Exclusive: Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, viewed as a promising figure in the Democratic Party, is facing mounting criticism. Detractors claim she’s strayed from her commitment to affordability, opting instead to impose taxes on numerous goods and services.
A recent ad released by Unleash Prosperity sharply criticized Spanberger’s promises regarding affordability. Virginia Democrats are now considering new taxes on ordinary costs like dry cleaning, gym memberships, and pet care. Unleash Prosperity’s message was clear: “Virginia can’t afford this.”
The governor has yet to endorse or sign the tax measure. In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, her office clarified that Spanberger did not sign the bill because it never made it to her desk. She stated she’s focused on tackling Virginia’s high living costs.
However, since assuming office, Spanberger has backed a range of revenue measures, including suggestions to tax digital services and business operations, aiming to support priorities like education and health care.
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Economist Steve Moore, who co-founded Unleash Prosperity, told Fox News Digital that Spanberger has led a series of liberal initiatives, citing the increase in taxes on nearly everything in Virginia. He suggested this reflects Virginians’ worries about rising costs.
Moore warned that Spanberger’s trajectory should serve as a caution to other Democrats looking ahead to 2028.
There’s been chatter about Spanberger, especially following her gubernatorial win last year, which shifted power away from Republicans in Virginia. Her star status was further highlighted when Democrats designated her to respond to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.
Despite these accolades, Moore observed that many Virginians are “shocked” by her actions, resulting in a substantial drop in her approval ratings.
“She experienced the steepest decline in popularity in her first six months that I’ve observed in my years in politics,” Moore stated.
Recent polling indicated that 46% of Virginians disapprove of her performance, barely edging out 47% who approve. According to the Washington Post Scher Schools Poll, Spanberger has recorded the highest disapproval ratings among governors from both parties since 1994.
In comparison, her predecessor, Governor Glenn Youngkin, enjoys a 54-39 approval rate, with Democrat Mark Warner, a current state senator, holding the highest approval at 78-20.
Moore remarked that Spanberger’s declining ratings reflect the consequences of a “bait-and-switch” tax increase strategy affecting Virginians and small businesses.
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“She campaigned on affordability, yet right after taking office, she and a Democratic congressman backed a string of left-leaning tax proposals that could make Virginia resemble California in taxing everything from dry cleaners to dog groomers,” he commented.
Moore humorously suggested she might be better known as “Fraud Burger.” He added that her drop in polls is unflattering for Democrats aiming to reclaim the White House in 2028.
He continued, “Spanberger isn’t an isolated case. Many Democrats run as moderates, but once in office, they lean hard left.”
“Democratic leaders nationwide are pushing tax policies detrimental to businesses, and I believe this poses a significant challenge for the Democratic Party in the coming years,” he noted, stressing that Spanberger’s situation should alert Democrats everywhere.
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President Trump echoed similar criticisms of Spanberger recently, stating that her tax strategies could lead to exodus akin to situations seen in New York and California.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump remarked, “She’s adding numerous taxes, including on food and beverages, digital services, and utilities. We’re losing energy and demographics. People who never considered leaving are doing so!”
Spanberger’s office responded by labeling the criticism regarding tax increases as “misinformation.” They clarified that numerous tax proposals didn’t pass through the Legislature and, therefore, never reached her desk.
“In her initial months, Governor Spanberger has concentrated on addressing Virginia’s escalating costs,” her office stated, adding that she’s engaging with lawmakers and communities to secure new capital investment.
Disputing the criticisms, Spanberger indicated that Trump and his supporters misunderstood her policies. On X, she explained, “They discuss taxes that were never voted on, which I certainly didn’t sign. Why? Because if I don’t address the fake news surrounding these supposed taxes, folks might miss the bills I’m signing that actually work toward lowering energy prices and enhancing our schools.”
A spokesperson highlighted the announcement of over $500 million in new federal investments since Spanberger took office in January, accusing Trump of prioritizing political maneuvers over economic stability.
“While the previous president was focusing on political skirmishes that led to skyrocketing costs, Governor Spanberger is committed to collaborating with both parties to tackle rising housing, health care, and energy expenses impacting Virginians,” the spokesperson concluded.
