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A look back at our most-read news stories of 2024

At press time, more than 840,000 visits were made to c-ville.com, with over 4,230 views of our September story on closings at Dairy Market, including Jonathan Wright's 434th Street.

With this issue, C-VILLE wraps up its 2024 news coverage. What follows is a glimpse at our top news stories of the year, according to Google Analytics.

Big changes in the works at Dairy Market 

September 4 A popular topic for C-VILLE readers (it made our top 10 list in 2023, too), changes at Dairy Market was our most-viewed news story of 2024. Specifically, the mass exodus of restaurants from the food hall. While some of the market’s future plans have come to fruition (including the much-anticipated free parking), more new vendors are expected in the coming months.

Updates on the construction and detours at Hydraulic Road and Route 29 

July 17 Construction stories were top of mind for many this year, with more than 2,700 viewers checking our online update of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s work on Hydraulic Road and Route 29. VDOT Project Manager Will Stowe recently told us he does not have data yet, but notes anecdotally, “We still occasionally see some confusion from drivers at the [Hydraulic Road] roundabout, but drivers are getting the hang of it.”

Tim Kaine and Hung Cao talk policy and priorities 

October 30 Ahead of Election Day, C-VILLE swapped emails with longtime Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine and challenger Hung Cao about their respective platforms. Kaine won his third U.S. Senate term by a margin of 8.2 percent. In a weird update, the Associated Press shows only 96 percent of precincts reporting results at the time of this writing (December 12).

UVA frat expelled, others suspended 

May 1 Written by C-VILLE contributor Matt Dhillon, this story recapped the (then) latest on fraternities in hot water following a hazing investigation. Since the expulsion of Pi Kappa Alpha in April, two more fraternities have had their fraternal charters terminated: Kappa Sigma and Theta Chi. Sigma Alpha Mu’s suspension is set to expire on January 5, just before the start of rush.

Quirk Hotel to undergo rebrand following $24 million sale

May 8 The former Quirk Hotel, now called The Doyle, was rebranded in the wake of its sale in April. Since our original coverage, new owner Blue Suede Hospitality Group has expanded its portfolio to eight properties—doubling its locations after purchasing the Charlottesville hotel.

A seat on the Albemarle County School Board is up for grabs in upcoming special election 

September 25 In other election news, many C-VILLE readers checked out our coverage of the special election for the Rio seat on the Albemarle County School Board. Though former-appointee Chuck Pace won, he’ll be campaigning again soon—the same seat will return to the ballot as regularly scheduled in November 2025.

VDOT removes left-turn lanes from Hydraulic Road onto Route 29 

August 23 Always interested in construction news, readers logged on for our August update on the removal of left-turn lanes at the busy intersection of Hydraulic and 29. No formal data about improved traffic flow has been released, but Stowe told C-VILLE that VDOT has “observed better throughput and reduced travel times on all approaches … due to additional green time.” He also shared that the installation of remaining pedestrian signals at the crossing is almost complete, with work slated to wrap up in late December or early January. Construction of a pedestrian bridge in the same area will continue into fall 2026.

Changes at IX Art Park 

February 7 Early this year, Dhillon also took a look at changes in the works at IX Art Park. Since his dive into the skeleton crew running the park, IX has undergone a variety of updates (including the stylistic change of its name from Ix to IX).

UVA withholds degrees from students arrested at encampment

June 18 The University of Virginia made headlines for its reaction to protesters when it withheld degrees from some graduating students arrested at the pro-Palestine encampment. All of the withheld degrees have now been conferred and backdated, but not without public pressure and stress for impacted students. Despite continued organizing by pro-Palestine student groups, UVA has not met demands for divestment or disclosure.

House of Delegates committee advances resolutions calling for constitutional amendments

November 20 A late entry to this list,
C-VILLE’s review of three potential state constitutional amendments, and the amendment process, was popular with readers in recent weeks. Even if the legislature passes the suggested amendments during its 30-day session starting on January 8, the earliest any of the items could make it on the ballot is November 2026.

Sentara must comply with DOJ demands

March 27 Returning to a story she’s been following for years, former C-VILLE news editor Lisa Provence highlighted recent discoveries in the Department of Justice investigation into Sentara Health. Updates have been scarce since March, but the investigation into Sentara’s insurance rate hikes is ongoing.

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Plea agreement reached in 2022 shooting on UVA Grounds

Former UVA student Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder for the fatal November 13, 2022, shooting of D’Sean Perry, Devin Chandler, and Lavel Davis Jr. on Grounds. Photos via University of Virginia.

Less than two months before the start of his trial, Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and seven additional charges in connection with the November 13, 2022, fatal shooting of three University of Virginia student-athletes on Grounds. New details of the incident emerged during the November 20 hearing at Albemarle County Circuit Court.

As part of the plea agreement, aggravated murder charges—which carry a mandatory sentence of life without parole—for the deaths of Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry have been dropped. 

In Virginia, first-degree murder is a class 2 felony, with a sentencing range of 20 years to life imprisonment. While Jones also pleaded guilty to two counts of malicious wounding and five firearms charges, the commonwealth declined to prosecute those seven charges at this time.

The UVA and Charlottesville communities continue to process the information revealed during the plea hearing.

According to a proffer filed by the state, Jones was “excited and happy when he arrived at the bus,” but his mood “turned irritable after the football players arrived.”

There is no indication that Jones knew any of the victims prior to November 13, 2022. While he was briefly on the UVA football roster, his time on the team did not coincide with Chandler, Davis, Perry, or Mike Hollins, who was injured in the shooting.

Most of the people on the bus were current or former students in a theater class on its way to Washington, D.C., to see The Ballad of Emmett Till, but Jones and three other students, who were enrolled in a seminar with the same professor, were invited because there was extra space.

During the ride to D.C., Jones sat alone and texted family members, including a “cryptic message that something might happen today,” sent to his younger brother. He also sat alone at the performance.

The group of students reboarded the bus around 7:30pm to return to Grounds. Witness accounts describe the mood as “jovial,” with people chatting and Chandler playing music over the bus speakers.

Several survivors recall Jones sitting alone and “frequently looking towards the back of the bus.” Earlier in the trip back to Charlottesville he “accused another student of staring at him, but that student chose not to engage with him,” according to the filing. Another student heard Jones speaking to himself, saying things like, “I’m sorry if I offended you. I didn’t mean to offend you,” “I’ve been through so much in my life,” and “I don’t have any weapons.”

Around 8:19pm, Jones texted an adult mentor and told him to contact a criminal defense attorney who had previously represented Jones. He then wrote, “This entire trip these boys been fcking wit me… tonight I’m either going to hell or jail. I’m sorry.”

The mentor asked Jones to call him, and for his location. Rather than respond, Jones said people were “talkin about killin” and he asked the mentor to “Just tell my story. I was a good guy I never meant or initiated any harm to anyone.”

At 8:36pm, Jones sent his last message: “They not getting off this bus.”

Sitting in front of Jones, Marlee Morgan was seated next to Davis, who called his aunt to talk about the play. Perry called his mom to share his “excitement over seeing his first live play.” Chandler slept.

As the bus approached Culbreth Parking Garage two hours later, students were mostly sleeping and doing homework, with some scattered conversations. Jones and Davis briefly talked about video games.

Jones abruptly said, “Y’all been fucking with me all day,” and shot Davis “through the gap in the seats.” As other students reacted to the sound, Jones and Davis struggled in the aisle of the bus. Jones stood over Davis and shot him in the back of the head after he collapsed. Morgan was shot in the right hip during the struggle.

After shooting Davis, Jones “stalked towards the back of the bus … methodically checked each seat until he reached the back of the bus where [Perry] and [Chandler] were.” He shoved over a female student crouching by Perry, then shot Perry once.

Chandler, who had noise-canceling headphones on, was still asleep when he was shot.

While fleeing the bus, Jones passed the professor, who was trying to evacuate students, and then fell out of the bus to the ground.

Hollins and another football player had been sitting at the front of the bus and already evacuated. When Hollins realized there were still people on the bus, he went back toward the doors. As he approached, Jones exited the bus with a gun in hand. Jones shot Hollins in the back as he ran toward the parking garage for cover.

Police were on scene within minutes of the first 911 calls at 10:16pm. All three victims died from gunshot wounds to the head.

UVA went into lockdown as Jones ran through Grounds toward his car, which was parked at Scott Stadium. He tossed evidence, including a firearm, as he ran. He was arrested the next day in Henrico County.

After the shooting, police found two additional firearms—a semi-automatic pistol and a Ruger AR-15 semi-automatic rifle—in Jones’ dorm.

Though the commonwealth’s proffer offers more insights into the shooting than was previously known, UVA refuses to release the attorney general’s independent report of the incident.

In an emailed statement, UVA Deputy Spokesperson Bethanie Glover told C-VILLE, “The University’s position hasn’t changed, we are committed to release the reports at the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, which will end with sentencing.”

Jones waived his right to appeal and admitted guilt as part of the agreement, but sentencing has been left to the discretion of Judge Cheryl Higgins. Sentencing has been set for February 4 through February 7, 2025, with a pre-sentencing report scheduled for 9:30am the first day.

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House of Delegates committee advances resolutions calling for constitutional amendments

Charlottesville-area delegates Katrina Callsen (above) and Amy Laufer both support Virginia constitutional amendments to protect reproductive rights and same-sex marriage, and reinstate voting rights for people convicted of a felony. Supplied photo.

In the wake of the historic re-election of Donald Trump as the president of the United States, Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates Privileges and Elections Committee advanced three constitutional amendments on November 13.

The amendments aim to enshrine protections for reproductive rights and same-sex marriage, and reinstate voting rights for people convicted of a felony. Both House Joint Resolutions No. 1 and No. 2, which pertain to abortion access and voting rights respectively, passed the committee 12-9 along party lines. A handful of Republican legislators joined Democrats to pass protections for same-sex marriages.

First introduced by House Majority Leader Charniele Herring on November 20, 2023, HJ 1 calls for an amendment to Article I of the Constitution of Virginia by adding section 11-A, which protects the right to “reproductive freedom, including the ability to make and carry out decisions relating to one’s own prenatal care, postpartum care, contraception, abortion care, miscarriage management, and fertility care.” Under the proposed amendment, abortion access in the third trimester would still be legislatively restricted to instances when a physician deems it medically necessary to “protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant individual” or “the fetus is not viable.”

Current law requires that three physicians find termination necessary to protect the life of the mother prior to performing a third-trimester abortion.

While pro-choice advocates and legislators have emphasized the need for the constitutional amendment following the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022, pro-life representatives and organizations criticized both the content of the resolution and the lack of time given for the committee to review the new version of the amendment prior to voting.

Under HJ 2, the language in Section I of Article II of the state constitution would be amended to still restrict voting rights of those currently incarcerated for a felony conviction, but fully restore voting rights upon release without requiring any further action. Virginia is one of 10 states that does not automatically restore the voting rights of those convicted of a felony upon completion of their sentence. 

The final resolution, HJ 9, would repeal and replace an existing amendment.

While same-sex couples have held the right to marriage nationwide since the Obergefell v. Hodges decision by the Supreme Court in 2015, the Virginia Bill of Rights still includes Section 15-A of Article I—a 2006 amendment that explicitly defines marriage as between one man and one woman. If approved, HJ 9 would almost completely rewrite Section 15-A of Article I to protect “the issuance of marriage licenses to two parties contemplating a lawful marriage” regardless of the “sex, gender, or race of such parties.”

Following the Supreme Courts’ Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, many LGBTQ+ activists are concerned that Obergefell may be overturned. If the Supreme Court reversed its previous decision, Virginia’s existing prohibition on same-sex marriage would go back into effect.

Making amendments to the state constitution is a lengthy process in Virginia. Before they’re put to voters, the resolutions must be approved by the state legislature in two different years separated by a General Assembly election. The earliest the proposed amendments could appear on the ballot is November 2026.

Charlottesville-area delegates Katrina Callsen and Amy Laufer both support the resolutions.

“Virginia is taking the first step in a process to safeguard freedoms we hold dear: reproductive rights, marriage equality, and voting rights,” said Callsen in a November 13 Facebook post. “Our Constitution should protect all Virginians—today, tomorrow, and for generations.”

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Democratic performance down in Virginia, even for reelected candidates

Despite decisive wins by Donald Trump and John McGuire, Charlottesville and Albemarle County overwhelmingly voted blue on November 5. Photo by Eze Amos.

After a turbulent and historic Election Day, most results are in across the commonwealth. From the White House to Town Council, here’s the Virginia Department of Elections’ unofficial results for how locals voted in the 2024 election.

Amid a disappointing night for Democrats, Virginia’s 13 electoral votes went to Vice President Kamala Harris. Voters in Charlottesville and Albemarle leaned heavily blue across the board, with roughly 84 percent and 66 percent of the respective electorates casting their ballots for Harris. Surrounding counties generally leaned toward Donald Trump.

While Harris won Virginia with 52 percent of the vote, she fell short of Biden’s 2020 performance of 54 percent in the commonwealth. Her underperformance in Virginia mirrors the broader results of the election, with Trump sweeping all seven swing states.

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine won reelection to a third term in the U.S. Senate, receiving 54.3 percent to challenger Hung Cao’s 45.5 percent. Support for Kaine was down 2 percent statewide compared to 2018, but the incumbent still had ample support in metro areas, including Charlottesville. Almost 85 percent of Charlottesville voters cast their ballot for Kaine, alongside approximately 66.5 percent of the Albemarle electorate.

Voters in both the 5th and 7th congressional districts have new congressmen, with incumbents in neither district on the ballot November 5.

In the 5th District, Republican up-and-comer John McGuire bested Democrat Gloria Witt by roughly 14 points, winning 56.7 percent of the vote. The result was expected despite Charlottesville and Albemarle both leaning heavily toward Witt. The district spans much of the south central part of the state to the North Carolina border, and heavily favors Republican candidates despite the inclusion of Charlottesville. Incumbent Rep. Bob Good will vacate the seat in January 2025.

A small portion of Albemarle and surrounding counties are in the 7th District, which narrowly chose Eugene Vindman (D) over Derrick Anderson (R). While Vindman received approximately 51.1 percent of the vote, the Albemarle portion of VA-7 leaned heavily Republican this election cycle.

At press time, party control of the House of Representatives was still too close to call.

Looking down-ballot, localities largely stuck with the status quo. In the Rio Magisterial District, Albemarle voters elected appointee Chuck Pace to serve out the remaining year of now-Del. Katrina Callsen’s term on the school board. The seat will be back on the ballot next fall for a regular election.

Orange County had multiple Town Council races this year, with Emily Winkey and Stevean Irving II elected to council in Gordonsville and James Cluff and Delmer Seal Jr. elected to council in the town of Orange.

In Scottsville, the mayoral race was still too close to call at press time, with current Mayor Ron Smith ahead by two votes in the deadlocked race. Results are expected in the coming days, with the statewide deadline for certification on November 15.

Beyond the handful of uncontested elections across the commonwealth, Virginians also found common ground on the constitutional amendment on the ballot. Roughly 93 percent of voters approved for the state constitution to expand a tax exemption to surviving spouses of soldiers who died in the line of duty.

Unofficial results from the Virginia Department of Elections were collected by C-VILLE at 2:30pm on November 11. Exact data may continue to change until results are formally certified.

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In brief 11/13/2024

University of Virginia students gathered on Grounds last week to protest climate change and strategize ways to protect reproductive, LGBTQ+, and workers’ rights. Photo via Dan Addison / UVA Communications.

Looking ahead 

In the days after President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive victory, Charlottesville progressive groups organized to process results, bolster community, and strategize.

For those focused on combating climate change, Trump’s promises to support the fossil fuel industry and pull out of the Paris Agreement have garnered concern. Dozens of University of Virginia students gathered with the Sunrise Movement, a national organization advocating for political action on employment and climate change, in a November 8 walkout. Leaders called Trump’s victory “a massive threat to our generation” in a press release the day before the protest.

Sunrise UVA also joined a wider call among Democrats for the party to rebuild trust with the working class. Exit polls show Trump resonated with larger numbers of voters without a college degree, as well as those concerned about the economy, among other groups.

“The wealth gap in our country is increasing, and working people cannot afford living essentials for themselves and their families,” said Kelsey Levine, Sunrise UVA leader and a UVA graduate student, in an email to C-VILLE. “In this election, the Democratic party moved toward the center when it needed to put forward policies with bold changes.”

Another student group, the UVA chapter of Young Democratic Socialists of America organized November 7 to strategize on protecting reproductive rights, the LGBTQ+ population, workers’ rights, and liberation movements across the globe. 

In the post-Roe era, the Harris campaign made abortion access a primary issue. It’s unclear what moves Trump, who shifted his abortion policy throughout his campaign, will make on the issue, although he has consistently said abortion rights decisions should fall to the states. 

“Now is the time to start building a collective future, because if anyone is going to do it, it has to be us,” YDSA posted in a written statement.

Del. Amy Laufer said the election results were “disappointing,” but “there is still work to do.” Photo by Eze Amos.

This position aligns with releases from both Albemarle County and Charlottesville Democratic committees. Charlottesville Dems hosted a November 8 potluck to “build the bonds that make us strong and resilient,” per an Instagram post. Albemarle Democrats offered three events hosted by Del. Amy Laufer, who represents the 55th District in the House of Delegates.

“The results … were disappointing, but there is still work to do,” Laufer wrote. “Let’s try to gear up for next year’s election cycle, as it is so important to keep Democrats in the House of Delegates and the State Senate.”

Never forget

The University of Virginia will honor Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry on November 13, the second anniversary of the fatal shooting on Grounds, which resulted in their deaths and the injury of two more students. Community members are invited to join in remembrance at the UVA Chapel at 1:55pm, when the chapel bell will ring the first verse of “Amazing Grace,” followed by three chimes.

Change over

University of Virginia Vice Provost for Global Affairs Stephen Mull has begun his work leading the State Department transition between the Biden and Trump administrations. Mull was tapped for the job in late September, regardless of the outcome of the election, and started work on October 28. His assignment is expected to last through January 2025.

Naming rights

Residents have until November 15 to submit preliminary names for this year’s Downtown Mall Christmas tree. The tree will be lit at the Grand Illumination at the Ting Pavilion on December 6. Last year’s Christmas tree was named Spruce Willis, though some fans are campaigning for a return of the Oatmeal dynasty (for those unaware, see: c-ville.com/the-big-picture-4).

Last year’s Downtown Mall Christmas tree was named Spruce Willis.
Photo by Stephen Barling.
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A local guide to voting in this year’s non-presidential races

Albemarle County school board candidates Chuck Pace (left) and Jim Dillenbeck (right). Supplied photos.

It’s election season, and presidential candidates aren’t the only ones vying for your vote. From the federal to the local level, here are some of the other candidates Charlottesville-area voters will see on their ballots.

Federal

In addition to selecting a U.S. senator (see pg. 10), Virginians will elect their next batch of congressional representatives.

Following redistricting in 2022, area residents will vote in either the 5th (Charlottesville, Nelson, Fluvanna, and most of Albemarle) or 7th (Greene, Orange, a portion of northern Albemarle) district races. In the 5th, John McGuire (R) and Gloria Witt (D) are running to replace incumbent Bob Good, who was knocked out of the race in the June Republican primary. With Rep. Abigail Spanberger’s decision to run in the 2025 gubernatorial election, either Derrick Anderson (R) or Eugene Vindman (D) will be elected the next representative of VA-7.

State

Across the commonwealth, voters will also weigh in on an amendment to Virginia’s property tax exemption for veterans and surviving spouses. The proposed amendment would change language in the state constitution from “killed in action” to “died in the line of duty.” Changing the wording would extend the current tax exemption to all surviving spouses of soldiers who died in the line of duty, including those killed in action who are already eligible.

Local

Albemarle County

In Albemarle County’s Rio Magisterial District, ballots will be cast in a special election for either Jim Dillenbeck or Chuck Pace to serve the remaining year of now-Del. Katrina Callsen’s term on the board. Pace was appointed to the position by the school board last year, and is seeking formal election to the body.  

Scottsville

Albemarle and Fluvanna residents in the Town of Scottsville will cast their ballots in mayoral and Town Council elections. Current Scottsville Mayor Ronald Smith is seeking reelection, with Vice Mayor Edward Payne also tossing his hat in the ring. This year’s election is abnormal as there are three seats open on the Scottsville Town Council, but only one candidate on the ballot—current council member Alex Bessette.

Outside of Scottsville, Fluvanna County has no local races on the ballot this year.

Nelson

In Nelson County, Neely Hull is the sole candidate in the special election for treasurer.

Greene

A special election for treasurer is also on the ballot in Greene County, with Dawn Marshall the lone candidate.

In the Stanardsville District, voters will elect a Board of Supervisors member, with Stephen Catalano the only non-write-in candidate. In Stanardsville proper, there is a special election for a Town Council term expiring at the end of 2026.

Orange

In Gordonsville, residents are voting in several local races, with the mayorship and two seats on Town Council up for grabs. Town Councilor Ron Brooks III is the only candidate for mayor, with current Vice Mayor Emily Winkey, planning commission member Stevean Irving II, and Mary “Cyd” Black running for council.

The Town of Orange also has two Town Council seats on the ballot. Four newcomers are running for the positions: James Cluff, JL “Jeff” Crane, Delmer Seal Jr., and Rita Carroll.

For more information on local elections or to view sample ballots, visit elections.virginia.gov or your respective city or county website.

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Tim Kaine and Hung Cao talk policy and priorities

Candidates Tim Kaine (left) and Hung Cao (right). Supplied photos.

Virginia is one of 33 states with a U.S. Senate seat up for grabs this November. Two-term incumbent Tim Kaine (D) faces a challenge from former navy Captain Hung Cao (R). In the lead-up to Election Day, C-VILLE reached out to both candidates via email.

C-VILLE: What are your top priorities if elected to the Senate?

Tim Kaine: The economy, affordable housing, and health care are issues I hear about all across Virginia.

I’ve proudly helped pass legislation to create good-paying manufacturing jobs, supercharge the green energy sector, and rebuild our infrastructure, but we must do more. Our American Rescue Plan ushered the strongest jobs recovery on record and expanded the child tax credit. …  I’m working to bring that tax cut back and make it permanent. To grow our economy, we must also pass a comprehensive immigration reform package to both secure our border and enable companies to hire more skilled workers.

In 2017, I cast a deciding vote to preserve the Affordable Care Act, protecting the health care coverage of 1.3 million Virginians with pre-existing conditions. In 2022, I helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act to slash prescription drug costs. In the aftermath of the Dobbs decision, I have introduced the only bipartisan bill in Congress that would guarantee all women the freedom to make their own reproductive choices.  

I have spent my entire career, including 17 years as a fair housing attorney, fighting for fair housing and working to lower housing costs in Virginia. My LIFT [Low-Income First-Time Homebuyers] Act would help first-time, first-generation homebuyers accelerate wealth-building through homeownership. We need to get this passed and signed into law. 

Hung Cao: Securing our open border. In fact, everything that’s going wrong in our country right now stems from our wide-open southern border, and Virginians across the commonwealth know it. … Our wide-open southern border is a huge national security threat.

How does your platform align with and support the best interests of Virginians?

TK: My campaign motto is “Standing Up for Virginia” because my entire campaign is entirely about Virginia. … If I continue to have the great honor of serving my commonwealth, I’ll keep building on my work and keep listening to Virginians and what’s on their minds.

I want to continue lowering costs for Virginia families by cutting the cost of child care and slashing taxes for working families.

Communities across the country, but especially northern Virginia, are facing rising housing costs. I introduced the Fair Housing Improvement Act, which would protect veterans and low-income families from housing discrimination, the Low-Income First-Time Homebuyers Act, and am one of the lead sponsors of the bipartisan Housing Supply and Affordability Act. I support an expansion of the low-income housing tax credit, responsible for increasing the supply of affordable rental housing.

HC: We have to make the cost of living, goods, gas, and groceries more affordable. Under Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Tim Kaine’s radical agenda, Americans and Vir­ginians are hurting from the increased cost of goods and prices, making the American dream no longer what it was when my family and I immigrated to this country. But we have to start with securing the border. That’s step one. … We need to put the American people and Virginians first and that begins with closing our border.

How do your policy positions differ from your opponent? How, if at all, do they overlap or intersect?

TK: Unlike my opponent, I trust Virginia women to make their own health care decisions. After the Supreme Court’s disastrous Dobbs decision, I got to work and introduced the only bipartisan bill in Congress that would codify the core holdings of Roe v. Wade and related Supreme Court cases to protect access to abortion and birth control. 

I proudly helped pass legislation that is expanding high-speed internet, rebuilding roads and bridges, rail and public transit, ports and airports all over Virginia. I also worked to pass legislation that is bringing manufacturing back to America and easing supply chain issues. My opponent opposed all of these investments and the good-paying jobs they are bringing, and would vote against the reauthorization of our bipartisan infrastructure law in 2026.

… I believe health care is a right, which is why I’ve introduced a Medicare-X plan that which would give all Virginians access to a plan similar to Medicare. Furthermore, I will always fight to defend Social Security and Medicare and ensure that these programs are sustainable for generations to come. 

HC: I am running for U.S. Senate to save the country that saved my life. I spent 25 years in Navy Special Operations with combat in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia, while Tim Kaine spent 30 years in elected office. … In the U.S. Senate, I will always put Virginia first and protect the commonwealth.

If elected to the Senate, will you certify election results regardless of party outcome if the election is deemed free and fair?

TK: Of course! 

HC: Yes.

What, if any, concerns do you have with your opponent, his campaign, or his platform?

TK: My opponent has insulted and talked down to the Virginians that he hopes to represent in the U.S. Senate. … He has also continued to insult Virginians by failing to show up for them, when he skipped 12 of 13 candidate forums in his Republican primary election. My favorite part of my job is traveling and meeting Virginians in every corner of the commonwealth. If someone won’t show up for you, they won’t stand up for you.

HC: After 25 years serving our country in the Navy, I’ve been all over the world. I’ve seen communism first-hand and know what it’s like to lose your country. We’re losing ours today and trust me, there’s nowhere else to go. I’ve spent my life trying to repay my debt to America, and I’m not done fighting for us. Tim Kaine is a weak man in a dangerous world and along with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, he is destroying Virginia’s way of life.

This interview has been edited for length.

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Democratic candidate Gloria Witt on her priorities, platform, and opponent

Democratic candidate Gloria Witt grew up in Amherst County, which is located in Virginia’s 5th District. Supplied photo.

Voters in Virginia’s 5th District will choose a new congressional representative come November 5, with Democrat Gloria Witt and Republican John McGuire vying for the seat. Ahead of Election Day, C-VILLE reached out to both candidates to learn more about their local and national priorities.

C-VILLE: What are your top priorities if elected to Congress?

Gloria Witt: My top priorities are rooted in making sure that the people of the 5th District have opportunities to thrive. This includes ensuring access to quality health care, protecting Social Security and Medicare, addressing the affordable housing crisis, and expanding economic opportunities through job creation and workforce development. I also prioritize preserving democracy by protecting voting rights and accepting the outcomes of our elections.

On the national level, I am focused on safeguarding democracy, addressing income inequality, and expanding access to health care and affordable child care. I want to restore reproductive rights, strengthen mental health care, and ensure our veterans get the support they deserve. 

Locally, I want to focus on revitalizing our small towns and rural communities by addressing the housing shortage, supporting farmers, and increasing infrastructure investments, especially in broadband access. Public education is a top priority. I will push for vastly expanded career and technical education programs.

How does your platform align with
and support the best interests of constituents in the 5th District?

GW: My platform is based on the everyday needs of families, workers, and small-business owners in the 5th District. We need practical solutions for affordable health care, better-paying jobs, and ensuring our children receive the education and skills they need. We are failing our youth; they have to leave or they are stuck making a starvation wage. My goal is to lead the charge to make sure that our career and technical programs are producing enough workers for existing business and attracting new businesses with a skilled workforce.

How do your policy positions differ from your opponent?

GW: My opponent and I have very different visions for the future of this district. I believe in expanding access to health care, investing in public education, and making sure working families have the support they need. In contrast, my opponent supports policies that roll back social programs like Medicare and Social Security. I also support a woman’s right to choose, while my opponent wants to restrict reproductive rights. Fundamentally, I believe in building a fairer, more free, inclusive future, while my opponent is focused on policies that benefit the wealthy and big corporations and restrict individual freedoms. I also accept that Trump lost the 2020 election.

How, if at all, do they overlap or intersect?

GW: We may overlap in wanting to create more jobs and spur economic growth, but we differ in how to achieve that. 

Party control of the House of Representatives is anticipated to be decided by a narrow margin this year. How would Democratic control of the House benefit 5th District constituents?

GW: Democratic control of the House will ensure we continue to make progress on critical issues like health care affordability, protecting Social Security, and addressing income inequality. It also means ensuring that democracy and voting rights are protected from those who want to undermine them. A Democratic House will work toward policies that lift up all Americans, not just the wealthy few.

If elected to Congress, will you certify election results regardless of party outcome if the election is deemed free and fair?

GW: Absolutely. Our democracy is built on the foundation of free and fair elections. It’s critical that all elected officials respect the will of the voters. … Refusing to do so threatens the very fabric of our democracy.

What, if any, concerns do you have with your opponent, his campaign, or his platform?

GW: My main concern with my opponent is his alignment with far-right extremists who undermine our democratic values. He has shown a willingness to support dangerous conspiracy theories, and that worries me greatly. He has also supported policies that strip people of their health care and phases out Social Security. … His opposition to common-sense gun reform and his stance on reproductive rights are extreme. 

Why should Virginians choose you to represent the 5th District?

GW: Virginians should choose me because I’m focused on real solutions that put people first. I grew up on a small farm carrying water and canning food, I know this district, and I’ve lived the challenges many of us face. I’m committed to creating a future where every family has access to health care, where seniors don’t have to worry about their Social Security, and where our children receive the education and skills they need to succeed. I’ll fight for everyone, not just the wealthy or well-connected, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work.

As of press time, John McGuire had not responded to any of C-VILLE’s requests for comment. This interview has been edited for length.

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Charlottesville celebrates the 10th anniversary of legal same-sex marriage in Virginia

André Hakes and Catherine Gillespie, holding their son, received the first same-sex marriage license in Charlottesville, and maybe the state of Virginia, at 1:03pm on October 6, 2014. Photo by Breanna Larocca.

Same-sex couples have had the legal right to marry in Virginia since October 6, 2014. Several couples who wed in Charlottesville on that day came together a decade later to commemorate the anniversary where they celebrated all those years ago: Charlottesville Circuit Court.

“Ten years ago today, we unexpectedly found ourselves with the opportunity to get married after thinking about it for years,” said Catherine Gillespie at the gathering. She and her longtime partner, André Hakes, were together for 19 years before they could get married in Virginia and were at the courthouse that morning, ready to go the minute they got the go-ahead.

For each of the couples married in Charlottesville on October 6, 2014, finally being allowed to get legally married came as a surprise after the Supreme Court unexpectedly declined to hear an appeal challenging a Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.

Gillespie and Hakes were the first same-sex couple legally married in Charlottesville, and some claim in the entire state, having their ceremony minutes after the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a mandate at 1pm. The ability to be married was not only a celebration of their love, but provided legal protections for their family.

“We had people come after our family and want to take [our son] away because of who we were,” said Gillespie. “To get a sense of security from a marriage license, which then allowed André to become an official parent, I mean, it was incredible.”

Reminiscing on the anniversary, four of the five same-sex couples who wed at the Circuit Court on that day in 2014, spoke about the important legal protection afforded by marriage.

Debra Guy and Meredith Wolnick also got married that afternoon, a bit later since their then-4-year-old daughter was taking a nap. For them, the ability to marry brought not only legal stability, but some appreciated simplicity.

“We still have the book of wills and medical directives that we had drawn up in 2010. Just the simple things that some folks who are married take for granted—signing a permission slip or taking [our daughter] to the doctor … that’s how at the practical level it changed our lives,” said Guy.

For longtime Clerk of Court Llezelle Dugger, the day brought not only the opportunity to fulfill her campaign promise of signing marriage licenses for same-sex couples as soon as legally possible, but an opportunity to celebrate friends’ relationships and legal protections. The only downside? She was too busy signing marriage certificates to be in any of her friends’ wedding photos taken in front of the courthouse.

Dugger recalls the clear blue skies on that day, as well as the celebrations around town. “Now, 10 years later, we celebrated. But you know what? It’s normal,” she says. “We don’t have the hoopla of October 6, 2014, but that’s excellent in and of itself.”

While same-sex couples are celebrating their right to marriage, Gillespie pointed out the need to continuously advocate for other members of the LGBTQ+ community.

“We use humor a lot in managing fears and frustrations, and one of the pieces of humor that we’ve used recently is that we’re old news. Gay couples, we got the right to marry 10 years ago,” said Gillespie. “I think the battle for the trans community right now is a battle for understanding, because if we can get to a place of understanding, then we can move away from fear. And if we can move away from fear, then maybe 20 years from now, politicians won’t be using them as a punching bag.”

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A seat on the Albemarle County School Board is up for grabs in upcoming special election

Candidates Chuck Pace and Jim Dillenbeck. Supplied photos.

It’s election season, but the presidential and congressional races aren’t the only contests on the ballot November 5. Albemarle County is holding a special election for now-Delegate Katrina Callsen’s remaining year as the Rio District’s school board representative.

The district, which spans from just north of the city into Earlysville, includes Agnor, Broadus Wood, and Woodbrook elementaries, Lakeside Middle, and Albemarle High School. 

The candidates—Chuck Pace and Jim Dillenbeck—are both longtime Charlottes­ville-area residents with backgrounds in local education, having previously coached football together at Albemarle High School in the ’90s. Pace and Dillenbeck find common ground in their desire to increase support for teachers and improve student outcomes, but differ on other issues. 

Appointed to the seat last December, Pace says he has “a pretty positive outlook on the schools right now. When I go into them, I do see pretty cool stuff going on, really, and that doesn’t matter if it’s elementary school or middle school or high school.” 

“No question that we have things that we’re struggling with,” he adds. “That’s always true.”

Academic achievement, attendance, and behavior have emerged as challenges—locally and nationwide—since returning to in-person instruction following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve seen deficits, kids who are just coming to the next grade level, but not knowing what they would expect them to at that grade level,” says Pace. “They have created pacing guides for our teachers … tests that are given quarterly to help track progress of students—and that’s making a difference. … We have to figure out where the deficits are so we can address them.”

In addition to pacing guides, ACPS is currently working to implement a new reading curriculum. Pace is excited about the materials, but concerned that the rapid implementation required by Gov. Glenn Youngkin is contributing to teacher burnout. 

“Once teachers get through the stressful period of mastering the tools  … their lives will probably get easier over the long haul,” he says. “I know it’s really stressing some of our teachers out.”

Teacher and staff support is top of mind for Pace, who has worked as an educator and science coordinator for almost three decades. The school board is Pace’s primary job as he was in the midst of a health-related career pause at the time of his appointment.

Dillenbeck is less optimistic about the current state of education in Albemarle County. 

“As a former teacher and having raised four kids and seeing them through school … my concern is for the kids in the neighborhood and the kids in our community who don’t have some of the opportunities that we had,” says Dillenbeck, who was inspired to run after a conversation with former school board candidate Meg Bryce last year.

While he’s been out of the education system for more than 25 years, Dillenbeck believes his two-plus decades in business could benefit the board. “In the business world, we talk a lot about measuring success and addressing areas of weakness in business,” he says. “I’m afraid that if we apply the same standard of success or failure to the schools, what we would see is that the schools are failing.”

Dillenbeck, who works as a financial advisor for Northwestern Mutual in Charlottesville, is concerned about low test scores and achievement gaps at several of the elementary schools in the Rio District. Scores at Woodbrook Elementary are consistently below both district and state averages, with significant achievement gaps for Black students, economically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities.

Katrina Callsen resigned from the Albemarle County School Board last fall to focus on her campaign for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. Supplied photo.

According to data from the Virginia Department of Education, only 46 percent of Woodbrook students passed state English assessments last school year, compared to a pass rate of 75 percent in Albemarle County and 73 percent statewide. The pass rate for state English assessments at Woodbrook has also declined over the last three years, decreasing from 53 percent in the 2021-22 school year to 48 percent in 2022-23.

Beyond academic achievement, Dillenbeck also wants to improve teacher and staff support, school safety, career preparation, and communication between teachers, families, administrators, and the school board. In each of these areas, he supports increasing resources, with particular emphasis on retaining teachers through salary increases and additional support and safety personnel.

“I believe that the teachers … they’re the front line workers, and if they feel supported by the administration and empowered to enforce the rules on behavior, rules on cell phone use, then the school system is going to be operating at a good level,” says Dillenbeck. “We need to have a school resource officer, in my opinion, in every high school and in every middle school in the county.”

Regardless of which candidate wins, the Rio District school board seat will be up for grabs again next fall. More information about the Rio District candidates can be found on their campaign websites.