Samantha Willis – Editor-in-Chief, Virginia Mercury

The Virginia Mercury’s Editor-in-Chief Samantha Willis is a native Virginian and journalist with 13 years of digital, print and broadcast media experience. Willis joined the Mercury as Deputy and Commentary Editor in January 2023. Prior, she helped launch VPM News’ weekly television news show Focal Point, working as the broadcast’s editorial producer, a reporter and writer; one of the episodes she worked on, which focused on mental health, won an Emmy Award in 2023 for Best Public Affairs Program. She’s also earned first place Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters and Virginia Press Association awards, among others. She was formerly a digital content producer and manager at WRIC ABC 8News and arts editor/writer at Richmond Magazine, and for five years worked as a full time freelance reporter/writer. Willis attended Radford University and lives in Doswell with her husband and three sons.

Amy Wentz

*Bio coming soon*

Amy joins Women & Politics this week as an endorser for Andreas Addison’s campaign for mayor.

Morgan Wilds – Campaign Manager, Andrew “Gumby” Breton for City Council, 1st District

After moving from Sevierville, TN to Richmond in 2017, Morgan brought their community advocacy from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Commonwealth. They joined the Surfrider Foundation Virginia Beach Chapter, Metro Richmond Area Young Democrats (MRAYD), and the Richmond City Democratic Committee (RCDC), holding leadership roles in each.

A passionate environmentalist, they expanded the Surfrider chapter from Virginia Beach to encompass all of Virginia and played a key role in successful efforts to ban offshore drilling in the commonwealth’s waters, ban balloon releases, and phase out expanded polystyrene. Their leadership extended to serving as Treasurer of MRAYD and as First Vice Chair of Organization for RCDC, where they led efforts to support Democratic candidates at all levels of government.

In addition to their work in Virginia, Morgan has been involved in campaigns nationwide, particularly in competitive elections in Montana and Arizona, fighting for climate-conscious candidates. A fierce advocate for rural and underrepresented communities, they continuously seek opportunities to serve their community and create a more sustainable, just future.

Aside from campaigning, Morgan has a half-decade of experience in the Virginia General Assembly. Starting as a Session Aide for Delegate Marcia Price, representing Hampton and Newport News, from 2020 to 2023. They now serve as Chief of Staff for Democratic Majority Co-Whip Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling, representing a portion of Henrico County.

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