FBI Searches Virginia Lawmaker's Office in Corruption Probe

Federal agents searched the office of a senior Virginia Democratic state senator in Portsmouth on Wednesday as part of an ongoing public corruption investigation. The search also included a nearby cannabis business the lawmaker co-owns called The Cannabis Outlet.

A federal law enforcement official said the Drug Enforcement Administration is involved but that drugs are not the primary focus of the probe.

Two people familiar with the case told The New York Times the search of the lawmaker’s business office relates to a Biden-era investigation of possible corruption and bribery connected to marijuana dispensaries. The investigation began during the prior administration, according to sources familiar with the matter.

An FBI spokesperson confirmed the law enforcement activity and said in a statement that an investigation is ongoing with no threat to public safety.

"This is an ongoing investigation," the statement added, noting that no further information is publicly available at this time. The lawmaker suggested the search was retaliation for her role in leading the state’s recent redistricting push. ” >"Today’s actions by Federal agents are about far more than one state senator; they are about power and who is allowed to use it on behalf of the people.

... " — Virginia state senator, May 6, 2026 (NBC News) The redistricting effort produced a new congressional map that could add four Democratic-leaning seats. Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment last month allowing legislators to advance the map, though the state Supreme Court is still weighing its legality after hearing oral arguments last week.

The search comes amid a broader national redistricting battle. It began after President Trump encouraged Texas Republicans to adopt new maps, prompting Democratic-led states including Virginia to respond with their own redraws. More than half a dozen states have redrawn congressional districts ahead of this fall’s elections.

A spokesperson for the state’s Democratic governor said the office is aware of the operation but declined further comment. The state House speaker, also a Democrat, expressed concern over the timing and called for facts to emerge before conclusions are drawn. The lawmaker, first elected to the Virginia General Assembly in 1991, has been a key figure in Democratic legislative efforts.

She used social media earlier this year to taunt Republicans and the president after the redistricting measure passed. Federal agents were seen entering the building in Portsmouth on May 6. Fox News first reported the searches.

The FBI did not immediately respond to the lawmaker’s statement linking the action to her redistricting work. The investigation remains active. No charges have been filed.