Virginia Governor Signs Bill to End Tax Breaks for Confederate Groups

Spanberger also commits Virginia to National Popular Vote Interstate Compact

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:04am

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting an empty Confederate monument in Richmond, Virginia, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.As Virginia moves to shed its Confederate past, the fate of remaining monuments hangs in the balance.Richmond Today

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed into law a bill to end tax exemptions for Confederate-related organizations in the state, including the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Spanberger has also signed Virginia onto the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which aims to award a state's electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote.

Why it matters

Spanberger's actions represent a significant shift away from Virginia's legacy as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. The move to end tax breaks for Confederate groups and join the popular vote compact are seen as steps to address the state's history of racial injustice and undemocratic electoral practices.

The details

The new law targets the United Daughters of the Confederacy, a group founded in 1894 to honor Confederate ancestors. The organization has been central to promoting the 'Lost Cause' mythology that glorified the Confederacy and downplayed slavery. Losing the tax breaks could hinder the UDC's ability to maintain its Richmond headquarters and operations. Meanwhile, the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact aims to award a state's electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote, rather than the winner within that state. With Virginia's inclusion, the compact now has 222 electors, moving closer to the 270-elector threshold needed to take effect.

  • On April 16, 2026, Governor Spanberger signed the bill ending tax exemptions for Confederate groups.
  • Also on April 16, 2026, Spanberger committed Virginia to the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.

The players

Abigail Spanberger

The governor of Virginia who has taken these actions to address the state's Confederate legacy and electoral system.

United Daughters of the Confederacy

A group founded in 1894 to honor Confederate ancestors, which has been central to promoting the 'Lost Cause' mythology that glorified the Confederacy and downplayed slavery.

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What they’re saying

“If the Compact reaches its goal, expect all hell to pay in the federal courts, even though a recent poll saw 63 percent would replace the creaky current system with a national popular vote.”

— Charles P. Pierce, Author

What’s next

The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact still needs to reach the 270-elector threshold to take effect, which will likely face legal challenges if achieved.

The takeaway

Governor Spanberger's actions represent a significant shift in Virginia's approach to its Confederate legacy and electoral system, moving the state towards greater racial justice and democratic principles. However, these changes will face resistance and legal battles ahead.