I loved helping introduce @abigailspanberger.com to Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats in Old Town yesterday. Brandon and his team make incredible custard, sauces, peach cobbler, and more. Small businesses are the backbone of our community's economy and character, and Goodies is a perfect example.

I enjoyed meeting constituents across the district last week at a number of National Night Out locations. This annual event is a great way to meet your neighbors and build community, and the event is growing every year. @alexandriavagov.bsky.social set a new record this year with 54 locations!

Thank you to everyone who came out to volunteer and to vote last Tuesday for the primary! Thank you for making your voice heard and strengthening our democracy. I look forward to seeing everyone again at the polls for the 11/3 general election. Early voting begins September 18th!

Great to vote with my family this morning! Polls are open until 7 pm. I voted for @beyer.house.gov and I hope you will too!

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Senator Janet Howell. The first woman in VA’s history to serve as Chair of the Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee, she was a deeply committed public servant & a strong voice on the issues that impact our communities.

Today, I met with members of the Virginia PTA to receive the 2026 Child Advocate of the Year award and to discuss school breakfast for all and a path to fully funding our schools through a student-based funding formula. I am so grateful for their support and committed advocacy.

I’m proud to be a @teamfreedomva.bsky.social Economic Security Ally for the second year in a row. They share my mission of promoting economic opportunity for all, and I am honored to receive this award and excited to continue our work together.

Earlier this summer, I joined constituents to watch as historic tall ships sailed along the Alexandria waterfront. The event was part of a larger celebration of our 250th national anniversary and commemorated @alexandriavagov.bsky.social’s nautical past and role in the American Revolution.

This Fourth of July, as we celebrate America's 250th birthday, we do so at a time of deep challenges and division. But our history reminds us that progress has always come from people who believed in a more perfect union and worked to make it real. Happy Independence Day.

Today, I was in Richmond to vote on the conference report budget and to approve explanations of the three constitutional amendments that will be on voters' ballots on November 3, 2026. The budget is now on the Governor's desk and will be ready to go into effect on July 1.

Yesterday, I was delighted to meet with the MOVE Chamber! We discussed housing affordability, workforce development, and the issues facing small businesses in Northern Virginia. I appreciated the opportunity to speak with them and I’m grateful for all the work they do.

This afternoon, I was thrilled to watch the Governor sign my HB93 to keep guns out of the hands of convicted domestic abusers. This bill, and the others signed today, will save lives. Thank you to all of the advocates whose work brought us here today.

Last week, I was honored to attend the investiture of Alexandria's newest Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court Judge, Maana Parcham! Congratulations to Judge Parcham on this accomplishment. I have no doubt she will serve the people of Alexandria well.

Today is #WearOrange day to honor survivors and build community to end gun violence. I'm disappointed I can't make it to the @momsdemandaction.org rally at 6:30 pm at John Carlyle Park this afternoon, but so grateful for the progress we have made since I spoke last year. We can end gun violence 🧡

It was great speaking alongside @mcclellan.house.gov at an event with the @votemama.bsky.social Foundation about serving in a state legislature as a mom. I'm so grateful for their commitment to supporting moms running for and serving in office, and to making state legislatures more family friendly.

Yesterday evening, I was honored to attend the dedication of the memorial for the 67 victims of tragic plane crash on January 29, 2025. My heart breaks for the loved ones of the victims, and I admire their strength to join for the dedication of the memorial.

Happy Pride month! As state senator, I am proud to stand up for the rights of my LGBTQIA+ constituents. I'm excited that this year, we will finally remove the regressive Marshall-Newman amendment from our Constitution, and affirm the right to marry for all adults regardless of sex, gender, or race.

Yesterday, I had the exciting opportunity to officiate my first wedding. Congratulations to Ian and Jenna and thank you for the privilege of marrying you! Thanks also to Greg Parks, Alexandria Clerk of Court for setting this up.

Thanks to all who attended the League of Women Voters of Arlington and Alexandria's Alexandria Town Hall yesterday evening and to LWV for organizing. I appreciated the thoughtful questions about affordability, campaign finance reform, our tax code, protecting our community from ICE, and more.

#ICYMI Last week, I was excited to speak with Julie Carey of @nbcwashington.com about my proposal to require baby changing tables in new buildings. This change will improve the lives of Virginia families and improve public health for all. www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/n...

Virginia proposal seeks to require changing tables in new public buildings

When Virginia State Sen. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker had her first child three years ago, she found out the hard way just how tough it can be to find a baby changing table. She was traveling with her new...

nbcwashington.com

On Memorial Day and always, may we remember the lives and honor the sacrifices of those who have given everything for our country. May we honor and be grateful for their service, as well as the sacrifices of their families.

Today, I enjoyed meeting with Cathy Parr, former Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, and Lucy Beadnell of the Arc of Northern Virginia. We discussed the needs for increased DD waiver slots, the value of people with disabilities living in community, adult changing stations, and the importance of caregivers.

This afternoon, I was glad to meet with Alexandria City High School students completing their Senior Experiences with Councilwoman @greenejacinta.bsky.social and Councilman @abdelelnoubi.bsky.social. I enjoyed speaking with them about state government and I'm excited for their bright futures!

Last week, Charles and Kate Kachadoorian of Good Company Doughnuts and Cafe were named Small Business People of the Year for Northern Virginia by the @sba-gov.bsky.social! I was excited to join them and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce to celebrate this honor. Congratulations!

Today, I attended the Board of Housing and Community Development’s 9-hour-long meeting to consider proposals to change the building code. I’m excited to share that my proposal to require baby diaper changing stations in new buildings open to the public has been adopted! Look at all the proposals!

On this bleak day, I’m finding light in celebrating my daughter’s third birthday. Watching her grow into a curious, funny, smart, unstoppable child has been the greatest joy of my life. Every day she reminds me why the work we do matters. Photo by Shaban Athuman

My statement on the Supreme Court of Virginia's decision earlier today:

Last week, I enjoyed speaking with the Rho Kappa Honor Society at Bishop Ireton High School. I appreciated their engagement and questions about my role and the legislative process.

Great to greet voters in Alexandria, Bailey’s Crossroads and Crystal City today! Voters are fired up to vote YES to fight back against MAGA extremists. Polls are open until 7 pm!

I was excited to vote YES and for @sandymarks.bsky.social with my family this morning! Polls are open until 7 pm. Be sure to make your voice heard so we can level the playing field!