Virginia Government Scandals
Follow the latest Virginia Government Scandals news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
4 years ago

Virginia Governor may testify as witness in murder trial

The defense hopes that Gov. Ralph Northam’s testimony could exonerate Wesley Hadsell, accused of killing his stepdaughter more than three years ago.
4 years ago
VIDEO: Virginia Governor may testify as witness in murder trial
4 years ago

Kim has 'two paths in front of him ... we'll see which one they choose': O'Brien

National security adviser Robert O’Brien is interviewed on "This Week" on the North Korea threat.
4 years ago
VIDEO: 1-on-1 with national security adviser Robert O'Brien
5 years ago

VA med school could not 'conclusively determine' whether Northam in racist photo

On Wednesday the Eastern Virginia Medical School released its report into a racist photo that appeared on the yearbook page of Governor Ralph Northam.
5 years ago
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left,  and his wife Pam, watch the proceedings as they watch the funeral of Virginia State Trooper Lucas B. Dowell at the Chilhowie Christian Church, Feb. 9, 2019, in Chilhowie, Va.
5 years ago

VA med school releases Northam yearbook report

On Wednesday the Eastern Virginia Medical School released its report into a racist photo that appeared on the yearbook page of Governor Ralph Northam.
5 years ago
On Wednesday the Eastern Virginia Medical School released its report into a racist photo that appeared on the yearbook page of Governor Ralph Northam.
5 years ago

Virginia lt. governor denies sexual assault allegations

Embattled Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax described the allegations as "hurtful" and "not true."
5 years ago
VIDEO: Virginia Lt Governor denies sexual assault allegations
5 years ago

Virginia lt. gov. responds to sex assault allegations; wants investigations

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax has called for investigations into sex assault claims.
5 years ago
Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax presides over the Senate session at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Feb. 22, 2019.
5 years ago

Virginia Lt. Gov. Fairfax says 2 polygraphs say he's truthful on sex assault denials

Polygraphs were given by the same expert who tested Christine Blasey Ford.
5 years ago
Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax gestures during remarks before a meeting in Richmond, Va., Sept. 25, 2018.
5 years ago

Meet the black farmer who has helped advise Virginia's embattled governor on race

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, who was under fire for a racist yearbook photo, has met with a prominent voice for black farmers. Here's what that farmer has to say.
5 years ago
John Wesley Boyd Jr. poses for a portrait at his farm,  May 9, 2012, in Baskerville, VA.
5 years ago

Virginia first lady allegedly gave black kids cotton during tour

"I regret that I have upset anyone," Pam Northam said in a statement Wednesday.
5 years ago
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left,  and his wife Pam, watch the proceedings as they watch the funeral of Virginia State Trooper Lucas B. Dowell at the Chilhowie Christian Church, Feb. 9, 2019, in Chilhowie, Va.
5 years ago

Virginia's first lady, Pam Northam, under fire

Northam apologized on Wednesday after she allegedly gave out raw cotton during a tour of the governor's mansion and asked black children to imagine being slaves who were forced to pick cotton.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Virginia's first lady, Pam Northam, under fire
5 years ago

Virginia first lady under fire for giving black kids cotton

"I regret that I have upset anyone," Pam Northam said in a statement Wednesday.
5 years ago
VIDEO: "I regret that I have upset anyone," Pam Northam said in a statement Wednesday.
5 years ago

Virginia lieutenant governor compares calls for his resignation to 'terror lynchings'

The embattled leader spoke unexpectedly on the Virginia Senate floor on Sunday.
5 years ago
Virginia Lt. Gov Justin Fairfax presides over the end of the 2019 Senate session at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Feb. 24, 2019.
5 years ago

Virginia Lt. Gov. Fairfax compares calls for his resignation to 'terror lynchings'

In the past month, two women have accused Fairfax of sexually assaulting them in the early 2000s.
5 years ago
VIDEO: In the past month, two women have accused Fairfax of sexually assaulting them in the early 2000s.
5 years ago

Virginia official accuser demands a public hearing

Meredith Watson, who claimed Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax sexually assaulted her in college, is now demanding a public hearing and accusing the Virginia General Assembly of inaction.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Virginia official accuser demands a public hearing
5 years ago

Woman claims ex-NBA star raped her during her sophomore year at Duke

The same woman who has accused Va. Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax of sexual assault says former N.B.A. player Corey Maggette raped her during her sophomore year at Duke.
5 years ago
Corey Maggette answers questions from the media during week at Infinite Energy Arena, Aug. 10, 2018, in Duluth, Georgia.
5 years ago

Embattled VA gov. to hold 'listening tour' across state to discuss race

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has no plans to resign. Meanwhile, impeachment hearings for Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax have been put on hold for now.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Embattled VA gov. to hold 'listening tour' across state to discuss race
5 years ago
Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax presides over the Senate at the Virginia State Capitol, Feb. 7, 2019, in Richmond, Va.
5 years ago

Embattled VA gov. and Lt. gov. discuss scandals and allegations in new interviews

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam breaks silence saying "I'm not going anywhere"; Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax faces possible impeachment after sexual assault claims.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Embattled VA gov. and Lt. gov. discuss scandals and allegations in new interviews
5 years ago

Embattled Virginia governor breaks his silence

Gov. Ralph Northam, who is refusing calls to resign, spoke out about the political chaos that has gripped his state and about his own future.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Embattled Virginia governor breaks his silence
5 years ago

Virginia's highest ranking officials refuse to resign

Governor Ralph Northam is stirring up controversy after calling slaves "indentured servants" during a "racial reconciliation tour." ABC News' Mona Kosar Abdi reports.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Virginia's highest ranking officials refuse to resign
5 years ago

Tense standoff as Virginia citizens call for governor's resignation

Governor Ralph Northam will not step down from being the governor after a racist image in his medical school yearbook surfaced.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Tense standoff as Virginia citizens call for governor's resignation
5 years ago

Virginia governor makes first public appearance since blackface scandal

Gov. Ralph Northam resists calls for him to resign as his lieutenant governor faces two accusations of sexual assault.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Virginia governor makes first public appearance since blackface scandal
5 years ago

Political crises sweep the state of Virginia

Fighting calls to resign, Gov. Northam emerges to attend trooper's funeral.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Political crises sweeps the state of Virginia
5 years ago

Blackface scandals a reminder of racist practice and its effect on African-Americans

The blackface scandals in Virginia highlight the history of the racist practice.
5 years ago
Comedian Eddie Cantor wearing blackface while performing "If You Knew Susie," in the 1920's.
5 years ago

2nd woman accuses Virginia lieutenant governor of sexual assault

Lawmakers are calling on Justin Fairfax to resign, and threatened to introduce articles for impeachment.
5 years ago
VIDEO: 2nd woman accuses Virginia lieutenant governor of sexual assault
5 years ago

2nd woman accuses Va. politician of sexual assault, as calls for his resignation grow

Meredith Watson claims that Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax raped her while the two were students at Duke University in 2000.
5 years ago
Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax presides over the Senate at the Virginia State Capitol, Feb. 7, 2019, in Richmond, Va.
5 years ago

Second woman accuser comes forward against VA Lt. Governor

Meredith Watson claims that Justin Fairfax raped her while the two were students at Duke University in 2000. Fairfax denies the latest allegation and says he will not resign.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Second woman accuser comes forward against VA Lt. Governor
5 years ago

2020 Democrats call for investigation as allegations against Fairfax rock Virginia

Democratic contenders for the party's presidential nomination are responding cautiously to allegations of sexual assault against Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax.
5 years ago
From left: Sen. Kamala Harris speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Sept. 4, 2018.|Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand speaks on Jan. 19, 2019, in Des Moines, Iowa.
5 years ago

Va. governor mulled resignation before changing mind amid yearbook scandal: Sources

Virginia Gov.Ralph Northam considered resigning amid a scandal over a photo on his medical school yearbook page before changing his mind Saturday, sources say.
5 years ago
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, accompanied by his wife, Pam, speaks during a news conference in the governor's mansion in Richmond, Va.
5 years ago

Political chaos in Virginia as 4th top official faces questions

Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment, a Republican, was reportedly managing editor of the 1968 Virginia Military Institute yearbook that featured students in blackface and racial slurs.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Political chaos in Virginia as 4th top official faces questions
5 years ago

More drama unfolds around Virginia governor, attorney general and lieutenant governor

Virginia's lieutenant governor and attorney general face separate controversies amid pressure for Governor Ralph Northam to resign.
5 years ago
VIDEO: More drama unfolds around Virginia governor, attorney general and lieutenant governor
5 years ago

Virginia AG says he wore 'brown makeup' in college

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring is not resigning, something he called on Gov. Ralph Northam to do after Northam admitted he once dressed in blackface.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Virginia AG says he wore 'brown makeup' in college
5 years ago

VA governor, Liam Neeson controversies reignite discussions about racism today

As Black History Month kicks off, conversations about blackface and Neeson revealing a past revenge plan to harm a black man showcase the complexities of a country still grappling with its past.
5 years ago
VIDEO:  VA governor, Liam Neeson controversies reignite discussions about racism today
5 years ago

Virginia attorney general says he wore 'brown makeup' at college party

Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax and Attorney General Mark Herring both released statements Wednesday addressing the controversies.
5 years ago
Virginia State Attorney General Mark Herring participates in the annual Haymarket Day parade in Haymarket, Va., Oct. 20, 2018.
5 years ago

Virginia attorney general reveals he wore blackface in 1980s

Democrat Mark Herring apologized after admitting to attending a party dressed as a rapper wearing "brown makeup."
5 years ago
VIDEO: Virginia attorney general reveals he wore blackface in 1980s
5 years ago

Uncertainty in Virginia as Northam remains conflicted, Fairfax denies allegation

Virginia remained mired in uncertainty Tuesday as its governor pondered his resignation and the lieutenant governor denied an allegation of sexual misconduct.
5 years ago
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam arrives for a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., Feb. 2, 2019. Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax gestures during remarks before a meeting in Richmond, Va., Sept. 25, 2018.
5 years ago

Embattled Virginia governor refuses to resign amid yearbook photo scandal

ov. Ralph Northam has no public events scheduled this week following the fallout from a racist yearbook photo coming to light; Lt. Gov. Fairfax pushes back on sexual misconduct accusations.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Embattled Va. governor refuses to resign amid yearbook photo scandal
5 years ago

Racist photo scandal and Kavanaugh hearing put yearbooks in the spotlight

The Virginia governor is facing calls for his resignation over the photo.
5 years ago
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, accompanied by his wife, Pam, speaks during a news conference in the governor's mansion in Richmond, Va.
5 years ago

Pastor says Virginia governor 'is a good man' who should be forgiven

A Virginia pastor called for public to forgive Northam in blackface scandal.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Pastor says Virginia governor 'is a good man' that should be forgiven
5 years ago

Virginia governor mulls future amid blackface scandal

Democrat Ralph Northam has refused to step down as nearly every politician in the state has called for him to resign.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Virginia governor mulls future amid blackface scandal
5 years ago

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is mulling his future amid calls for his resignation

The democratic governor met with his top staff on Monday as he continues to ponder his political future.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam mulls future amid yearbook photo controversy.
5 years ago

Virginia governor mulls future amid widespread calls for resignation

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is mulling his future Monday amid widespread calls for his resignation over a racist photo in his 1984 medical school yearbook.
5 years ago
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam speaks with reporters at a press conference at the Governor's mansion on Feb. 2, 2019 in Richmond, Va.
5 years ago

Gov. Northam refuses to resign over yearbook photos despite bipartisan pressure

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says he is not pictured in the racist photo in his yearbook page, but wore blackface while performing as Michael Jackson at a 1980s dance contest.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Gov. Northam refuses to resign over yearbook photos despite bipartisan pressure
5 years ago

I don't see how governor can survive racist yearbook photo fallout: NAACP president

Derrick Johnson, the president of the NAACP, and former Rep. Jim Moran, D-Va. spoke on "This Week" about the racist photo on Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's yearbook page.
5 years ago
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam prepares to address a news conference at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Jan. 31, 2019.
5 years ago

Va. governor faces calls for resignation

Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam is defying calls to resign.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Virginia governor faces calls for resignation
5 years ago

Former VA lawmaker on Northam: 'Ought to give him an opportunity to redeem himself'

On "This Week," former longtime Virginia Congressman Jim Moran says Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam should remain in office.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Former Virginia Rep. Jim Moran calls on Gov. Ralph Northam to remain in office
5 years ago

Virginia governor faces calls to resign after participating in 1984 racist photo

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is facing questions Friday after a medical school yearbook page with his name on it shows a photo of men in a KKK robe and blackface.
5 years ago
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam prepares to address a news conference at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Jan. 31, 2019.
5 years ago

Calls for Virginia governor to resign amid blackface scandal

Democrat Ralph Northam said in a statement that he was in a yearbook photograph showing two individuals dressed in blackface and a Ku Klux Klan robe.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Calls for Virginia governor to resign amid blackface scandal
5 years ago

Virginia governor refuses to resign after a racist photo in his yearbook surfaces

Gov. Ralph Northam, who initially said he was in the photo, said Saturday that he was certain he wasn't in blackface or wearing a KKK costume.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Virginia governor refuses to resign after a racist photo in his yearbook surfaces
5 years ago

Lawmakers call for Virginia governor to resign over racist photo

A photo of blackface and a KKK costume in Ralph Northam's 1984 medical school yearbook has sparked outrage and demands for the governor to resign.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Lawmakers call for Virginia governor to resign over racist photo