A conservative political organization has launched a pointed advertisement aimed at pressuring Democrat Abigail Spanberger to clarify her position on transgender policy as the Virginia gubernatorial race heats up. The group asserts that she has largely sidestepped this critical issue as the campaign approaches its conclusion.
The ad, produced by the Restoration of America PAC—a coalition of conservative factions—portrays Spanberger as a radical supporting child gender reassignment. It claims she is jeopardizing children’s safety by permitting biological boys to access women’s locker rooms. “Abigail Spanberger is more extreme than this,” a narrator ominously states over unsettling music.
The ad goes further, suggesting, “She will allow boys to play girls’ sports and shower in girls’ locker rooms… naked. Worse? She seems to fully endorse the horrific gender mutilation and irreversible sterilization of children.” Spanberger, a former CIA officer, is set to face Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earl Sears in this November election—one of only two gubernatorial races in the country. Observers see this as crucial ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Former President Barack Obama recently endorsed Spanberger, and most polls indicate she has the upper hand.
The advertisement criticizes her for not addressing this subject, contending that her “pro-trans record” in Congress needs to be confronted. Spanberger has opposed the Protecting Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023, aimed at restricting transgender women from competing in women’s sports. She also co-sponsored the Equality Act in multiple years, which seeks to include gender identity and sexual orientation as protected classes. Critics argue that this legislation would require schools to allow transgender girls to use girls’ restrooms and participate in girls’ sports.
Winsome Earl Sears has made this topic a focal point in her campaign as well. In fact, she released her own ad last month addressing Spanberger’s stance. Local media pressed Spanberger recently about allowing transgender women in girls’ sports and facilities, to which she responded that decisions should consider a child’s age, the type of sport, and competitive ability.
Spanberger’s campaign did not reply to requests for comments on her views regarding the recent ads. Doug Truax, the founder and CEO of the Restoration of America PAC, voiced his concern over her avoidance of the topic, noting its potential to alter the race’s dynamics. “She’s not running for some town’s library board; she wants to be governor of Virginia,” Truax remarked in an interview. He pointed out that her voting record is telling, implying her position is quite transparent despite her reluctance to engage in the discussion.
The issue has gained traction among parents and communities nationwide, with increasing frustration over gender-affirming policies. Truax articulated a belief that the current state of affairs could prompt future generations to question how such matters were handled.
The political climate seems to be shifting, and many feel it’s time to air these discussions more openly. “They know this is wrong and they’re tired of being told differently,” he emphasized.
