Mark Obenshain, a Republican who was elected to the Virginia State Senate in 2024 to represent the state’s 2nd Senate district, recently shared several posts on his social media account reflecting on the opening of the 2026 legislative session and honoring notable colleagues.
On January 15, 2026, Obenshain acknowledged a significant moment as the General Assembly convened its new session. He stated, “Yesterday, we convened the 2026 session, and it would not be possible to let this moment pass without acknowledging the service of one of our most principled and determined members of the General Assembly. (1/2) https://t.co/oDsXI4T42H”.
In a follow-up post made seconds later on January 15, he expressed gratitude for a longtime colleague: “I had the honor of working alongside Delegate, Speaker & Leader Todd Gilbert for nearly twenty years. Thank you for your leadership, your integrity, and your friendship. (2/2)”.
The next day, January 16, Obenshain reported on a tribute held in honor of Lt. Governor Winsome Sears during her final day presiding over the Senate. He wrote: “A well deserved tribute today to honor the service of Lt. Governor @WinsomeSears on her last day of presiding over the Senate. My colleagues and I made a donation in her name to her favorite charity, the National Center for Healthy Veterans. () https://t.co/Rq0MTNW0s6”.
Obenshain succeeded Mamie Locke as senator for Virginia’s 2nd district following his election in 2024.
