A new year usually brings growth and opportunity. But not in Virginia.

The Commonwealth has had a heavy wind since November. The election has consequences, and the Democratic governor has only been in office for days. Abigail SpanbergerWhile in office, Virginians are reaping the fruits of decisions made at the ballot box. This is no longer a warning.

now that Republican Governor Glenn YoungkinSurveillance is over and progress is under attack. In just a few weeks, the newly emboldened Democratic majority moved to drain the budget surplus by expanding costly social programs while imposing unnecessary tax increases on middle- and lower-class Virginians. Virginians are experiencing a rapid and calculated wave of anti-business, anti-family, and un-American policies that will irreparably destroy everything that makes Virginia great.

We Virginians were spoiled under Youngkin. For the past four years, Youngkin’s vigilance has prevented the Democratic majority in the Virginia Legislature from leading the commonwealth down a devastating path.

Virginia Democrats seek dozens of new tax increases, including dog walking and dry cleaning

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger pauses as House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, looks on during her inauguration ceremony at the Capitol in Richmond, Virginia, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (Steve Helber/AP Photo)

Because of his leadership, Virginia is stronger than ever. Our state is experiencing record revenue, record tax relief and record investment. Virginia’s general revenue increased 5.2% over the past year, with $9 billion in tax breaks, $156 billion in capital investment, and a budget surplus of $2.7 billion. Younkin left Virginia better than he found it, taking our state to new heights. But the higher you climb, the harder you fall.

Now that Youngkin’s surveillance has ended, that progress is under attack. In just a few weeks, the newly emboldened Democratic majority moved to drain the budget surplus by expanding costly social programs while imposing unnecessary tax increases on middle- and lower-class Virginians.

These policies will only make life more unaffordable while creating new barriers to business entry, forcing Virginians to either absorb the rising cost of living or leave the commonwealth behind.

Democrats are moving forward with a Comprehensive tax agenda This will make daily life more expensive for working-class Virginians. For Virginia Democrats, “affordability” means new taxes on dog grooming, consulting, vehicle and home repairs, dry cleaning, hosting events and even owning electric leaf blowers and landscaping equipment. Their proposal would also authorize new local sales taxes and impose delivery taxes on services like Amazon, Uber Eats, FedEx and UPS, which would increase costs for families while only ushering in a larger, more intrusive government.

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While families work day and night to make ends meet, Virginia Democrats are rewarding themselves. Their budget proposals include State legislators receive average salary increase of 209%politicians lost touch with economic reality by repealing Virginia’s right-to-work law and mandating a $15 minimum wage. Together, these policies will drive up labor costs, reduce employment opportunities, and reduce opportunities for workers.

Meanwhile, Democrats are launching a blistering attack on Virginians. second amendment rights. Their bill would impose unprecedented taxes on guns and ammunition, impose onerous storage regulations and impose a blanket ban on open and concealed carry across large swaths of the commonwealth. These policies will not deter criminals. They will make it harder for law-abiding Virginians to protect themselves and their families.

Their illegal behavior doesn’t stop there. Virginia Democrats are actively working to rewrite the Virginia Constitution.

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Despite strong Republican opposition, both Virginia Senate and House of Representatives vote to pass Constitutional amendment allows Abortion on demand up to birth and gerrymandering Virginia’s congressional districts to cheat Democratic dominance for years to come. Despite recent defeats in lower courts, Democrats have vowed to continue to ignore procedural constraints and pursue power at the expense of Virginia values.

In just a few weeks, the newly emboldened Democratic majority moved to drain the budget surplus by expanding costly social programs while imposing unnecessary tax increases on middle- and lower-class Virginians.

Across the country, we are witnessing radical left-wing policies leading to an exodus from California and New York City, the same model that Spanberger is trying to emulate. She’s looking forward to California’s Democratic governor Gavin Newsom and New York’s Democratic mayor Zoran Mamdani Seeking inspiration but refusing to accept the effects of their policies because she will never have to experience them.

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The people of our great Commonwealth will bear this burden.

Spanberger and Virginia Democrats are not seeking to implement common-sense policies that improve the lives of Virginians. As we’ve seen in California and New York, their agenda will increase costdestroying job growth, forcing families to relocate, discouraging businesses and protecting criminals.

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Through a constitutional amendment, they would consolidate political control until the Californianization of Virginia was complete.

The choices you make today will determine Virginia Economyfreedom and competitiveness for decades to come. The consequences are not theoretical; they are real. They are real, unfolding and will be felt by families, workers and businesses across the Commonwealth.