SHOW / EPISODE

Sen. Lucas Indicted, Spanberger’s Educational Freedom Test & Keynote Speaker Lawrence Jones | Ep 296

1h 2m | Oct 28, 2026

Follow the money. Powerful Virginia Senator Louise Lucas — a longtime advocate for legalized pot shops in neighborhoods — has been arrested by the federal government. Prosecutors allege she was running a multi-million-dollar marijuana enterprise of her own, facing federal racketeering, drug trafficking, and money laundering charges.


In this episode of Speak Up Virginia, host Candi Cushman and Dr. Todd Gathje (Vice President of Government Relations at The Family Foundation) break down the indictment, Lucas’s influence in the Senate, and what it could mean for marijuana legalization in Virginia. 


Also in this episode:


• Will Governor Spanberger put families over politics and fully opt Virginia into the new federal tax credit scholarship program? This could unlock hundreds of millions of dollars to help students in both public and private schools — without costing the state budget a dime.


• Exclusive premiere: Fox & Friends co-host Lawrence Jones delivers his keynote from The Family Foundation Gala. His message: Virginia’s comeback is closer than you think. He talks education, parental rights, standing for life, and why Virginians shouldn’t give up.



Timestamps

0:00 – Intro

2:15 – Sen. Louise Lucas Arrested on Federal Charges

12:40 – The Indictment, “Lucas Enterprises,” and Conflict of Interest

22:10 – Will Pot Shops Still Open? What Happens Next?

28:45 – Governor Spanberger & the Federal Education Tax Credit

38:20 – Exclusive: Lawrence Jones Keynote – Virginia’s Comeback

1:02:15 – Closing Thoughts. 


Speak Up Virginia is a production of The Family Foundation of Virginia. We equip you to speak up on the life, family, and freedom issues that matter most. 


Learn more and get involved: https://www.familyfoundation.org

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#LouiseLucas #Virginia #FamilyFoundation #SchoolChoice #LawrenceJones #VirginiaPolitics


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