Just a few raw thoughts to share without filter or apologies. There seems to be a dark streak that has been festering in Virginia for a while now. Unfortunately, we have just witnessed what would happen if that festering darkness were allowed to manifest unchecked. And very soon I fear that something wicked this way comes. This past election just confirmed the growing unease with a large segment of our population.

It is all very well to self-criticize efforts and to lament that not enough was done. The classic fallback is to say “We just have to work harder.” Harder work, better candidates, and more money will not sway a possibly growing nihilistic, insane, enraged segment of our population.

The election results are a harbinger of a great darkness that is growing and it cannot be deterred or swayed with debate, facts or reason. These people embrace violence and their rage. Their guiding star is the one that points to the ends always justifying the means. Over 55% of democrats surveyed in a national poll indicated their support for President Trump’s assassination. These are hard core and mindless voters. This dark vote was countered in 2024 by right and left leaning independents voting for sanity and good policy. They voted for President Trump in large numbers. Those numbers were not replicated in this year’s election. That effort required heavy doses of funds – funds that in this off-year election were not available to the right, yet the left always seems to have an embarrassment of riches. Thus, for them, money was not an issue, and they used it to sway the independents their way with a barrage of media and door knocking blitzes.

In no sane reality would an obscure congressman from a discredited Democrat Party come close to beating Winsome Sears. Or the Democrat candidate Lt. Governor, Gizhala Hashmi, be so extreme that her own party kept her under lock and key throughout the campaign as a phantom candidate. Meanwhile, her Republican opponent, John Reid, worked tirelessly and campaigned nonstop, being accessible in person and presenting his policies. He lost to the phantom candidate. And then there is Jay Jones…his history and his character speaks volumes of dark ideations, yet Jason Miyares lost to a person who never has tried a case in court and is hostile to law enforcement.

So this is the state where we find ourselves. For those who voted for the Democrat slate, both you and the innocent who voted for the good guys will suffer badly.

As for us, we will gather this Saturday, November 22, 2025 at the Airport Sheraton near Richmond for our Virginia (Up) Rising Summit where we will look to reset among the good people and winter warriors that will gather (see vatp.org for details and for tickets). We hope for a good day with a strong positive message. Believe me, in gatherings such as these I have witnessed absolute miracles where great character emerges and practical plans with impact are formed. It is said that just showing up is half the fight. Let’s hope that we can finish the other half of this fight in strong Tea Party fashion.

With resolve,
Nelson Velez
Chairman
VATP