FBI Raids Office of Virginia’s Self-Proclaimed ‘Casino Queen’: Federal Investigators Target Top Lawmaker in Shocking Sweep
Posted on: May 7, 2026, 07:59h.
Last updated on: May 7, 2026, 08:28h.
- Sen. Louise Lucas—the ‘Casino Queen’—claims the FBI raid is a “political hit” for her leading a redistricting plan that could flip four GOP seats.
- While Lucas blames the current administration, federal sources indicate the corruption investigation into her cannabis business actually began during the Biden era.
- The sweep comes just weeks after Lucas secured a massive legislative victory, redrawing Virginia’s maps after a 20-year fight for political dominance.
Federal agents executed a high-profile sweep in Portsmouth on Wednesday, raiding both the legislative office of State Senator L. Louise Lucas and a neighboring cannabis dispensary co-owned by the self-proclaimed “Casino Queen.”
Lucas is among the most powerful state lawmakers in Richmond. The 82-year-old is the president pro tempore of the Virginia Senate and has served in the chamber since the early 1990s.
Lucas contends that the FBI raid is federal retaliation from the Trump administration for her leading of Virginia’s redistricting effort, which voters approved last month, but its outcome remains held up in state court.
The redistricting seeks to overhaul Virginia’s congressional districts to give Democrats a 10-1 seat advantage in the US House. The commonwealth’s current district makeup is 6-5 Democratic.
What we saw fits a clear pattern from this administration: when challenged, they try to intimidate and silence the voices who stand up to them. Just two weeks ago, Virginians sent a powerful message when they voted to stop Trump’s scheme to manipulate the 2026 midterm elections,” Lucas said in a statement.
“I am deeply grateful for the love and support of my family and friends and for the many colleagues and constituents who have reached out in recent hours. I will have more to say in the days ahead, but know this: I am not backing down, and I will keep fighting for the people of Portsmouth and the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Lucas continued.
Reports: Probe Began Under Biden Administration
Numerous media outlets, however, including The New York Times, report that the FBI’s probe into Lucas began during the Biden administration, something which contradicts Lucas’ payback theory.
Insiders close to the federal investigation say the matter is related to possible corruption and bribery in the senator’s office. The alleged activity is reportedly linked to her marijuana business, The Cannabis Outlet.
FBI officials said only that the raid was a “court-authorized law enforcement activity.”
“The FBI is executing a court-authorized federal search warrant in Portsmouth, VA. There is no threat to public safety. This is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is publicly available at this time,” a release read.
‘Casino Queen’
Among Lucas’ many legislative victories in Richmond is the 2020 authorization of commercial casino gambling. Lucas led the charge to designate certain cities, including her home of Portsmouth, for casino developments.
Lucas spent almost two decades pursuing casinos on the belief that gaming could be an engine for towns in need of an economic spark. Her persistence in introducing casino bills led to her colleagues calling her the “casino queen” and “casino lady,” nicknames she fully embraced and regularly used when referencing gaming matters.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth was the first casino to open in Virginia in January 2023. The street leading to the casino has since been renamed L. Louise Lucas Drive.
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