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Virginia legislators address laws regulating campaign finance reminiscent of the “Wild West” era.


The Virginia House of Delegates unanimously passed a bill to prevent lawmakers from using campaign funds for personal expenses. This action comes on the heels of longstanding concerns about the state’s lax campaign finance laws, which allow unlimited donations from individuals. Joan Porte, president of the League of Women Voters of Virginia, described the state’s campaign finance situation as “dreadful” and likened it to the “wild wild west.” Data from the Virginia Public Access Project shows that members of the House of Delegates have raised over $13 million since the beginning of 2024.

Advocates for campaign finance reform see the bill as a step in the right direction, as reports have indicated misuse of campaign contributions for personal expenses such as hotels and expensive meals. However, some lawmakers argue that distinguishing between personal and campaign expenses can be challenging due to old habits. Another proposed bill aimed to prohibit public utility companies like Dominion Energy from making campaign contributions, as the company donated over $10 million to Virginia politicians in 2023.

Despite the bill not advancing, advocates remain committed to the cause. The League of Women Voters plans to continue advocating for campaign finance reform, emphasizing the need for long-term battles to improve the state’s laws. While some defend the rights of companies like Dominion Energy to contribute to political campaigns, others argue that such contributions give unfair advantages to certain groups. The fight for campaign finance reform in Virginia continues as advocates push for more stringent regulations to ensure transparency and accountability in political fundraising.

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