Mark Obenshain, a Republican elected to the Virginia State Senate in 2024 representing the state’s 2nd Senate district, used his social media platform on February 17, 2026, to voice concerns over two legislative proposals under consideration in Virginia.
In a post published at 17:19 UTC, Obenshain addressed SB783 and criticized its intent. He stated, (1/2)Here are my remarks on SB783 — the Democrats’ bill to end cooperation between the Commonwealth of Virginia and federal immigration officials. This is a clear “defund the police” policy, similar to the disastrous approach we saw pushed in 2020. The senator continued his commentary in a follow-up tweet posted seconds later: (2/2) I will continue to stand for accountability, but I will not support this misguided effort by Democrats to undermine law enforcement and disregard the needs of victims of violence.
Later that day at 19:45 UTC, Obenshain turned his attention to another piece of legislation. He wrote, (1/2) SB 378 repeals Virginia’s long-standing ban on collective bargaining for state & local government employees — a top priority of organized labor for years.
It will put upward pressure on state taxes, raise local real estate taxes, and drive up tuition at public colleges.
Obenshain’s statements come as part of ongoing debates within the Virginia legislature regarding law enforcement policies and labor rights for government employees. His position reflects broader Republican opposition to measures perceived as reducing cooperation with federal immigration authorities or expanding collective bargaining rights.
Obenshain succeeded Mamie Locke in representing Virginia’s 2nd Senate district after winning election in 2024.
