Baldacci Institute for Civil Discourse

The Baldacci Institute for Civil Discourse at Virginia Commonwealth University proudly presents the Virginia Government Simulation.

Established in 2024, the VGS provides undergraduate students from across the commonwealth the opportunity to live the life of a lawmaker during a three-day simulation each fall.

Students play the role of Virginia legislators, are expected to research their partisanship and positions, elect party leadership, propose laws, review and amend offered bills, debate, engage in floor action, and send passed legislation on to an internally-elected Governor.

The VGS provides a unique opportunity to meet students from across the state, as well as from different backgrounds and majors. Learning about the role that government plays in our everyday lives is essential to understanding governmental structures and provides knowledge on how to engage with government at the local and state levels. The simulation experience for many students is a transformative one, where they developed skills of communication, compromise, argument based on evidence, logical fallacies and how to discuss the problems that state and local governments face.

The 3rd Annual Virginia Government Simulation will take place October 20-22, 2026.

2026 VGS Seat Allocation

Fourteen institutions submitted an intent to send a delegation to the 2026 Virginia Government Simulation and we are pleased to share this year’s seat allocation.

Institutution	Delegate Seat Allocation
Brightpoint Community College	6
Christopher Newport University	6
Hampden-Sydney College	3
Hampton University	5
James Madison University	12
Norfolk State University	6
Old Dominion University	9
Radford University	6
Reynolds Community College	6
Sweet Briar College	2
Virginia Commonwealth University	12
Virginia Tech	15
Virginia Peninsula Community College	5
William and Mary	7

In the next few days, the individual who submitted your institution’s intent form will receive a delegation roster. On that roster, your institution will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of:

• House delegates, up to the number of seats allocated to your institution
• Up to two senators
• One student journalist
• One faculty advisor

Because the Senate is limited to 40 seats and senators will have a greater workload, institutions should select students who have previously participated in VGS or completed an internship with a state legislature whenever possible.

Please begin identifying your delegates now so that you are prepared to complete the roster promptly when it arrives. Additional information about individual registration and the next steps in the VGS process will follow.

Note that we may have seats remaining after the delegation rosters are submitted. Any remaining seats will be reallocated. If your institution missed the deadline to file your intent, please reach out to Dr. Amanda Wintersieck (wintersieal@vcu.edu).

2026 Student Leadership

Governor

Caden VanVanlkenburg

James Madison University, Class of 2027, Computer Science with a minor in legal studies
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia

Hello! My name is Caden VanValkenburg, and I'm honored to be the second governor of the Virginia Government Simulation. I've previously served as Speaker of the House in the second session of the simulation, and I feel that my experience will let me bring a strong guiding hand to help with the third session, and allows me to help connect to the needs of the delegates themselves, something which is my greatest priority for the simulation.

Outside of the simulation, I am a student at James Madison University, where I am a member of the archery club, the DND club, and sit as a senator in the Student Government Association, which I represent on JMU's Core Curriculum Committee, which is working to revise our Gen Ed system for the future students. After I graduate, I plan to go to law school to study Intellectual Property law, which I hope to practice in the future.

As for the future, who knows? It's been a long held dream of mine to one day run for office.

Lieutenant Governor 

Lakeisha Drake

Virginia Peninsula Community College, Paralegal Studies & Administration of Justice 
Hometown: Hampton Roads, Virginia

Hello! My name is Lakeisha Drake, and I am honored to serve as Lieutenant Governor in the Virginia Government Simulation. As a first-time participant, I am grateful for the opportunity to step into this leadership role, where I can help guide the simulation while supporting and advocating for all delegates. I am committed to fostering collaboration, professionalism, and meaningful engagement.

Outside of the simulation, I am a student at Virginia Peninsula Community College pursuing degrees in Paralegal Studies and Administration of Justice. I have also collaborated with the William & Mary School of Law as a career studies advocate and coach, assisting students in preparing for careers in the legal and government sectors. Through this work, I have developed a strong passion for helping others grow with confidence and purpose.

I believe the Virginia Government Simulation is an outstanding opportunity for students exploring legal education and careers in both the public and private sectors. I am excited to work alongside such driven and talented individuals.

As Lieutenant Governor, I am here to support and guide you—ensuring you feel confident, prepared, and fully engaged in the legislative process. I look forward to contributing to a meaningful and impactful session while continuing to grow as a leader.

Attorney General

Jackson Mallory

Virginia Commonwealth University, Class of 2027, Political science and criminal justice with a minor in homeland security and emergency preparedness 
Hometown: Mechanicsville, Virginia

Welcome! My name is Jackson Mallory, a veteran of VGS since 2024, and I am so incredibly proud to serve as the first-ever elected Attorney General. I look forward to cultivating amazing legislation, while improving upon student access to roles within the simulation. In addition to my role as Attorney General, I also handle research and general coordination for VGS under the Director, Dr. Amanda Wintersieck.

In my capacity as a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, I currently sit as a senator for my university’s Student Government Simulation, where I perform liaison work with Residential Life & Housing. In my free time, I love to cook, travel, and play video games. As of late, I have visited Cuba and Qatar, with plans to see El Salvador next. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career abroad. Fiji would be nice.