Abigail Spanberger

Abigail Spanberger

Abigail Spanberger is the Democratic Party’s statewide nominee for Virginia’s upcoming gubernatorial race. She’s known for being a former CIA agent and as the former congresswoman representing Virginia’s 7th district. As of now, Spanberger has been endorsed by former President Barack Obama, Virginia Police Benevolent, etc.

Abigail Spanberger’s Background:

  • Born on August 7, 1979, in Red Bank, New Jersey. Later, she moved to Virginia after her father took on a law enforcement job when Spanberger was 13.
  • Earned a Bachelor of Arts from UVA and a Master of Business Administration in a dual program from Purdue University and a German business school.
  • After graduating from college, she pursued a career in inspection with the United States Postal Inspection Service, where she focused on narcotics and money laundering cases.
  • In 2006, she joined the CIA, where she worked on terrorism and nuclear proliferation as an operations officer.
  • Elected to Virginia’s House of Representatives in the 7th district in 2019.
  • Currently running for governor in Virginia’s gubernatorial race.

Affordability & Economic policies

Policy Points

  • Growing Virginia’s workforce. Her campaign proposes creating registered apprenticeships for middle schoolers and high schoolers, aiming to reduce barriers at work to support the creation of jobs.
  • Aims to expand agricultural markets and small businesses, promoting Virginia as a trade port, and committing to being a stable trade partner with foreign countries.

Critiques (attributed)

  • Critics say that this may increase taxes to fund these initiatives which may burden some residents.
  • Spanberger is more open to the possible remediation of the “right to work” law which may impact the job market in the future and the ability to choose to not join a union upon employment.

Disclaimer: These are general concerns from the opposing party. Fact-check and do your own research.

Reproductive Rights

Policy Points

  • Protecting the ability to get IVF (In vitro Fertilization)
  • Signing into law the protection of abortion
  • Have Virginia as a state support the implementation of reproductive rights into the constitution.

Critiques (attributed)

  • The legality of abortion and whether it should be allowed has been a strongly debated issue both on the national stage and in local governments. Critics of abortion might have moral, religious, or social objections, influencing their beliefs.

Disclaimer: These are general concerns from the opposing party. Fact-check and do your own research.

Education

Policy Points

  • Attempting to ensure better funding and additional amenities for the public school system.
  • Opposing acts that attempt to take money out of public schools
  • Supporting workforce training operations
  • More resources for schools such as: teachers, supplies, funding, etc.
  • Reducing tuition and helping to lower the cost of higher education.

Critiques (attributed)

  • Critics claim that Spanberger has trying to push ‘DEI’ on schools
  • Transgender rights have been a big talking point among both parties, and many Republican lawmakers express concern about these policies potentially affecting girls’ sports.

Disclaimer: These are general concerns from the opposing party. Fact-check and do your own research.

Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Policy Points

  • Abigail Spanberger
  • Preventing gun violence through legislation
  • Providing treatment and recovery plans for Virginians struggling with addiction.
  • Providing benefits and funding for first responders

Critiques (attributed)

  • She has been accused of being "soft on crime" by critics.
  • Spanberger has plans to scrap Youngkin’s immigration order, and push Virginia into less cooperation with ICE, which again, the entire issue is controversial and highly debated, with some critics supporting ICE due to a combination of social and moral attributes.

Disclaimer: These are general concerns from the opposing party. Fact-check and do your own research.

Rights & Inclusion

Policy Points

  • Stating intent to ensure every minority has access to government services and isn’t discriminated against
  • Using legislation to pushback against discrimination and provide voting rights to Virginia’s constitution.

Critiques (attributed)

  • Due to a variety of issues that have roots in culture, religion, and history surrounding the community, some believe that being LGBTQIA+ should not have the same rights such as marriage that many heterosexual couples might have. Opponents often cite cultural values in this opposition.

Disclaimer: These are general concerns from the opposing party. Fact-check and do your own research.