This blatant abuse of power by a majority IGNORES their own rules and resolutions thereby trampling ANY and ALL procedural rights of the minority.” The Court found that the General Assembly violated its own rules, failed to meet constitutional timing requirements for proposing amendments, and did not comply with Virginia Code Section 30-13 regarding public notice to voters. Judge Hurley issued both a temporary and permanent injunction, prohibiting the proposed amendment from being submitted to voters until at least ninety days before the 2027 House of Delegates election—effectively ending the Democratic majority's attempt to redraw the rules of redistricting to benefit their own party. Senator McDougle released the following statement: "The court confirmed that Democrat legislative leaders unlawfully expanded a Special Session, violated their own rules, and attempted to force through a redistricting constitutional amendment while Virginians were already voting.” Senator Stanley released the following statement: "Today is a victory for every Virginian who believes in fair representation and the rule of law. In 2020, the people of this Commonwealth voted to create an independent Redistricting Commission—taking the power to draw district lines out of the hands of politicians and giving it to the people. Today's ruling affirms that their voice matters and their vote will be protected.” “While I know that Democrats will appeal, I am confident that the Appeals Court will uphold this sound and just ruling today by the Tazewell County Circuit Court, because the law is the law.” Senator Obenshain released the following statement: "This is a clear win for the voters of Virginia, who decided overwhelmingly to take partisan politics out of redistricting. Today, a Virginia court agreed: Democrats violated the law to push through their gerrymandering amendment. The Constitution won.” Please use your cell phone camera and follow the QR code below to follow me on Instagram! A new tool to communicate with citizens across the 9th Senate District. Email Us P.O. Box 145, Clarksville, VA 23927 (434) 374 5129 Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Paid for and Authorized by Mulchi 4 Senate Senator Tammy Mulchi | P.O. 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