GOP lawmaker seeks Senate investigation, possible expulsion of Sen. Louise Lucas

Republican state Sen. Bryce Reeves of Spotsylvania wants the Virginia Senate to investigate Democratic Sen. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth and consider expelling her after federal prosecutors accused her of using her legislative influence to benefit a cannabis business she co-owns. 

Reeves prefiled Senate Resolution 173 on Oct. 30 for the 2027 General Assembly session, which is scheduled to begin in January. 

The measure would direct the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections to examine allegations behind five federal charges against Lucas, including racketeering, marijuana distribution, money laundering and honest-services fraud conspiracies, and maintaining drug-involved premises. 

In an interview with The Mercury Thursday, Reeves said the Senate has a responsibility to investigate possible misconduct independently of the criminal proceedings. He said his proposal was motivated by that obligation and his concerns about financial disclosures, rather than personal animosity toward Lucas. 

“She’s innocent until proven guilty, but there is enough circumstantial evidence, I think, that the Senate needs to investigate and figure out what’s going on,” Reeves said. “If we can’t police our own house, what does that say about us as an institution?”

The resolution could set the stage for a separate vote on expulsion, although it acknowledges Lucas’ presumption of innocence and calls for any disciplinary action to be based on committee findings “supported by evidence.”

Lucas, who serves as the Senate’s president pro tempore, did not respond to an inquiry from The Mercury seeking comment. 

Under Reeves’ proposal, the committee would seek recordings, transcripts, financial and ownership records, economic interest disclosures and legislative documents. Senators would examine whether the alleged conduct violated Virginia’s marijuana distribution laws or the General Assembly Conflict of Interests Act. 

In the interview, Reeves pointed to allegations that Lucas had failed to disclose business interests on required financial filings. He said that her position as the chair of the powerful Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, which oversees much of the chamber’s work on taxes and spending, made scrutiny particularly important because of the responsibility its members have for the state budget. 

The resolution singled out two conversations cited in the indictment. 

In one, Lucas allegedly discussed making past marijuana-related conduct legal. In another, prosecutors allege, she discussed disqualifying a prospective marijuana license applicant until money owed to her was repaid. 

The resolution calls for reviewing the underlying recordings and other evidence to determine the statements’ authenticity, context and legal significance. It cautions against treating the indictment or statements quoted in it as proof of guilt or a violation of state law. 

The committee would hold hearings as needed, provide procedural protections and report its findings and recommendations to the Senate. Any proposed disciplinary action would require another resolution specifying the action. 

Options include reprimand, censure or expulsion. The committee could also recommend referring the matter to the attorney general. 

Under the Virginia Constitution, expelling a senator requires a two-thirds vote of the chamber’s elected membership — 27 votes in the 40-member Senate. 

Reeves said he expected the panel would probably consider the matter in January and acknowledged that its review may not result in expulsion.

“It might not lead to that, maybe she’s not guilty of some of these things. I don’t want to say one way or the other. I’m just saying we need to look at it, that’s our job,” he said.  

Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, could not be reached for comment Thursday. 

The federal indictment unsealed Oct. 22 charged Lucas and six others, including relatives and business associates. Prosecutors allege she helped operate a marijuana distribution enterprise, laundered proceeds and used her public office for personal financial gain. 

One allegation centers on a $750,000 payment Lucas allegedly made in 2022 for an ownership interest in a business tied to another person’s anticipated recreational marijuana license. Prosecutors allege she failed to disclose the interest and used her position in discussions involving the prospective license.  

None of the allegations have been proven in court. Reeves’ proposal would allow the Senate to examine possible legislative misconduct while the federal criminal case proceeds. 

Lucas has served in the Senate since 1992 and as president pro tempore since 2020. Following her indictment, Lucas accused federal authorities of trying to intimidate her and vowed to not back down. 

Gov. Abigail Spanberger defended Lucas’ right to present a defense and questioned the timing of the indictment, which came less than two weeks before the midterm elections. Federal authorities have said the investigation began before President Donald Trump returned to office. 

House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, called the allegations serious and said they should be resolved in court. 

The investigation became public in May, when federal agents searched Lucas’ Portsmouth legislative office and cannabis businesses. Prosecutors allege the operation involved The Cannabis Outlet and The CBD Shoppe, businesses connected to Lucas and her associates. 

The indictment also includes firearms and wire fraud charges against other defendants. 

Reeves’ resolution would put the matter before the Senate committee responsible for reviewing potential disciplinary action. Any recommendation would go to the full Senate, where Democrats currently hold 21 seats. 

Reaching the 27 votes required for expulsion would take at least eight Democratic votes if all 19 Republicans supported it.  

Reeves said he was certain some Democratic colleagues would support action if Lucas were convicted in the criminal case, even if the Senate’s review found no basis for discipline.

“Maybe there’s nothing there,” he said. “And then if the court case drags on and eventually she’s convicted, then that’s a whole other deal, right?”

Virginia Mercury reporter Shannon Heckt contributed to this story.