A surge in politically motivated threats has reached Virginia, where State Delegate Kim Taylor (R-Petersburg) recently received a credible threat against her life.
Authorities confirmed that a suspect has been arrested following the incident, which began when Taylor’s campaign was sent a threatening text message late last week.
The Dinwiddie County Sheriff’s Office identified 33-year-old Michael Ray Strawmyer of DeWitt, Virginia, as the individual behind the message.
Deputies apprehended him on Thursday after tracing the threat directly to him.
Strawmyer is currently being held without bond at the Meherrin River Regional Jail in Alberta, awaiting his initial court appearance.
Fox News reported that the text included accusations that Taylor was “ruining the country,” citing her political affiliation and broader partisan tensions.
Law enforcement emphasized that the investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to review the evidence.
Taylor, who has served Virginia’s 82nd District since 2022, issued a statement reassuring constituents that she is unharmed.
Her campaign praised law enforcement’s prompt response and emphasized that threats would not interfere with her work in Richmond.
“No threat will distract her from the work she was elected to do,” spokesperson Jacklyn Washington said.
Reactions from both sides of the political aisle were swift.
Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican nominee for governor, commended law enforcement for their quick action, stating, “Political violence is never the answer.”
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger expressed her alarm at the threat but welcomed the rapid arrest.
The threat against Taylor is part of a growing wave of politically motivated harassment and violence across the country, particularly aimed at conservative leaders.
Public figures and activists have reported a rise in threats and intimidation linked to their political stances, especially following the assassination of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk.
Experts warn that such incidents are becoming increasingly common as partisan divisions intensify, with conservatives frequently targeted for expressing their views publicly.
Law enforcement officials and political leaders from both parties have condemned these threats, emphasizing that attempts to intimidate elected officials undermine democratic processes and will not deter officials from carrying out their duties.
Taylor first drew statewide attention in 2021 when she won an unexpected victory over then-Delegate Lashrecse Aird, flipping the seat and contributing to Republican control of the House of Delegates.
She narrowly retained her seat in 2023 after a recount, winning by just 53 votes against Democratic challenger Kimberly Pope Adams, according to Virginia Mercury.
Outside of politics, Taylor operates multiple auto repair shops with her husband, employing roughly 30 people.
In her legislative role, she has sponsored bills focused on school safety, anti-human trafficking measures and tax and regulatory reforms.
Earlier this year, she was one of five Republicans to cross party lines in support of legislation safeguarding same-sex marriage in Virginia.
Taylor’s campaign maintains that incidents like this reinforce her commitment to serving constituents.
Washington reiterated, “Delegate Taylor remains focused on her responsibilities and will continue to prioritize her district.”
Authorities continue to assess the situation to determine if additional charges against Strawmyer are warranted.
