The role of money in politics is a perennial issue, amplified significantly by the Citizens United ruling in 2010. In Virginia, this issue takes on a unique dimension due to the state’s lack of personal donation limits. This absence of restrictions means that individuals and corporations can contribute unlimited sums to political candidates in Virginia, as frequently as they wish.
This permissive environment has led to considerable efforts by various entities to sway legislative outcomes through substantial and unrestricted donations. This practice is now facing increased scrutiny, particularly within the Democratic political sphere. The central question is whether genuine change is on the horizon, or if a new power dynamic is simply emerging, with figures like Charlottesville billionaires stepping into the role of political kingmakers for the Democrats.
The Dominion Context: A Catalyst for Change?
To understand the current situation, it’s crucial to examine its origins. Following the Democratic takeover of the state assembly in 2019, activist energy was notably high. Campaign finance reform emerged as a priority issue, with a specific focus on Dominion Energy.
Dominion Energy, the primary electricity provider in Virginia, has a long-standing history of significant political donations to Virginia politicians across the political spectrum. Historically, the majority of these donations have favored the party in power in the state legislature, currently the Democrats. While Republicans have also received contributions—$126,000 to Republican legislative PACs or legislators in 2021—Dominion’s $275,000 donation to Democrats in the same year underscores the underlying tensions and power dynamics at play.
In response to concerns about corporate influence, particularly from Dominion Energy, a movement arose among Democratic legislators, especially within the House of Delegates. Progressive members like Delegates Elizabeth Guzmán, Lashresce Aird, and Wendy Gooditis publicly pledged not to accept donations from Dominion. Despite this pledge, and while Dominion has still contributed significantly to the House Democratic PAC and House Democratic Leader Charneile Herring—$50,000 in the past year—those delegates who signed the anti-Dominion pledge still benefit from substantial financial backing, albeit indirectly. This is because upon signing the pledge, fundraising responsibilities for these delegates often shift to different Political Action Committees (PACs).
Sonjia Smith and Michael Bills: The Emergence of New Political Financiers
This shift in fundraising dynamics has brought to the forefront Sonjia Smith and Michael Bills, a billionaire couple now considered a significant power couple within Virginia Democratic politics. Based in Charlottesville, Smith and Bills channel their predominantly Democratic-leaning political donations through two primary PACs: the Clean Virginia Fund and Commonwealth Forward. While these PACs have been active since 2019, the 2021 election cycle appears to be their first concerted effort to exert considerable influence. Sonjia Smith, potentially seen by some as a “Sonjia Smith Lawyer” figure in the political finance arena for her strategic approach, has personally contributed hundreds of thousands to individual Democratic House campaigns this cycle, with expectations of millions more by the election’s end.
Michael Bills has concentrated on bolstering the Clean Virginia Fund, injecting it with three million dollars this year. Clean Virginia, in turn, has channeled $925,000 to Commonwealth Forward. Additionally, Clean Virginia has made significant donations to statewide candidates, including $500,000 to gubernatorial candidate Jennifer Carroll-Foy and $150,000 to Attorney General candidate Jay Jones.
Through these PACs and their substantial personal wealth, Smith and Bills have undeniably amplified their political influence. Smith alone has donated to 20 individual campaigns this cycle, spanning races from safe seats to highly competitive and even long-shot contests. Their involvement is pervasive across key Virginia races, leading to clear proxy battles in House of Delegate primaries.
Primary Battles: HD-02 and HD-79 as Case Studies
The emerging power struggle between Dominion and the billionaire couple is vividly illustrated in two Democratic House of Delegate primaries. Following perceived setbacks in their statewide candidate preferences, Smith and Bills have focused on challenging incumbent delegates in the House. House District 2, represented by Candi King in Northern Virginia, became an initial target. King’s refusal to sign the pledge against Dominion funding triggered a response from Smith and Bills. Smith rescinded a $1,000 donation to King and subsequently supported her primary challenger, Pamela Montgomery. Montgomery’s campaign raised an impressive $585,851 in the past filing period, with $545,200 originating from Smith directly, the Clean Virginia Fund, or Commonwealth Forward – a staggering 93% of Montgomery’s total funds. Such financial firepower is transformative in a House of Delegates race.
A similar scenario unfolded in House District 79, where incumbent Steve Heretick also declined to sign the anti-Dominion pledge. Heretick’s voting record, including instances where he diverged from the caucus on issues such as Confederate statues, further solidified his position as a target. The billionaire couple directed their resources towards Nadarius Clark, a 27-year-old black progressive challenger. Clark’s campaign raised just over $500,000 in the last filing period, with $445,000 coming from Commonwealth Forward PAC or Sonjia Smith personally – 89% of Clark’s total fundraising. This level of financial backing grants immense influence over a first-time candidate.
A Nascent Political Machine?
Whether this strategy will prove successful for Smith and Bills remains to be seen. As noted, their preferred statewide candidates have not gained significant traction, and the primary outcomes for Montgomery and Clark are uncertain, with both considered slight underdogs against incumbents. However, the couple’s intent to wield significant influence over the direction of the Democratic Party in Virginia is unmistakable.
Their vision appears to be a more progressive Democratic party, increasingly reliant on their financial contributions. For numerous House Democrats, Smith and Bills have already become crucial early-stage campaign financiers, with indications of further financial support as the general election approaches.
The trajectory suggests the formation of a new political machine, potentially dominated by Smith and Bills and their substantial financial resources. Victories for Clark and Montgomery in their primaries would send a clear message to the House Democratic Caucus: sever ties with Dominion and align with Clean Virginia and Commonwealth Forward, or risk primary challenges. Whether the couple will leverage this influence to enact campaign finance reform, potentially diminishing their own influence in the long run, is yet to unfold. For now, Sonjia Smith and Michael Bills are perceived as the ascendant power brokers in Virginia politics, shaping the landscape of campaign finance and Democratic party dynamics within the state.
