Matthew Hall, Author at The Virginia Star

State Senator Bryce Reeves, John Castorani, and Derrick Anderson Announce Candidacies for the Seventh District

November 1, 2021October 31, 2021 Matthew Hall

Three additional candidates announced their run for Congress in the recently, and all of them are military veterans. Former Alabama congressional candidate John Castorani, newcomer Derrick Anderson, and State Senator Bryce Reeves (R-Spotsylvania) each announced their runs for the 7th Congressional District seat against incumbent Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07).

John Castorani is a former Army special operations soldier. Castorani deployed multiple times to the Middle East, where he worked in Army intelligence. Castorani continued his service as an intelligence officer after his military career. On his campaign site, he lists his support for border security, the sanctity of human life, and gun rights as his priorities.

Qualified Immunity Becomes One of the Deciding Factors of 2021 Virginia Elections

October 7, 2021October 7, 2021 Matthew Hall

The rise in violent crime across Virginia combined with increases in law enforcement officers leaving the field have started to raise questions from voters about the once-popular push from Leftist activists and Democrat lawmakers to “reimagine policing” and essentially end qualified immunity, a legal protection mechanism for law enforcement officers.

Montgomery County Sheriff Hank Partin told The Virginia Star “absolutely, without a doubt” that Democrats’ threats to end qualified immunity are affecting law enforcement’s ability to keep and retain officers. He spoke at length about how law enforcement would be negatively affected if Virginia Democrats were to end qualified immunity. He discussed these protections are in place to protect law enforcement who are trying to follow the law.

Battle Over Lynchburg City Council Terms Has Capital Square Implications

September 14, 2021September 14, 2021 Matthew Hall

An obscure item in the Lynchburg City Council Meeting Minutes could have implications on the control of Mr. Jefferson’s Capitol Square. The Lynchburg City Council is currently working on an agenda item to move next year’s city council election from 2022 to 2023.

Virginia GOP Lieutenant Governor Candidate Winsome Sears Fires Majority of Staff

September 10, 2021September 9, 2021 Matthew Hall

The Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, former Delegate Winsome Sears (R-Norfolk), fired a majority of her staff on Wednesday evening. Multiple outlets report that Sears did this as more of a “course correction” to complete her campaign.

Virginia Congressional Leaders React to Ongoing Afghanistan Crisis

August 17, 2021August 17, 2021 Matthew Hall

President Biden addressed the nation late Monday afternoon to discuss the ongoing national security and humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Some congressional leaders were furious at the Biden Administration’s lack of leadership on the issue. Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02), a former Democrat who switched parties in 2020, lashed out and called for the resignation of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) hinted Monday that the Cabinet should consider invoking the 25th Amendment to remove President Biden.

Youngkin Rails Against Northam/McAuliffe Mask Mandates at Southwest Virginia Rally

August 16, 2021August 15, 2021 Matthew Hall

Claytor Lake, Virginia- Republican nominee for Governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin railed against the McAuliffe-Northam mask mandates at a rally in Pulaski County on Saturday. Youngkin sat down with The Virginia Star after his rally to discuss school mask mandates.

Taylor Keeney Starts Campaign for Virginia’s 7th District Republican Nomination

August 14, 2021August 14, 2021 Matthew Hall

Taylor Thornley Keeney, a Richmond area PR executive and former appointee of Virginia Governor Bob McDonell’s administration, announced her campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in July. The Goochland County resident sat down with The Virginia Star to discuss key federal issues and her campaign for Congress. Keeney is seeking the Republican nomination to take on Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) in the 2022 election cycle.

Clay Percle Flies into Virginia’s 10th District Republican Primary

August 5, 2021August 4, 2021 Matthew Hall

As the old saying goes in Virginia, there’s always another election coming up next year. Political newcomer and United Air Force Veteran Clay Percle announced his campaign for the United States House of Representatives campaign. Percle sat down with The Virginia Star to discuss his bid for Congress and discuss current political events.

Fredericksburg Area House of Delegates Matchup Between Democrat Joshua Cole and Republican Tara Durant Heats Up

August 1, 2021July 31, 2021 Matthew Hall

Most people in Virginia think of Fredericksburg as a sleepy little bedroom community. Most people endure hours-long commutes to the DC Metro area twice a day to get to and from places like House District 28, just to have a decent-sized yard and to not live on top of each other. When they get home from work at 7 or 8 pm, fighting over politics is the last thing these weary DC commuters want to do, especially about Virginia politics. However, the voters of that district may not have a choice, due to the competitiveness of their district.

Virginia’s House of Delegates Races Getting Hot as Summer Winds Down

July 26, 2021July 25, 2021 Matthew Hall

While national eyes are focused on the Virginia gubernatorial races, many Virginia political watchers are looking towards the Virginia House of Delegates’ races. There are many competitive races across the Commonwealth, from the crystal waters of Mountain Lake in Giles County, to the muddy waters of the James River in Richmond, to the hot I-66 pavement of Fairfax and Loudoun County, only one thing is for sure.

President Biden Schedules Early Campaign Stop for Former Governor McAuliffe

July 19, 2021July 19, 2021 Matthew Hall

Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe has announced that the 46th President will take a hop across the Potomac this upcoming Friday. According to an event page released by Governor McAuliffe’s campaign, President Joe Biden will be coming to Arlington, Virginia on Friday, July 23rd to campaign for Governor McAuliffe. The former Governor is locked in a tight race between himself and former Carlyle Group Executive CEO and the Republican nominee for Governor, Glenn Youngkin.

Biden Door to Door Vaccination Campaign Launched in Western Tidewater Region of Virginia

July 18, 2021July 17, 2021 Matthew Hall

The United States federal government is coming to Virginians’ doorsteps to ask for their personal medical information and vaccination status. Vaccination efforts in the western Tidewater counties of Franklin, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, and Southampton County are ramping up to include door-to-door operations.

Tazewell County Public Schools Targeted by Anti-Religion Group for Pre-Game Prayer

July 1, 2021June 30, 2021 Matthew Hall

After an alleged coach-led pre-game prayer by the Graham High School “G-Men” Boys Soccer Team at the state championship game, an out-of-state atheist organization threatened to file a lawsuit against the school system. The local news reported that the prayer was led by the coaches of the team, but one of the coaches denies this accusation.

The Tazewell County School System “has been cautioned” by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), a Wisconsin-based anti-religion group. The Bluefield Daily Telegraph reports that “coaching staff for the Graham High School soccer team led students in prayer before a game on June 10, the FFRF alleges, saying it was reported by a concerned area resident.”

State Senator Bill Stanley Filing Lawsuit on Behalf of NASCAR Driver Hermie Sadler to Keep ‘Skill Games’ Open

June 22, 2021June 21, 2021 Matthew Hall

On Monday, State Senator William “Bill” Stanley (R-Franklin) will file a lawsuit against Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, Attorney General Mark Herring, and the Virginia Alcohol Beverage and Control Board on behalf of former NASCAR driver Hermie Sadler. Sadler, an Emporia, Virginia resident, wants the newly signed legislation banning “skill games” in the Commonwealth to be deemed unconstitutional.

82nd House District Candidate Cries Foul over Location and Time of Firehouse Primary

May 28, 2021May 28, 2021 Matthew Hall

The 82nd House of Delegates District Republicans are holding a firehouse primary, and one candidate’s leveraging of the rules has her opponent crying foul. The seat, which is currently occupied by the Republican nominee for Attorney General, Delegate Jason Miyares (R-Virginia Beach), will allow Republicans to choose between Anne Marie Tata and Kathy Owens for the next Delegate from the 82nd District.

Gubernatorial Candidate Terry McAuliffe Makes Transition from Primary to General Election

May 15, 2021May 15, 2021 Matthew Hall

With three weeks to go before the Democratic Party primary on June 8th, former Virginia Governor and Clinton confidante Terry McAuliffe transitioned his campaign to the general election with a series of social media posts attacking Republican gubernatorial nominee, Glenn Youngkin.

On the heels of the Youngkin announcement, McAuilffe blasted his Republican opponent by tweeting, “Let me introduce you to Glenn Youngkin: Glenn’s a Ted Cruz and Corey Stewart-endorsed, self-funding, Big Lie believing Trump loyalist who’ll stop at nothing to advance the GOP’s extreme agenda.

Jason Miyares Wins Republican Attorney General Nomination by Narrow Margin

May 10, 2021May 9, 2021 Matthew Hall

Delegate Jason Miyares (R-Virginia Beach) secured the Republican nomination for Attorney General of Virginia late Sunday evening. Miyares narrowly defeated Virginia Beach attorney Chuck Smith in a convention ballot that went for three rounds. Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Member Leslie Haley was eliminated in the first round, followed by Northern Virginia attorney Jack White in the second round.

Senator Ted Cruz Stumps in Virginia for Gubernatorial Hopeful Glenn Youngkin

May 6, 2021May 5, 2021 Matthew Hall

Gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin was joined on the campaign trail by United States Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) Wednesday. The former CEO of the Carlyle Group is currently in a seven way race for the Republican nomination for Governor in Virginia, hoping that the last minute endorsement from the conservative stalwart will help seal the deal.

GOP Lieutenant Governor Candidate Winsome Sears Makes Stop in Roanoke

May 6, 2021May 5, 2021 Matthew Hall

ROANOKE, Virginia – Winsome Sears made a campaign stop as a part of her statewide RV tour in Roanoke on Thursday. The former Delegate is seen by many as an insurgent candidate in the wide-open race for Lieutenant Governor. Sears served in the United States Marine Corps as an electrician.…

Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association Starts Podcast Series on 2021 Candidates and Healthcare

May 5, 2021May 4, 2021 Matthew Hall

Set up of podcast with microphone and desktop computer with editing software.

The Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association (VHHA) have announced a podcast series focusing on the 2021 candidates for office and their stances on healthcare. The series features statewide candidates from both parties addressing the healthcare issues of the Commonwealth.

Senator Ted Cruz Endorses Glenn Youngkin for Governor

May 4, 2021May 3, 2021 Matthew Hall

United States Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has endorsed Glenn Youngkin for the Republican nomination for Governor of Virginia. Youngkin is currently traveling the state trying to secure delegate votes for the 2021 Republican Party of Virginia Unassembled Convention. This endorsement comes towards the end of the nomination contest, with the convention happening in less than a week.

GOP Attorney General Candidate Jack White Campaign Confirms Actual Amount He Contributed to Joe Biden Presidential Campaign Committees Was $5,600

May 1, 2021May 1, 2021 Matthew Hall

The Jack White for Attorney General campaign confirmed to The Virginia Star that Jack White gave $5,600 to campaign committees associated with the Biden for President campaign in October 2020. The money was sent as two separate contributions. The first donation occurred October 1st, 2020, to the Biden Victory…

Republican Party of Virginia Sets Rules, Adds Polling Locations, and Makes Religious Freedom Exception

April 27, 2021April 26, 2021 Matthew Hall

After a lengthy debate that consisted of a media firestorm, shouting, and the Republican Party of Virginia getting called to the proverbial principal’s office by the Republican National Committee; the Republican Party of Virginia decided on the rules of the 2021 Republican Party of Virginia Unassembled Convention.

Virginia GOP Attorney General Candidate Jack White Gave More Than $5k to Biden in 2020 – Including $2,800 Days Before Election

April 25, 2021May 3, 2021 Matthew Hall

FEC records show that Jack White, a Fairfax County attorney who had a solid Q1 finance report, donated to Biden for President twice and the Biden Victory Fund PAC twice during the 2020 presidential election, just months before he announced his campaign for the Republican nomination for Attorney General.

Lieutenant Governor Candidate Lance Allen Announces He Will Forgo Salary if Elected

April 23, 2021April 22, 2021 Matthew Hall

Reminiscent of the $1 a year Generals of the Roosevelt Administration, Air Force veteran and Faquier County resident Lance Allen has decided to forgo his salary if he is elected Lieutenant Governor. Allen is running for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor in 2021 Republican Party of Virginia unassembled convention.

Virginia Republican Gubernatorial Candidates on Best Behavior at Liberty University Forum

April 20, 2021April 20, 2021 Matthew Hall

The College Republicans of Liberty University hosted a forum for the Republican candidates for Governor of Virginia. Delegate Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights), State Senator Amanda Chase (R-Chesterfield), Colonel Sergio De La Pena, Glenn Youngkin, and Peter Doran participated in the forum that was held at Thomas Road Baptist Church. The candidates were well prepared and measured as the 100+ person plus room listened intently.

Q1 Finance Reports for Statewide Campaigns Filed, Youngkin Leads in GOP, Snyder Comes Close

April 16, 2021April 15, 2021 Matthew Hall

Per the Code of the Commonwealth of Virginia, all campaigns must have their Campaign Finance Report filed with the State Board of Elections by 11:59PM Thursday. These reports give voters a behind-the-scenes look on how candidates run their campaigns, who is giving them money, and how the candidates are spending their campaign cash.

According to public reports available as of press time, former Carlyle Group CEO Glenn Youngkin has out-raised the Republican field for Governor. Youngkin filed a sizable return, reporting $7.6 million in raised funds. However, he did not post yet how much cash on hand (COH) he has. Former New Media Strategies CEO and Youngkin’s main opponent Pete Snyder, meanwhile, raised $6.4 million – but also with no report yet on his cash on hand.

Pete Snyder Stumps in Roanoke with Convention Quickly Approaching

April 15, 2021April 14, 2021 Matthew Hall

With the 2021 Republican Party of Virginia Unassembled State Convention creeping closer and closer, Republican candidate for Governor Pete Snyder made his way to the Star City on Tuesday night to feed convention-goers and engage in a little retail politics.

Snyder, the former New Media Strategies CEO and longtime leader in the Republican Party of Virginia, bounced out of the car at Starkey Park to greet attendees. Syder’s Communications Director Lenze Morris – an alumnus of Governor Kay Ivey (R-Alabama) – and Republican Party of Virginia Western Regional Vice Chairman and Snyder’s Political Director Daniel Webb quietly watched as the candidate made his rounds.

State Senator Jen Kiggans Announces Campaign for US House of Representatives

April 13, 2021April 13, 2021 Matthew Hall

State Senator Jen Kiggans (R-Virginia Beach) announced this morning that she is running for the United States House of Representatives. Kiggans, a first term State Senator, will challenge two-term Congresswoman Elaine Luria for Virginia’s Second District Congressional seat.

Glenn Youngkin Stumps for Governor: Addresses His Dealings in China, Virginia’s COVID Policy, and Election Integrity

April 12, 2021April 12, 2021 Matthew Hall

Republican candidate for Governor Glenn Youngkin made a campaign stop in Roanoke over the weekend. Youngkin, former Carlyle Group CEO, was the guest of Dr. Nancy V. Dye and Dr. Kevin Dye at their home, the historic Rockledge manor.

Fairfax to McAuliffe in Democrat Forum: ‘You Treated Me Like George Floyd’

April 9, 2021April 8, 2021 Matthew Hall

Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Justin Fairfax, a Democrat, and State Senator Joe Morrissey (D-Richmond) are not backing down from a fight with fellow Democrat and former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe. Fairfax is one of the many candidates who is locked in a fiercely competitive primary with McAuliffe; which includes…

Lt. Gov. Candidate Winsome Sears Calls for End of Virginia Mask Mandate, Opponent Lance Allen Fires Back

April 8, 2021April 7, 2021 Matthew Hall

Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears announced that she is asking for Virginia to remove the “mask mandate” that has been instituted by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam. In a video posted to Facebook, former Delegate Sears announced that she will be publicly calling for Governor Northam to remove the mandate to wear a face mask to enter Virginia businesses, open schools, and open Virginia businesses at full capacity.

Travis Hackworth Sworn In to Virginia Senate as Veto Session Looms on Commonwealth

April 5, 2021April 4, 2021 Matthew Hall

State Senator Travis Hackworth (R-Richlands) was sworn in on Friday. Hackworth, who prior to being sworn in was the Chairman of the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors. The Tazewell businessman shocked the Southwest Virginia political establishment by shellacking his competition in the January party canvass held shortly after Senator Chafin’s passing

Virginia Leaders Mourn Sudden Passing of Dominion Energy Chairman and Philanthropist Tom Farrell

April 5, 2021April 4, 2021 Matthew Hall

Dominion Energy Chairman and Virginia philanthropist Thomas F. “Tom” Farrell II has died, causing the Commonwealth of Virginia and it’s political leaders to mourn the loss of one of the most powerful businessmen in Virginia history. Farrell, age 66, passed away due to cancer on Friday, one day after relinquishing the Chairmanship of the company he had steered from 2007 to 2020. Mr. Farrell and his family have heavily influenced some of the most important business and political decisions in the Commonwealth.

Gubernatorial Candidate Peter Doran Floats Hyper Loop Project for Southwest Virginia Without Explaining How to Pay for It

April 4, 2021April 3, 2021 Matthew Hall

As Governor Northam and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced expansion of rail services in the Commonwealth of Virginia, gubernatorial candidate Peter Doran floated an expensive – and expansive – transportation policy position. Doran, a former foreign policy think tank CEO whose campaign has gained little traction outside of Northern Virginia, introduced a proposal for Virginia to build a “hyperloop” system and place the hub in Southwest Virginia.

Doran stated, “New technologies like HyperLoop will provide opportunities for people in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It will create jobs as well as new options for Virginians to have more choices in where to live and work. Providing realistic, current-gen (not last-gen) solutions that can tie Virginia’s far-flung regions together? That will make us the best.”

VPAP Provides Infographic Explaining Complex Process of Becoming a Delegate to Virginia GOP Convention

April 3, 2021April 3, 2021 Matthew Hall

The Virginia Public Access Project has provided additional information about the delegate registration and vote counting processes for the 2021 Republican Party of Virginia unassembled convention. The May 8th convention will determine the Republican nominees for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General. The Virginia Star has previously covered the process, and VPAP provided additional detail about changes made to the delegate selection and counting process.

The process is very different from a traditional primary with a polling location in each neighborhood. For one to become a delegate to the convention, one must file a pre-file form with your local Republican committee. Then, one must show up to one of the 30+ voting locations across the Commonwealth as assigned per voting locality.

Winsome Sears Shocks Race for Lieutenant Governor, Receives Endorsement of Amanda Chase and Octavia Johnson

March 30, 2021March 29, 2021 Matthew Hall

On Monday, former Delegate Winsome Sears, candidate for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor in Virginia, was endorsed by gubernatorial candidates State Senator Amanda Chase (I-Chesterfield) and former Roanoke City Sheriff Octavia Johnson. The dual endorsements have caused a tremendous uproar in a race that until today was considered rather quiet.

Virginia GOP Gubernatorial Candidates in Mad Scramble for Delegates in Wide Open Race

March 29, 2021March 28, 2021 Matthew Hall

The Republican Party of Virginia announced Friday that the filing deadline had passed for the 2021 Republican Party of Virginia unassembled convention, creating a scramble for the wide open Governor’s race. The unassembled convention is scheduled for Saturday, May 8th, with over 30 polling locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia. According to the Republican Party of Virginia, all but two announced candidates for Governor filed for and paid their filing fee.

The following candidates have properly filed with the Republican Party of Virginia and will appear on the Republican Party of Virginia 2021 Statewide unassembled convention ballot.