The leftward transformation of Virginia since Donald Trump was elected president crescendoed over the weekend, with the governor signing into law protections for LGBT+ residents, gun background checks, no jail time for simple marijuana possession and early voting.

The flurry of new measures enacted by Ralph Northam, a Democrat, came five months after members of his party took control of the legislature back from Republicans for the first time in more than 20 years. Mr Northam had been facing a deadline of midnight Saturday for signing bills into law.

In Virginia, Democrats have developed a political advantage in the heavily populated northern suburbs of Washington, where Hispanic and Asian voters make up a growing part of the electorate, as well as in places with a significant African American population like Norfolk.

Democrats have used that upper hand to remake a state that was once the seat of the Confederacy and known as a conservative bastion, one that political scientist V O Key Jr described as a “political museum piece”. He wrote that, by comparison to Virginia, Mississippi was “a hotbed of democracy”.

“It’s a gigantic change,” Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia’s Centre for Politics, said in an interview Monday. “There really is no precedent. There is no period like this. Virginia has never had a liberal period.”

The chain of events began Friday when Mr Northam said he had signed a series of gun control measures into law that includes a background check requirement for all firearm sales and a red flag law that supporters said would give law enforcement officers a mechanism to confiscate the weapons of people deemed a danger to themselves or others.

The measures drew acclaim from groups such as Everytown for Gun Safety, an advocacy organisation financed and created by Michael R Bloomberg, former mayor of New York City. They go into effect on 1 July.

At the same time, the new restrictions were decried by Second Amendment advocates and conservatives, who said they trampled on the constitutional rights of gun owners and vowed to challenge them. Among the law’s critics was conservative lawyer and Fox News commentator Gayle Trotter.

“Hey Virginia, your governor characterised the day he signed away your rights as law-abiding citizens as ‘This is an exciting day for me’,” Ms Trotter wrote on Twitter. “It is hard to win back liberty once it is lost, but this is not over yet.”

The Republican Party of Virginia did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday night.

Barbara A Perry, the presidential studies director at the University of Virginia’s Miller Centre, said in an interview Monday that Trump’s election was a catalyst for change in the state.

“This is what people pointed to when Trump came into the office,” she said. “This is the progressive direction that the Commonwealth of Virginia is taking not only with this governor, but a solidly Democratic Legislature.”

Gun rights rally in Virginia Show all 32 1 /32 Gun rights rally in Virginia Gun rights rally in Virginia Gun rights advocates and militia members attend a rally organised by The Virginia Citizens Defense League on Capitol Square near the state capitol building in Richmond Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia During elections last year, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam promised to enact sweeping gun control laws in 2020, including limiting handgun purchase to one per month, banning military-style weapons and silencers, allowing localities to ban guns in public spaces and enacting a 'red flag' law so authorities can temporarily seize weapons from someone deemed a threat AP Gun rights rally in Virginia While event organisers asked supporters to show up un-armed, militias and other far-right groups from across the country attended the rally with guns to show their support for gun rights AP Gun rights rally in Virginia A man with his face covered joins the rally Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144558 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by VirginiaÃ•s Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 20: Gun rights advocates attend a rally organized by The Virginia Citizens Defense League on Capitol Square near the state capitol building January 20, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia. During elections last year, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam promised to enact sweeping gun control laws in 2020, including limiting handgun purchase to one per month, banning military-style weapons and silencers. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Win McNamee Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia A woman speaks during a pro-gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. Thousands of pro-gun supporters are expected at the rally to oppose gun control legislation like universal background checks that are being pushed by the newly elected Democratic legislature. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Julio Cortez AP Gun rights rally in Virginia An armed militia member wears a badge commemorating today at a gun rights rally near Virginia's Capitol, in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Jonathan Drake JONATHAN DRAKE Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144964 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia People hold a sign near the Virginia State Capitol building to advocate for gun rights in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith STEPHANIE KEITH Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia Kem Regik, of Virginia, stands on the sidewalk before a pro gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. There was a light crowd early morning Monday outside the Capitol ahead of the rally. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Julio Cortez AP Gun rights rally in Virginia People who are part of an armed militia group arrive near the Virginia State Capitol building to advocate for gun rights in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith STEPHANIE KEITH Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia People hold a sign near the Virginia State Capitol building to advocate for gun rights in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith STEPHANIE KEITH Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144557 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by VirginiaÃ•s Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia A woman holds a t-shirt as gun rights advocates and militia members attend rally in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Jim Urquhart JIM URQUHART Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia RICHMOND, VA - JANUARY 20: Gun rights advocates attend a rally organized by The Virginia Citizens Defense League on Capitol Square near the state capitol building on January 20, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia. During elections last year, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam promised to enact sweeping gun control laws in 2020, including limiting handgun purchase to one per month, banning military-style weapons and silencers, allowing localities to ban guns in public spaces and enacting a 'red flag' law so authorities can temporarily seize weapons from someone deemed a threat. While event organizers have asked supporters to show up un-armed, militias and other far-right groups from across the country plan to attend the rally and show their support for gun rights. (Photo by Zach Gibson/Getty Images) Zach Gibson Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia A protestor holds a sign in front of the Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond, Virginia on January 20, 2020. - Thousands of gun rights supporters descended for a rally in the grounds of the State Capitol under heavy surveillance after authorities were forced to declare a state of emergency for fear of violence by far-right groups. (Photo by Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP) (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images) ROBERTO SCHMIDT AFP via Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144519 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144971 Alex Jones of Info Wars delivers remarks to gun-rights supporters gathered for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia Demonstrators stand on the capitol grounds ahead of a pro gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) Steve Helber AP Gun rights rally in Virginia RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 20: Gun rights advocates attend a rally organized by The Virginia Citizens Defense League on Capitol Square near the state capitol building January 20, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia. During elections last year, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam promised to enact sweeping gun control laws in 2020, including limiting handgun purchase to one per month, banning military-style weapons and silencers, allowing localities to ban guns in public spaces and enacting a 'red flag' law so authorities can temporarily seize weapons from someone deemed a threat. While event organizers have asked supporters to show up un-armed, militias and other far-right groups from across the country plan to attend the rally and show their support for gun rights. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Win McNamee Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia Demonstrators stand outside a security zone before a pro gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Julio Cortez AP Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144513 Gun-rights supporters go through security as they gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/JIM LO SCALZO JIM LO SCALZO EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia RICHMOND, VA - JANUARY 20: Gun rights advocates attend a rally organized by The Virginia Citizens Defense League on Capitol Square near the state capitol building on January 20, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia. During elections last year, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam promised to enact sweeping gun control laws in 2020, including limiting handgun purchase to one per month, banning military-style weapons and silencers, allowing localities to ban guns in public spaces and enacting a 'red flag' law so authorities can temporarily seize weapons from someone deemed a threat. While event organizers have asked supporters to show up un-armed, militias and other far-right groups from across the country plan to attend the rally and show their support for gun rights. (Photo by Zach Gibson/Getty Images) Zach Gibson Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia Demonstrators march during a pro-gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. Thousands of pro-gun supporters are expected at the rally to oppose gun control legislation like universal background checks that are being pushed by the newly elected Democratic legislature. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Julio Cortez AP Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144522 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144532 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144560 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by VirginiaÃ•s Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia A person who is part of an armed militia group arrives near the Virginia State Capitol building to advocate for gun rights in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith STEPHANIE KEITH Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia Pro gun protestors gather outside the Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond, Virginia on January 20, 2020. - Thousands of gun rights supporters descended for a rally in the grounds of the State Capitol under heavy surveillance after authorities were forced to declare a state of emergency for fear of violence by far-right groups. (Photo by Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP) (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images) ROBERTO SCHMIDT AFP via Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia Police guard the Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond, Virginia on January 20, 2020. - Thousands of gun rights supporters descended for a rally in the grounds of the State Capitol under heavy surveillance after authorities were forced to declare a state of emergency for fear of violence by far-right groups. (Photo by Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP) (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images) ROBERTO SCHMIDT AFP via Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia Gun-rights supporters gather for the rally at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Monday morning Jan. 20, 2020. Gun-rights activists and other groups are descending on Virginiaâ€™s capital city of Richmond to protest plans by the state's Democratic leadership to pass gun-control legislation. (Rob Ostermaier/The Virginian-Pilot via AP) Rob Ostermaier AP

On Saturday, Mr Northam announced that Virginia had become the first state in the South to include language in its anti-discrimination housing and employment laws that protects people on the basis of their sexual orientation. The law, known as the Virginia Values Act, goes into effect 1 July.

“This legislation sends a strong, clear message — Virginia is a place where all people are welcome to live, work, visit, and raise a family,” Mr Northam said in a statement. “We are building an inclusive Commonwealth where there is opportunity for everyone, and everyone is treated fairly. No longer will LGBT+ Virginians have to fear being fired, evicted, or denied service in public places because of who they are.”

Also Saturday, Mr Northam signed a law that his office said repealed racist and discriminatory language from Virginia’s Acts of Assembly and gave cities and towns the ability to remove or alter Confederate monuments in their communities. The measure also set into motion the replacement of Virginia’s statue of Confederate general Robert E Lee in the US Capitol.

Next, Mr Northam announced on Easter that he had signed a series of changes to the state’s criminal justice laws that included decriminalising the simple possession of marijuana, a measure that takes effect on 1 July. Mr Northam proposed a $25 civil penalty for simple marijuana possession, sealing conviction records and prohibiting employers from asking about a past conviction, which still requires legislative approval.

Under current state law, a first-time offender faces up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine for possession of less than a half-ounce of marijuana, which will no longer be a misdemeanour.

On Sunday, Mr Northam announced that he had also signed a law allowing Virginia residents to vote up to 45 days before an election without a stated excuse. To get an absentee ballot under the current system, voters had to have a legitimate reason that included being out of state on business or at school or having an illness.

Mr Northam also removed a requirement that Virginia residents must show identification to vote.

Local conservative talk radio host John Reid bemoaned the changes to Virginia’s voting laws on his program Monday, saying it “seems to me to set us up for a lot of fraud”.