NORFOLK, Va. — Former Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) squared off against Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earl Sears (R) in a gubernatorial debate that followed a controversial incident involving a message from the Democratic attorney general nominee.
Jay Jones, who is vying for a prominent legal position, sent a concerning text back in 2022 to Republican lawmakers discussing the shooting of former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert (R).
This controversy emerged after National Review reported on it, potentially shaking up what had been a relatively quiet race. While Spanberger leads Sears in the polls, attention turned to whether she might step back from her campaign after the news broke.
The debate, held by NBC affiliate WAVY 10 (part of The Hill’s parent company Nexstar), saw frequent interruptions, particularly from Sears, who challenged Spanberger vigorously, creating a somewhat tense atmosphere.
Here are five key insights from the fiery debate.
Spanberger avoids outright support for Jones, doesn’t call for his resignation
During the debate, it became clear that Spanberger would not be asking Jones to withdraw from his bid—at least for now. When asked about when she first became aware of the document, she confirmed it was upon its release but sidestepped the question about her support for him.
“Jay Jones’ comments are absolutely abhorrent,” Spanberger stated. “I condemned them immediately upon learning of them, and I will continue to do so every chance I get. This is something I take seriously as a mother, a public servant, and a candidate for governor.”
When pressed further about her support for Jones, Spanberger highlighted that it is up to the voters to make their choices.
“Voters now have the information, and it’s their decision,” she mentioned, also noting that each candidate is focused on their own races.
Sears repeatedly urged Spanberger to call for Jones to withdraw, but each time, she maintained her composure, avoiding a direct answer.
Sears takes charge of the discussion
Sears entered the debate looking for a defining moment and certainly took her chances. She consistently interrupted Spanberger to press her viewpoints regarding the Jones controversy and other hot-button issues.
Sears labeled Spanberger a liar and even interrupted her closing statements. At one moment, she exclaimed, “You said it with your own mouth!” when Spanberger expressed her stance against sanctuary policies.
“If you wanted to be a member of Congress, you should have stayed there!” Sears exclaimed during an exchange about parental control over school materials.
Throughout the debate, Sears seemed to dominate by keeping the focus on herself and continuously challenging Spanberger on various issues, including abortion.
“My opponent has an extreme position on abortion, allowing it up until birth. So, what do you have to say to that, Abigail?” she pressed.
Spanberger reiterated her support for access to abortion as established in Roe v. Wade.
Ultimately, Sears’ approach ensured she remained a focal point throughout the debate, leaving an impression on viewers.
Moderators endure a challenging debate
The debate lasted an hour and was marked by frequent interruptions, particularly from the Republican candidate.
This often frustrated the moderators, who found themselves having to remind Sears about the format and allow Spanberger to present her points.
“Mr. Earl Sears, if you keep giving Mr. Spanberger time, he won’t be able to cover as many topics,” one moderator interrupted during a heated exchange.
Sears maintained her stance, stating, “You think I’ll just sit here and let lies go unchecked?”
Abortion and transgender issues spark heated exchanges
Both candidates faced questions about their stances on transgender matters and access to abortion, which have stirred significant debate in Virginia.
Responding to whether transgender women should participate in girls’ sports or use girls’ restrooms, Spanberger reiterated her previous comments, emphasizing the need for decisions made by parents, educators, and administrators.
Sears and other Republicans have targeted Spanberger on these issues, seemingly following the momentum created by Governor Glenn Youngkin regarding cultural topics. However, when pressed about her abortion positions, Sears had to navigate criticism from Spanberger.
“The commonwealth must unite to decide its direction on this issue. This isn’t just my viewpoint; it reflects the majority’s sentiment,” she concluded before pivoting back to criticize Spanberger’s views on abortion.
What’s the impact?
It’s uncertain what effect Thursday night’s debate will have on Virginia voters, particularly as it was the only meeting of the two candidates before next month’s election.
With early voting having started on September 19, some Virginians may have already made their decisions, yet the debate could still inform latecomers in the election process.
The implications of their performances remain unclear. While much focus has been placed on how Spanberger navigates the Jones issue, the extent to which it will impact the upcoming election in November is uncertain. And while Sears did manage to leave a strong impression, it remains to be seen how that might translate to voter support, especially given the polls showing Spanberger with a healthy lead.
According to polling data, Spanberger currently leads Sears by nearly 51 percent to 44 percent among registered voters, indicating Sears has challenges ahead in shifting the race’s dynamics.
