Civil rights attorney, proud union member, dad, and Delegate representing VA House District 77 My name is Charlie Schmidt.
I’m a Civil Rights lawyer, union member, and longtime community advocate. I’ve spent my career defending people who too often get overlooked: workers, families, and neighbors who deserve someone in their corner. Now I’m running for the House of Delegates in the 77th District because I’ll fight for high-quality public schools, good-paying jobs, and safe, affordable communities in a Virginia where e
02/24/2026
When I was running for office so much of my early support came from current and former students. It's only fitting to keep teaching from my office at the General Assembly!
A huge thank you to my students for your willingness to adapt to a change of venue. I hope you're having as much fun as I am! As always, thank you to all my current and former U of R and students for your continued support!
02/24/2026
The Virginia State Senate: 40 members and 0 fundamentals 🏀🏀🏀
Thank you to everyone who came the Capital Square Classic tonight to watch a little basketball and support a good cause!
02/17/2026
Happy Lunar New Year!🐎🔥
Though today has also been a day to reflect on the legacy of those we've lost, I want to wish everyone celebrating a year of bold steps and progress . Let’s make the Year of the Horse one to remember! 🏮🧧
02/17/2026
We have lost one of the great civil rights and economic justice leaders of this generation.
Rev. Jesse Jackson should serve to remind us of what is possible for working class people when we work together. The Rainbow/PUSH coalition taught many the power of multiracial organizing.
I think the article “Visualizing a Neo-Rainbow” by Bill Fletcher, Jr. and Donald Glover articulates the power he aimed to build best:
“Jackson tapped into a growing anger and frustration arising on the US political scene among both historically and newly disenfranchised populations. He spoke to issues of economic injustice without abandoning the question of race, thus avoiding the classic error of white populists who attempt to build unity by addressing economic issues only. Jackson linked these issues. His appearances before white farmers and workers brought forth a response that previously had been unimaginable.”
He set an example that should be a roadmap for us on the left. He will be sorely missed, and I’ll be thinking of his family today.
02/15/2026
Happy Valentine's Day! Please support HB1415 and protections for renters with companion animals. Thank you to the for providing this excellent photo op.
Thank you to the groups and advocates from across Virginia who have already come out in support of HB 1482!
This bill establishes clear facial covering restrictions and Identification Requirements for law enforcement officers while on duty.
This bill requires officers to be clearly identifiable and restricts the use of facial coverings that obscure an officer's identity during public interactions or protests.
To watch full public testimony related to this bill go to
https://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00304/harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20260206/-1/21333?startposition=20260206070232&viewMode=2&globalStreamId=4
02/11/2026
It may seem silly at first but let’s talk about why HB1475:Virginia Fungi Task Force is such a vital piece of environmental legislation! 🍄
Voice your support for this bill by following the link in bio or in the caption below!👇
https://hodspeak.house.virginia.gov/committees/H01/bills/HB1475/comments
Thank you to all who came out to support this bill so far!
We got our first bill through the Virginia House of Delegates!
HB 1408 addresses a critical gap in housing security. By offering vital eviction protections to survivors of domestic abuse, this legislation removes one of the most significant barriers to safety: the fear of losing one’s home. Thank you to everyone who came out in support of this bill!
For updates on this and Charlie's other bills, sign up for the 77th district newsletter by following the link in our bio and below
https://app.indigov.com/pub/bff64a16-847f-4015-917e-a6088c666140/subscriptions/new?audience=10012c3d-0c25-4cca-b300-b3097d5d1d24
02/02/2026
As we begin Black History Month, we mark a profound milestone: the 100th year of this observance. We can take pride in the fact that this legacy began with a historian from Virginia. Known as the "Father of Black History," Carter G. Woodson established what would become Black History Month in 1926.
A century later, that mission remains deeply relevant.
Check the link in my bio or below for excellent resources and reading lists provided by the Richmond Public Library.
https://rvalibrary.org/events/black-history-month/
01/26/2026
I am heartbroken and outraged to hear the news coming out of Minneapolis about the extrajudicial killing of Alex Pretti. Alex is not the first to die at the hands of ICE agents; like everyone affected by ICE raids, he was a beloved and vital member of his community. His death is another tragic example of the violence inflicted on working communities by federal agents who act without regard for the law, for basic civil rights, or for human life. Alex was an ICU nurse who spent his days caring for veterans, and he was a community activist. In his story, I see so many of the people I work with every day to achieve a more just world. I see my constituents; I see the students I teach; I see myself.
We cannot remain silent while federal agencies are weaponized to occupy and terrorize our neighborhoods. I stand firmly with those across this nation who condemn this violence. It is time to abolish ICE.
01/25/2026
With extreme winter weather expected this weekend, it’s important to know who to call if you need help. Save this post and keep these numbers handy ⛄📞
🚧 Road Conditions
VDOT Customer Service Center: 800-367-7623
🚓 Public Safety (Non-Emergency)
Call 804-748-1251
🚨 Always call 911 in case of an emergency
💧 Water / Wastewater Emergencies (Utilities)
Call 804-748-1310
🤝 Community Resources
Virginia 211: Dial 2-1-1
⚡ Power Outages
Dominion Energy: 866-366-4357
Southside Electric: Call or text to 866-878-5514
A little prep now can make a big difference later—stay safe, stay warm, and don’t forget to save this for easy access ❄️
01/25/2026