Barbara Favola | ARLnow.com

Virginia Democrats advance redistricting amendment as Trump urges GOP states to redraw maps

Published October 31, 2025 at 3:45PM

Virginia State Capitol in Richmond (staff photo)

Virginia’s Democratic-led General Assembly advanced a proposed constitutional amendment on Friday that could pave the way for redistricting in the state ahead of the 2026 congressional elections. That measure still needs another round of legislative approval early next year before it can go to voters.

The proposed constitutional amendment would let lawmakers temporarily bypass a bipartisan commission and redraw congressional districts to their advantage. The Senate’s approval Friday followed House approval Wednesday.

News

State Sen. Barbara Favola receiving treatment for uterine cancer

By Jared Serre

Published May 19, 2025 at 2:00PM | Updated May 19, 2025 at 4:48PM

Sen. Barbara Favola (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

State Sen. Barbara Favola, who represents the majority of Arlington County, is undergoing treatment for uterine cancer.

In a social media post today (Monday), the 69-year-old said she successfully underwent a hysterectomy on Friday at Virginia Hospital Center.

News

Town hall with Rep. Beyer and state lawmakers happening this month in Va. Square

By ARLnow.com

Published April 15, 2025 at 2:30PM

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) speaks at a press conference in April 2023 (courtesy photo)

Arlington’s congressman and several state legislators are hosting a town hall at Central Library later this month.

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, state Sen. Barbara Favola and Dels. Adele McClure and Alfonso Lopez (all D) will participate in the program, to be held on April 29 at 6 p.m. in the Barbara Donnellan Auditorium (1015 N. Quincy Street).

News

Hope’s governance-change bill passes first key legislative hurdle in Richmond

By Scott McCaffrey

Published February 3, 2025 at 11:15AM

Democrat Patrick Hope (courtesy photo)

Legislation giving Arlington residents more local-governance options has cleared a key hurdle in Richmond.

But it has two more to go.

News

Virginia Democrats pass constitutional amendments blasted by Republicans

By The Associated Press

Published January 22, 2025 at 3:35PM

Virginia State Capitol in Richmond (staff photo)

By OLIVIA DIAZ Associated Press/Report for America

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia’s Democratic-led Senate on Tuesday passed constitutional amendments on abortion and voting rights that were quickly lambasted by Republicans who could use the issues as the party tries to regain ground in November’s statewide elections.

News

Arlington state reps ready for start of delayed legislative session

By Scott McCaffrey

Published January 10, 2025 at 1:15PM

Del. Adele McClure is starting her second year in the legislature (courtesy of Adele McClure)

With water-system issues in Richmond delaying the start of the legislative session, Arlington representatives are ready with firm goals as the Virginia General Assembly prepares to get going next week.

“There is so much more to do to continue building a more just, equitable Commonwealth,” said Del. Adele McClure (D-2), who is entering her second legislative session after winning election in 2023.

News

Spain breaks streak of special elections in seat he will occupy

By Scott McCaffrey

Published January 3, 2025 at 9:00AM

JD Spain, Sr. at the Arlington Democrats' election November 2024 watch party in Crystal City (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The accession of JD Spain, Sr., to the County Board on Wednesday (Jan. 1) marks the first time in nearly 45 years that the seat changed hands via a general, rather than special, election.

Spain’s three immediate predecessors in the seat — Libby Garvey, Barbara Favola and James Hunter III — each came to office via a special election after their predecessors resigned:

News

Arlington lawmakers decry vetoes of bills to further limit access to guns by domestic abusers

By Dan Egitto

Published April 11, 2024 at 3:30PM | Updated April 12, 2024 at 8:30AM

Del. Adele McClure at a press conference calling for tighter firearm restrictions for abusers (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

Two local lawmakers who spearheaded bills to limit domestic abusers’ access to firearms blasted recent vetoes of that legislation at a press conference today (Thursday).

Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) last month struck down bills from State Sen. Barbara Favola and Del. Adele McClure that would have strengthened existing gun control laws around people who have physically attacked family members and romantic partners.

News

Arlington-originated vaping, reproductive health and tenants rights bills gain traction in state legislature

By Jo DeVoe

Published February 15, 2024 at 9:30AM

Virginia State Capitol in Richmond (staff photo)

Arlington’s Virginia General Assembly representatives notched several preliminary victories this legislative session.

The state House and Senate are now in “crossover” — where bills that started in the House are considered by the Senate and vice versa. Bills that pass both chambers will be sent to Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who will either pass them into law or veto them.

News

Favola and Ebbin tapped to lead senate Democrats after party wins full control of statehouse

By James Jarvis

Published November 16, 2023 at 1:45PM

Sen. Barbara Favola (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Arlington’s two state Senators have landed key leadership roles after Democrats won control of the General Assembly last week.

State Sen. Barbara Favola will continue as Majority Whip, sharing her duties with Richmond’s Sen. Lamont Bagby, according to a Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus press release. Sen. Scott Surovell, who will represent southeastern Fairfax County, is set to become the majority leader.

Opinion

Barbara Favola: Why you should vote for me

By Opinion Contributor

Published June 9, 2023 at 1:30PM

State Sen. Barbara Favola (courtesy photo)

Last week, we invited the candidates running in competitive races in the June 20 Democratic primary to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.

Below is the unedited response from Barbara Favola, incumbent for Virginia State Senate – 40th District. Challenger James DeVita did not submit a response prior to publication time.

News

State lawmakers call on airport officials to raise wages

By Matt Blitz

Published August 22, 2022 at 10:30AM

The departures lanes at Reagan National Airport (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

State lawmakers are calling on the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) to raise its minimum wage in order to attract more workers.

Twenty-four Virginia lawmakers, including several who represent parts of Arlington, sent a letter on Friday (Aug. 19) to MWAA President Jack Potter asking the airport authority, which manages and operates both Reagan National and Dulles International, to raise its minimum wage from its current $14.25 per hour.