Norfolk, Va. — Today, former Governor Ralph Northam, Speaker Don Scott, Delegate Michael Feggans, Virginia Democrats Veterans & Military Families Caucus Chair Susan Hippen, and Virginia veterans held a press conference in Norfolk urging Virginians to vote YES in the upcoming referendum to stop Trump’s power grab and level the playing field in the 2026 midterms.
U.S. Army veteran Governor Northam emphasized that “there is nothing more important than fair elections and openness to voting.” Northam went on to describe President Trump’s actions across the nation as “a power grab, an attack on our democracy” and emphasized that the referendum is meant “to level the playing field.”
U.S. Navy veteran Speaker Don Scott highlighted that Virginians have a key role in stopping Donald Trump: “We have stood up, and we will continue to stand up. We’re not going to let somebody steal this next election. “This is Virginia, we don’t like kings.”
U.S. Air Force veteran Delegate Michael Feggans said “I also took an oath to defend the Constitution. That oath didn’t end just when I took off the uniform.” Feggans voted from overseas while deployed, an experience that serves as a powerful reminder of how important it is that Virginians voices are heard. “One of the most important things we want people to know is that this is temporary, and the voters ultimately get to decide what happens,” he said.
Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Susan Hippen underscored that the decisions made in Washington have real consequences for service members and their families. “The chaos in Washington isn’t just political, it has real impacts on our veterans and military families … Protecting democracy isn’t separate from supporting veterans. It is directly connected.”
Early voting is underway now through April 18, and Election Day is April 21.
For more information, visit www.virginiansforfairelections.com.
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