"Democrats will head into the 2026 session with a long list of ideas, including proposals that stalled under Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin. But a handful rise to the top. Below is a breakdown of the big-ticket items they plan to vote on-and the issues likely to define the next four years. Most have a good chance of passing because Democrats now control all levers of government."
"At the top of the list are four constitutional amendments that Democrats say they will move at the very start of the session on January 14. Three of them- protecting reproductive freedom , affirming marriage equality , and restoring voting rights after a felony sentence -already passed the General Assembly in 2025. If lawmakers approve them again, they will have 90 days to put the measures on the ballot, potentially setting up an April referendum."
Virginia will likely see policy changes within a year, including a higher minimum wage, expanded paid family and sick leave, and legal retail sales of recreational cannabis. Lawmakers plan to place constitutional amendments on the ballot to protect reproductive freedom, affirm marriage equality, and restore felony disenfranchisement, with a potential April referendum if reapproved. Democrats control the governorship and legislature, improving prospects for these measures and other proposals that previously stalled. Redistricting debates continue nationwide, and Virginia may redraw congressional maps that could shift partisan balance. High-profile votes and implementation of enacted laws are likely to define the next four years.
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