Delegate Katrina Callsen
LightNews LightNews
banner
katrinacallsen.com
Delegate Katrina Callsen
@katrinacallsen.com
1.7K followers 200 following 390 posts
🏛️ Representing Charlottesville and Albemarle in the Virginia House of Delegates. >> KatrinaCallsen.com

💬 Text me at (434) 443-5400.
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
katrinacallsen.com
Delegate Katrina Callsen @katrinacallsen.com · 17d
Throw out the rules…come talk politics at a holiday gathering! 🎙️

-Learn about what is in store for the 2026 state legislative session.

-Share your concerns with legislators before we head to Richmond.

And have fun with raffles🏆, cookie exchanges 🍪, connection🤝, and giving 🏘️. See you there!
Cookies and Conversation event Bake, take, and exchange cookies while talking politics ahead of this years legislative session. Make your voice heard Saturday, December 6, 10-12, JMRL Library Attention: the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank will be collecting non perishable food items, baby formula, and hygiene products)
katrinacallsen.com
Thank you to everyone who joined me, @creighdeeds.bsky.social, and @cvilledems.bsky.social for cookies and convo. Appreciate all the input before we head to Richmond next month!
Katrina talking with a woman about criminal justice reform Creigh at a podium and Katrina standing while listening to members of the audience speak
December 7, 2025 at 1:37 PM
katrinacallsen.com
The Republican Party at the moment…..red hats and all…
December 5, 2025 at 5:41 PM
katrinacallsen.com
Rudolph is guiding the way through the snow 🌨️ this morning…..to the Toy Lift!!!
Drop off toys and gifts today at the Fashion Square Mall from 7-7.

What I really appreciate about the toy lift is that families get to shop for their children themselves from the donated items. 🎁🎁🎁
December 5, 2025 at 2:18 PM
katrinacallsen.com
2026 is most likely the year Virginia will establish the legal marijuana market.

Right now it is legal to possess, but illegal to buy. We’ve been meeting as a commission to set up a safe, economically fair, and legal market.

www.29news.com/2025/12/02/v...
Virginia lawmakers finetune bill making legal marijuana sales reality
Virginia lawmakers presented one of the final versions of legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana sales in the Commonwealth.
www.29news.com
December 3, 2025 at 1:35 PM
katrinacallsen.com
For those who binge holiday baking shows👩🏻‍🍳…our very own Charles Zimmerman is still in the running on Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship!

cvillerightnow.com/news/208802-...
Charlottesville pastry chef featured on “Holiday Baking Championship” - Cville Right Now
Charles Zimmerman, he executive pastry chef at Farmington Country Club, competed alongside 11 other bakers the Food Network show
cvillerightnow.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:28 PM
katrinacallsen.com
Throw out the rules…come talk politics at a holiday gathering! 🎙️

-Learn about what is in store for the 2026 state legislative session.

-Share your concerns with legislators before we head to Richmond.

And have fun with raffles🏆, cookie exchanges 🍪, connection🤝, and giving 🏘️. See you there!
Cookies and Conversation event Bake, take, and exchange cookies while talking politics ahead of this years legislative session. Make your voice heard Saturday, December 6, 10-12, JMRL Library Attention: the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank will be collecting non perishable food items, baby formula, and hygiene products)
November 22, 2025 at 2:33 PM
katrinacallsen.com
Quick break from UVA stuff to remind people…the Rt. 29 pedestrian bridge is open! This bridge paves the way towards safer, more walkable, and connected communities (literally it connects Albemarle and Charlottesville)!
November 15, 2025 at 3:31 PM
katrinacallsen.com
Register to watch the Faculty Senate meeting today at 2

virginia.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
November 14, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Reposted by Delegate Katrina Callsen
stevevladeck.bsky.social
Jim Ryan's letter is not just surreal and troubling; it provides a series of deeply sobering lessons—about the perils facing public universities today; about what it means to "work with" this Department of Justice; & about what leadership does (and doesn't) entail at this especially fraught moment.
joefore.bsky.social Joe Fore @joefore.bsky.social · 25d
Former UVA president Jim Ryan, who resigned over the summer due to pressure from the Trump Administration, just shared this 12-page letter with the Faculty Senate, detailing his experience with the Board of Visitors and DOJ.

It's a surreal--and troubling--read.

drive.google.com/file/d/1Is6x...
November 14, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Reposted by Delegate Katrina Callsen
stevenljohnson.org
Here is the letter from Jim drive.google.com/file/d/1rgFz...
11.14.25_JER Resignation Facuty.pdf
drive.google.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Reposted by Delegate Katrina Callsen
mkirschenbaum.bsky.social
Former UVA President Jim Ryan has just released a 12-page memo of his own account of his forced resignation last summer. Here’s just a bit in which Paul Manning, a member of the Board, was told by DOJ that unless Ryan departed they would “bleed UVA white.”
“During the ten-day period before I resigned, I also reached out to a former Board member, who has extensive connections in DC, to see if there was some way to stop this from happening. We spent several days trying to understand if this was a bluff and/or if there were some way to forestall the looming threat to UVA and to me. In the meantime, Paul Manning reached out directly to the DOJ lawyers to make sure he was not missing anything, and he said that they told him that if I didn't resign. they would "bleed UVA white."”
November 14, 2025 at 2:07 PM
katrinacallsen.com
The gaslighting is just wild. Youngkin is urging the BOV to, “take advantage of the most inclusive and successful Presidential search process in UVA’s history.”

🕵🏽‍♀️ Facts:
- Federal overreach
- Forced firings
- Hasty Appointments
- Votes of No Confidence
- Lawsuits
- Secret deals to appease Trump
The Honorable Abigail Spanberger Governor-elect Commonwealth of Virginia Richmond, Virginia 23219 Dear Governor-elect Spanberger: When we first met last week, I pledged to ensure that your transition as Governor-elect would not only be smooth, but that my Administration would do our part to ensure that you would be ready on your first day. We have been forthright with you and your team and made data and individual state officials available. In our private meeting in my office yesterday, we discussed a wide range of topics, including boards and university operations. You very briefly mentioned sending a letter about the University of Virginia (UVA), but moved to a different topic so quickly that it seemed unimportant at the time. It is disappointing to learn that just after our meeting started, your office shared this letter with the New York Times and other outlets. Whether done in error or in bad faith, I am compelled to address both the breach of protocol as well as the inaccuracies in your letter. I am advised that this was likely the first time in the history of our Commonwealth that a Governor-elect attempted to interfere with the governance of a university and the fiduciary duties of individual board members. Surprisingly, you have reached conclusions before you or your transition team have taken the time to learn all the facts surrounding the resignation of former UVA President Jim Ryan and the settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Your letter was riddled with hyperbole and factual errors and impugns both the Board of Visitors and the presidential search underway. I understand that this search has followed national best practices and been a model of transparency, including offering multiple opportunities for stakeholder input. The 28-person search committee met at four announced times in Charlottesville and has had dozens of listening sessions open to any who wished to be heard. Hundreds of comments, expectations and aspirations have… The Honorable Abigail Spanberger November 13, 2025 Page Two In addition, you challenged the Board's authority to choose a president and carry out its duties based on a statutory provision. That assertion is meritless and has been rejected by the Court of Appeals of Virginia. Furthermore, you criticized the University's agreement with the DOJ here and elsewhere. Again, had you waited until your transition team had the opportunity to learn all the facts behind this settlement, I believe you would agree with the many national experts who view it as extraordinarily fair and favorable to the University and Commonwealth. Unlike other universities such as Columbia, Brown, and Cornell, the University will not be required to pay tens of millions of dollars as a penalty nor be subject to a federal monitor. Equally important, the agreement suspended all federal investigations, did not recommend the suspension of any research or other federal grants and protects academic freedom. Make no mistake, the DOJ did not randomly or without a predicate select UVA when it started its formal investigation. The evidence is compelling that the University had repeatedly ignored the law. Former President Ryan made his intentions clear about not being committed to follow federal law, in letters and several speeches, including one to the faculty. In a moment of transparency, the former University counsel during former President Ryan's tenure confirmed in a public speech that the University "had some programs that crossed the legal line... we have, in certain schools or certain departments, numerical formulas and that was against the rules." It is also important to correct your mistaken belief about former President Ryan's resignation and dispel continuing and intentional misinformation. I have no desire to disparage Jim and have intentionally not addressed this issue previously. Over the past three years, I have worked with Jim on a variety of initiatives and have acknowledged that he accomplis… The Honorable Abigail Spanberger November 13, 2025 Page Three It's dangerous to wrongfully disparage committed individuals who volunteer to serve on university boards and the serious work they do. Further, the Governor of the Commonwealth should speak thoughtfully and honor the service of those individuals. My guidance to the UVA Board is to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities, take advantage of the most inclusive and successful presidential search process in UVA's history and not waste the great pool of candidates by unnecessarily delaying the search and losing them to other schools. Lastly, the Virginia Code allows for a transition period so that the incoming chief executive can be as prepared as possible and that the outgoing Administration can wrap up and transfer ongoing initiatives. As was wisely communicated to me by my predecessors, there is just one Governor of Virginia at any time. This ensures that the Commonwealth's operations continue unimpeded. Communicating with state agencies or boards of visitors is confusing and is inconsistent with proven, professional protocols. And certainly, efforts to bully or micromanage are inappropriate. Your Administration will start on January 17, 2026. Until then, as I have told you, we will work closely and productively with your transition. If you wish to communicate ideas or seck information with officials in state government, your team knows the process to do so. It's regretful that I must communicate to you in this manner, but your correspondence left no other choice. Sincerely,
November 14, 2025 at 1:20 PM
katrinacallsen.com
Governor Elect Spanberger advises the UVA BOV to pause selection of a new President until they have a Board approved by the General Assembly. A good and fair call.
Dear Rector Sheridan and Vice Rector Wilkinson: As both a proud alumna and the Governor-elect of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I am deeply concerned by recent developments at the University of Virginia and how these challenges may impact the legitimacy of the current search for the University’s next president. Over the past six months, the actions of the Board of Visitors have severely undermined the public’s and the University community’s confidence in the Board’s ability to govern productively, transparently, and in the best interests of the University. This loss of confidence is reflected in the numerous votes of no confidence from both the faculty senate and the student council – constituencies essential to the University’s success and those directly affected by the critical decisions before the Board. In addition, as five Board appointees have failed to achieve confirmation by the General Assembly, the Board is not fully constituted and its composition is now in violation of statutory requirements in crucial respects, further calling into question the legitimacy of the Board and its actions. In the wake of the departure of President Jim Ryan as a result of federal overreach – unchallenged by the Board – the University now faces the serious task of selecting its tenth president. The next University president will not only lead the University of Virginia but will also serve as an example of leadership across the Commonwealth’s public institutions of higher education at a time of unprecedented challenges. The search for a university president is the most consequential action a university board can undertake, and in all cases, such a search must be conducted through a legitimate and transparent process. That requirement is especially critical for the University of Virginia at this moment, and that legitimate and transparent process must be led by a Board that is fully constituted and commands the trust of the University community and the confidence of the citizens… The benefits of selecting a new president with a full, duly-constituted Board are clear and include: (1) providing credibility to the search process and the selection decision; (2) ensuring that the individual chosen to lead the University benefits from having been chosen in a credible and transparent process; and (3) removing any concern that the Board’s actions are illegitimate due to a lack of authority. Given our shared commitment to the success of the University, the aforementioned concerns, and my commitment to making Board appointments quickly upon my swearing in, I again urge the Board to refrain from making any selections of finalists or ultimately a president until the Board is fully constituted and statutorily compliant. Respectfully, Abigail Spanberger Governor-elect of the Commonwealth of Virginia
November 12, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Reposted by Delegate Katrina Callsen
mike-pruitt.bsky.social
After waiting 62 days to see if Rep. McGuire, who previously defended child marriage in Virginia, would cast the necessary final vote to release the Epstein files, we finally see why. John is more loyal to Washington elites than he is to protecting young victims of sex crimes.
New Epstein emails appear to reveal more Trump ties
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have released several emails from the estate of convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein that refer to President Trump.
www.npr.org
November 12, 2025 at 4:48 PM
katrinacallsen.com
Virginia is the first state to launch a mobile ID! You can now have a secure digital copy of your license on your phone.

It will be accepted at DMVs, by law enforcement, for voting, at 250+ airports, and at select ABC stores. Find out more at www.dmv.virginia.gov/mobileID
November 12, 2025 at 5:41 PM
katrinacallsen.com
“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” — Elmer Davis

Thank you to all who have served, sacrificed, and fought bravely to protect our nation and all that she stands for.
Picture of a veteran giving a speech at a podium in the COB with lots of wreaths and a flag Picture of delegate Callsen shaking a veterans hand Picture of Delegat Callsen posing with Supervisor Pruitt in front of wreaths Picture of Delegate Callsens dad in military gear shortly before his deployment.
November 11, 2025 at 10:47 PM
katrinacallsen.com
Snippet of my weekend! Donating food with @cvilledems.bsky.social , volunteer appreciation event with @albemarledems.bsky.social , policy discussion with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute @UVA , and time with @VAHouseDems planning for a great session.
Picture of volunteers in front of a car of food, holding a cville dem sign, at food drive event Picture of people mingling in a room at Potters Cidery Picture of older people in a classroom setting discussing policy interests Picture of delegates (Feggans, Clark, Callsen, Reaser, Hernandez) and the Speaker of the house smiling in a group photo
November 10, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Reposted by Delegate Katrina Callsen
cvilledems.bsky.social
Thanks to the community for stepping up for the Cville-Albemarle Dems food drive for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. The total was 1,846 pounds collected!

For those who would like to donate online:

give.brafb.org/give/508375?...
Volunteers process food and toiletry donations under a tent at Fry’s Spring. Photo by Erin Monaghan. Volunteers process food and toiletry donations under a tent at Fry’s Spring. Photo by Amanda Burns. Car stuffed with one load of food and toiletry donations at Fry’s Spring. Photo by Amanda Burns. The team of volunteers pose for a group photo at Fry’s Spring, with the Cville Dems banner. Photo by Amanda Burns (but she’s in the photo, too, so there’s some sorcery).
November 8, 2025 at 9:18 PM
katrinacallsen.com
Tomorrow at Fry’s Spring Beach Club!
FOOD & TOLETRY DRIVE C'VILLE DEMS 9AM-12PM SATURDAY NOV 8TH, 2025 FRY'S SPRING BEACH CLUB Join the C ville and Albemarle Dems for a food and tolietry drive benefiting the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank to help support families in the area impacted by the government shutdown. Come either park and deliver, or drive through and hand off donations. Donation items needed: shelf-stable food items, deoderant, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygenine products, shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent, lotion, diapers
November 7, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Reposted by Delegate Katrina Callsen
revealinglight.bsky.social
Ever county shifted blue in Virginia
November 5, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Reposted by Delegate Katrina Callsen
meghin.bsky.social
RESULTS! ARE! COMING! IN!
You too can be a giant nerd by following along here: enr.elections.virginia.gov/results/publ...
A screenshot of the currently trickling in results for governor. as of 7:10 (when this was screenshot) five localities were reporting and Abigail Spanberger had 64% of the vote. Winsome Earle-Sears had 35% of the vote. There were 10 write-ins as of 7:10 when this was screenshot.
November 5, 2025 at 12:13 AM
katrinacallsen.com
30 minutes left. Go vote now. Vote for the future you want! (Not a trip to the past)
November 4, 2025 at 11:30 PM
katrinacallsen.com
Good sweater game at the polls and great weather!! Go vote today!!
November 4, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Reposted by Delegate Katrina Callsen
cvilledems.bsky.social
[Drawing of champaign bottles and glasses, and pizza with a pizza cutter.] ELECTION NIGHT WATCH PARTY! WHEN: 04 November 2025 TIME: 6:30pm WHERE: Random Row Brewing Co. Time to celebrate all of our hard work! HOSTED BY CVILLE & ALBEMARLE DEMS.
November 3, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Reposted by Delegate Katrina Callsen
scvanvalkenburg.bsky.social
Imagine doing the mental gymnastics to say this with a straight face.

It’s all about Trump and cozying up to him with these guys. They will never do anything to check him.

Go to Congress and vote to ban mid-decade redistricting for ALL states, including ones that support MAGA.
October 27, 2025 at 9:37 PM