February 5, 2026
Contact: Debra Freeman at [email protected] or 757-452-1143
New Virginia Majority Richmond Chapter Joins Pack the Courts Rally to Demand Anti-Rent Gauge Legislation
Richmond, Va. - New Virginia Majority, Richmond Tenants Union, the Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice and Equality are organizing a rally to “pack the courts” by having members show up in support of anti-rent gauging legislation on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 9 a.m. at John Marshall Courts (400 N 9th Street, entrance on 9th and Clay St).
The legislation would have prevented exorbitant rent increases that far outpace income growth and force many residents out of their homes, and lawmakers have failed to act, leaving Virginia tenants at the mercy of an increasingly unaffordable rental market. Existing relief programs, such as eviction prevention funds and the Family Crisis Fund, often reach families too late to prevent displacement.
“We cannot get ahead and have upward mobility without some intervention from the General Assembly empowering our local government to stop the excessive increase in rent. Take it from me, I have a disability and had my housing voucher taken away. It's important to have protections when government assistance fails to prevent displacement,” said NVM member Emeka Anyawelchi.
NVM organizer Claudia Herrera said, “temperatures have fallen below zero, and landlords are abusively raising rent. We need critical protections for tenants, not for landlords. This is an unsafe time for anyone without housing.”
As a follow up to the rally, on February 7, 2026 at 7 p.m., NVM organizers and members will co-host a community rent party at Studio 23 (109 W 15th St, Richmond, Va) along with Richmond Tenant Union and The Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice and Equality. The party is a fundraiser for Richmond residents facing eviction, and community members are invited to attend, donate, and show up in solidarity to help our neighbors stay housed.
To speak with a NVM member or organizer, contact Debra Freeman at [email protected] or 757-452-1143.
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New Virginia Majority builds power in working-class communities of color, in immigrant communities, among LGBTQ people, women, youth, and progressives across the Commonwealth. We organize for racial and economic justice through large-scale political education, mobilization and advocacy around dozens of issues. We fight for a Virginia that is just, democratic and environmentally sustainable. For more information, visit our website.