NNDCC Resolutions
*5/28/2026* Newport News Democrats’ Statement on the Governor’s Vetoes
The Newport News Democratic City Committee recognizes and appreciates the progressive legislation that Governor Abigail Spanberger signed into law this session, including measures to increase the minimum wage, establish Paid Family and Medical Leave for Virginia workers and families, and strengthen gun safety protections.
At the same time, we are deeply disappointed by the Governor’s decision to veto landmark pieces of progressive legislation that she publicly supported during the campaign season and that reflect the priorities of Democratic voters across the Commonwealth.
Among the most consequential vetoes were legislation restoring and expanding collective bargaining rights for over half a million public sector employees and legislation establishing a regulated retail cannabis marketplace in Virginia. In addition, the Governor vetoed legislation that would have created a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to help reduce the cost of life-saving medications for Virginians, expanded consumers’ ability to pursue state-level class action lawsuits against corporate misconduct, and limited warrantless ICE arrests in sensitive locations such as courthouses, polling places, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Governor Spanberger set a state record by issuing more vetoes than any Virginia governor whose own party controlled the General Assembly, raising serious concerns among grassroots Democrats and progressive advocates about the future of key Democratic priorities in the Commonwealth.
Democrats in Newport News worked tirelessly to help elect Governor Spanberger. Volunteers knocked doors, made phone calls, organized in their communities, worked at polling stations, and contributed financially because we believed in a vision of leadership that would protect working families, defend civil rights, and advance bold Democratic priorities.
Virginia Democrats elected Governor Spanberger to stand up to Donald Trump-era policies and move the Commonwealth forward — not to obstruct legislation passed by a Democratic legislature and supported by the voters who helped deliver Democratic victories across the state.
The Newport News Democratic City Committee remains committed to advocating for policies that strengthen workers’ rights, protect vulnerable communities, lower costs for families, and expand opportunity for all Virginians. We urge the Governor to work collaboratively with Democratic legislators, labor organizations, community advocates, and grassroots supporters to advance the values and priorities that Virginians voted for at the ballot box. We thank our legislative leaders for standing for workers and democratic principles in face of overwhelming pressure.
NNDCC Resolutions
2/26/2026 In Support of Universal Public Sector Collective Bargaining
WHEREAS, HB 1263 and SB 378 before the Virginia General Assembly would establish universal collective bargaining rights for public sector employees across Virginia; and
WHEREAS, teachers, firefighters, and city workers who educate our children, protect our neighborhoods, and provide essential services deserve a seat at the table to negotiate fair contracts and safe working conditions; and
WHEREAS, private sector workers in Virginia and most public employees outside the South already have the right to bargain collectively, the United Nations recognizes collective bargaining as a human right, and bans in the South are a relic of Jim Crow-era efforts to suppress the economic power of Black teachers and municipal workers;
WHEREAS, the Virginia House of Delegates removed employees of public institutions of higher education (e.g., university staff and faculty) from HB 1263’s coverage, the Virginia Senate removed individual home care workers from SB 378’s coverage, and both chambers excluded their own legislative staffers, which would unfairly exclude these public servants from the basic labor right of contract negotiations;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Newport News Democratic City Committee strongly supports HB 1263 and SB 378 and calls on the General Assembly to pass universal public sector collective bargaining legislation to ensure dignity, fairness, and a meaningful voice for all public employees. In addition, the Newport News Democratic City Committee calls on the General Assembly to include employees of public higher education and home care workers in the universal public sector collective bargaining law.
January 2026 Resolutions
Resolution in Support of Ranked Choice Voting for School Board
The Newport News Democratic City Committee affirms its support for partisan local elections and ranked-choice voting at the local, state, and federal levels as vital tools to strengthen democracy. Ranked choice voting increases voter participation, reduces negative campaigning, and ensures winners reflect majority support. We urge our Democratic members of the General Assembly to introduce and support legislation to permit ranked-choice voting for elections to the Newport News School Board. We urge elected officials at all levels to advance policies that expand voter choice, engagement, and trust in our democratic system.
Resolution in Support of Partisan Local Elections
The Newport News Democratic City Committee affirms its support for partisan local elections at the local, state, and federal levels as vital tools to strengthen democracy. Partisan elections promote transparency and accountability by clearly communicating candidates’ values. We urge our Democratic members of the General Assembly to introduce and support legislation to permit partisan elections for the Newport News City Council. We urge elected officials at all levels to advance policies that expand voter choice, engagement, and trust in our democratic system.