Freedom Virginia Announces the Inaugural Virginia Scroll Awards

Awards Aim to Recognize Leaders Who Used Social Media to Keep Regular Virginians Informed & Engaged Throughout the Legislative Session

RICHMOND, Va. — Today, Freedom Virginia announced the inaugural Virginia Scroll Awards. The Virginia Scroll Awards will recognize Virginia elected officials and leaders who help online audiences across the commonwealth understand what is happening in Richmond and, more importantly, why it matters.

The Awards are a first-of-their-kind celebration of leaders who show up consistently online, explain complex issues clearly, engage authentically with constituents, and use their digital platforms to make government more accessible. By highlighting the importance of digital communication in making public policy more understandable, the Virginia Scroll Awards aim to encourage stronger, more positive online civic engagement.

The Awards are comprised of six categories that each recognize at least four nominees across the House, Senate, and Executive Branch;

The Freshman Flex:

Recognizes a newly elected legislator who quickly established a standout social media presence:

• Lt. Governor Ghazala Hashmi

• Delegate Jessica Anderson

• Delegate Nicole Cole

• Delegate John McAuliff

The Director’s Cut:

Recognizes exceptional use of video to educate, inform, and engage constituents:

• Delegate Jessica Anderson

• Delegate Joshua Cole

• Delegate Michael Feggans

• Delegate Jackie Glass

• Delegate Irene Shin

• Delegate Michael Webert

Open Door Policy:

Recognizes a legislator who uses social media as an extension of constituent service—responsive, accessible, and engaged:

• Senator Russet Perry

• Delegate Joshua Cole

• Delegate John McAuliff

• Delegate Adele McClure

• Delegate Leslie Mehta

The Iron Poster:

Recognizes consistency, quality, and persistence throughout the legislative session:

• Senator Mark Peake

• Delegate Jessica Anderson

• Delegate Cia Price

• Delegate Sam Rasoul

The Translator:

Recognizes a legislator who excels at breaking down complex legislation, budgets, and policy issues into language Virginians can understand:

• Senator Jennifer Caroll Foy

• Senator Saddam Salim

• Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg

• Delegate Nicole Cole

• Delegate Josh Thomas

• Delegate David Reid

The People’s Follow:

Recognizes the leader whose content fellow legislators, advocates, organizers, and engaged Virginians most enjoy seeing in their feed:

• First Gentleman Adam Spanberger

• Senator Louise Lucas

• Senator Stella Pekarsky

• Delegate Nicole Cole

• Delegate Irene Shin

The panel of judges – which includes Virginia content creators and influencers, members of the Virginia digital press corps, activists, and Freedom Virginia staff and partners – concluded their voting this week. The first-ever winners of the Virginia Scroll Awards are set to be announced on Tuesday, June 23.