It is hard to believe it has been eight months since I joined VBA – and time has flown by! Just in the last month, a lot has changed in Virginia, including a historic election where Virginia elected its first woman Governor.

In addition to the three state-wide races, the Virginia House of Delegates will welcome sixteen new members in January 2026 – and the VBA is in the process of introducing ourselves and educating them about the impact of Virginia’s banking industry. This is in addition to offering assistance to current and new members as they consider legislation for the 2026 General Assembly Session.

Banker Day

With so many new members, it’s never been more important for you and your fellow Virginia bankers to engage in VBA’s grassroots advocacy efforts, including attending 2026 VBA Banker Day on January 15 to meet directly with legislators to communicate our policy priorities in the 2026 General Assembly Session.

Virginia November Elections

Democrat Abigail Spanberger was elected Virginia’s first female governor, defeating Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in a 15-point blowout. Spanberger, a former U.S. Representative, campaigned on both kitchen-table economic issues related to easing cost of living expenses – including housing, energy, healthcare and childcare - and pushing back on the Trump Administration, especially amidst the federal government shutdown.

The lieutenant governor’s race also broke new ground, with Democratic state senator Ghazala Hashmi defeating Republican John Reid. In the Attorney General contest, Democrat Jay Jones unseated incumbent Republican Jason Miyares.

These outcomes give Democrats unified control of Virginia’s executive branch and legislature, last accomplished in 2021, positioning them to advance their priorities on affordable housing, education spending, and cultural issues.

You can read the VBA’s full election recap in our recent Legislative Bulletin here.

Governor-Elect Transition Team

Immediately following Governor-Elect Spanberger’s victory, she began naming individuals from the public and private sector who would serve her transition team – including those from the banking industry. VBA Executive Vice President of Government and Member Relations Matt Bruning is serving on the Commerce & Trade Housing Committee and VBA Board member Steve DeLuca, Vice President, Head of State & Local Government Affairs at Capital One, has been appointed to the Transition Committee.

Jim Moye, Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel at the American Bankers Association, is Co-Chair of the Commerce & Trade Economic Development & Small Business Committee.

2026 General Assembly Outlook

The VBA Government Relations team has been identifying policies that may be addressed in the 2026 General Assembly Session, including preventing credit unions from expanding their authority, preventing elder financial abuse at crypto kiosks, ensuring banks can rely on provided powers of attorney, and opposing state requirements on interchange fees.

You can review the priorities that the VBA and your fellow Virginia bankers discussed with state legislators during VBA’s State Legislative Meetings in September and October here.

In closing, as I begin my first Legislative Session with VBA next month, I could not be more excited to represent the interests of the Virginia banking industry during this historic time in Virginia!

I also hope to get the opportunity to meet you in person – if I haven’t already – in Richmond at Banker Day! In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact the VBA Government Relations team if you have any questions.