Virginia’s Economic Challenges and Future Leadership
Recently, Virginians found out that the state has lost its status as “the top state for business.” A significant factor contributing to this downgrade appears to be the extensive economic impact of Doge, which has affected the livelihoods of countless residents.
I’ve always believed in the necessity of addressing issues like waste and fraud responsibly. During my time in the U.S. House of Representatives, I worked across party lines to implement a ban on stock trading by members of Congress and their spouses. The idea was to help restore trust in our government, ensure efficient use of taxpayer money, and keep more funds in people’s pockets.
However, since Doge was launched during the Trump administration, I’ve been hearing from Virginians who are worried—not just about political issues but about their jobs. It feels like a real fear for many, especially among local business owners and contractors concerned about their financial stability. The worry isn’t limited to Northern Virginia but echoes through every part of the Commonwealth. In fact, there are over 320,000 federal workers here, not to mention private sector employees tied to federal contracting, and small business owners watching their budgets tighten.
Studies from the University of Virginia project that over 32,000 jobs in the state could be lost by 2025 due to Doge. This includes roles in federal government, manufacturing, and food service.
The recent “American Top Business States” rankings clearly indicate that the current administration’s policies aren’t benefiting Virginia. The disproportionate effect of federal job cuts has had dire consequences, yet statewide leadership has failed to provide substantial support to individuals facing job loss.
Earlier this year, our governor and lieutenant governor suggested that Virginians simply update their resumes and jump onto LinkedIn after losing their jobs. To me, that’s not a real leadership strategy.
The lieutenant governor has urged Virginians to take action like the next governor but seemed to laugh at the unemployment situation, offering advice that felt dismissive: “Don’t worry.” I don’t think most Virginians would view that as effective leadership during such a challenging time.
I won’t downplay any threats to Virginia’s economy. This year’s rankings highlight serious threats, and it’s crucial that we have leaders with plans to build a more resilient economy. Virginians deserve a governor who prioritizes their economic well-being, regardless of whether they’re aligned with Democrats or Republicans in Washington.
If given the opportunity to serve as Virginia’s next governor, I will focus on making our state an attractive place to start or grow a business. The plan would involve leveraging federal strengths to attract new investments. I aim to promote economic growth across all regions of Virginia, including rural areas, highlighting our community colleges, universities, strong infrastructure, and skilled workforce.
We might not agree on everything, but I think most Virginians can agree on the necessity of competing effectively in today’s economy. Protecting and enhancing Virginia’s economy should be a shared priority.
I love Virginia, and my family and I are raising our three daughters here. It’s vital for us to safeguard financial security and opportunities for everyone in our Commonwealth. That’s why I’m committed to lowering costs for all Virginians, avoiding unnecessary complications. We’ve already laid out plans to make healthcare, housing, and energy more affordable for families across the state.
When given the chance to serve as the next governor, my first priority will be to clearly outline the challenges we face—not for political advantage, but because Virginians deserve clarity during these uncertain times.
