Powerful Democratic Virginia state Sen. Lucas is accused of leading a marijuana criminal conspiracy

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Virginia’s Democratic governor is questioning the timing of the Justice Department’s indictment of a powerful Democratic state senator.

Abigail Spanberger said Thursday that the indictment of Sen. L. Louise Lucas so close to the midterm election would “further erode” public trust in the department. Lucas herself is not on the ballot this year.

She’s charged with leading what authorities allege was a criminal enterprise that acquired and distributed large quantities of marijuana and laundered the proceeds. She’s expected in court later Thursday. Lucas said she “will not be bullied” by the indictment.

No surprise. Not exactly part of @GovernorVA’s preferred narrative.

Besides @SpanbergerForVA and @SenLouiseLucas aren’t exactly chums.

Remember: Spanberger had to shift, shuffle and squirm before Lucas endorsed her – even after Spanberger’s nomination was a done deal.

— Jeff E. Schapiro (@JeffESchapiro) October 22, 2026