Abigail Davis Spanberger for governor 2025

Growing up with Virginia Values

Abigail’s parents raised her to believe in service: service to country and service to others. Her father served in the U.S. Army, went to school on the G.I. Bill, and became a career law enforcement officer. Her mother spent her early years in foster care, put herself through nursing school, and worked tirelessly — late nights and weekends — to care for her patients.

They set an example of service and hard work for Abigail and her two younger sisters. Abigail attended Virginia public schools, graduating from J.R. Tucker High School in Henrico County and receiving her bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia. She earned her MBA from a dual-degree program between Purdue University and the GISMA business school in Germany.

Keeping America Safe

Abigail followed in her father’s footsteps as a federal law enforcement officer. At the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Abigail worked federal narcotics and money laundering cases — regularly working with local police departments across Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. — investigated child predators, and arrested narcotics traffickers. She served search and arrest warrants, often as the only woman on the arrest team.

Abigail joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as a Case Officer. At the CIA, she had one mission: protect and serve the United States of America. There, she worked undercover to understand the threats facing the United States, prevent terrorist attacks, counter the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and track transnational criminal organizations.

Getting Things Done

After serving her country, Abigail joined the private sector. But after the 2016 election, she saw division in our communities — and when her representative voted to repeal the healthcare coverage of hundreds of thousands of Virginians, she decided to run for Congress. Abigail became the first Democrat elected to serve Virginia’s Seventh District in the U.S. House in more than 50 years and the first woman to ever represent the district.

In Congress, Abigail was ranked as the most bipartisan Member of Congress from Virginia. She led bipartisan efforts that were signed into law to prevent fentanyl overdoses, protect Virginia’s natural resources, and support Virginia’s Veterans. In 2022, the Washington Post editorial board said that Abigail “sponsored no-nonsense bipartisan legislation” and called her “ever independent-minded” — working to “increase federal funding for local police agencies to hire and train more officers and to empower Medicare to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs.” The Center for Effective Lawmaking ranked her as the most effective Member of Congress — in either chamber — on agriculture issues.

Raising a Family

Abigail and her husband Adam are the proud parents of three school-aged daughters in Virginia public schools. Her family enjoys spending time with nearby relatives, exploring Virginia’s outdoors, staying active, and playing board games together as a family. Adam also grew up in Henrico County, graduating from Mills Godwin High School and the University of Virginia.

As Governor, Abigail will continue fighting for hardworking Virginia families and make Virginia’s economy work for the Virginians who are working hard but struggling to get by. Abigail will be focused on strengthening our public schools, keeping our communities safe, making Virginia more affordable, and protecting our fundamental rights.

Strengthening Virginia Schools Plan

As the parent of three school-aged daughters in Virginia public schools, Abigail knows the importance of helping every child succeed, no matter their zip code. A proud product of Virginia public schools herself, she believes that all parents deserve to know that their children will receive an outstanding education — one that challenges them and prepares them for success in their next steps in a career, an apprenticeship program, the military, or college.

As Virginia’s next Governor, Abigail will work aggressively to get schools the funding they need, address Virginia’s teacher shortage, and provide teachers with training and support. She will oppose efforts that seek to erode faith in our public schools or take public dollars out of public schools. She will work every day to make sure Virginia’s K-12 schools are the best in America.

K-12 Education Priorities:

• Provide schools with adequate resources and funding to support every student
• Address Virginia’s teacher shortage through recruitment, retention, and support programs
• Uphold academic excellence with focus on literacy and math improvement
• Modernize school infrastructure and ensure student safety
• Expand career and technical education programs and dual enrollment opportunities
• Strengthen support for students with disabilities and English language learners

Higher Education Goals:

• Make college more affordable and accessible for Virginia students
• Support Virginia’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities
• Strengthen community college programs and transfer pathways
• Protect institutions from political influence
• Leverage universities as engines for economic development

Early Childhood Care and Education:

• Expand access to quality childcare and early education programs
• Support working families with childcare assistance programs
• Increase the supply of childcare facilities, especially in underserved areas
• Invest in early intervention services for children with developmental needs

Growing Virginia Plan

As a proud Virginian, Abigail wants to build an economy where every Virginian can earn a good living, afford to take care of their families, and know they’ll have a secure retirement. Her plan focuses on growing Virginia’s economy the right way and reclaiming Virginia’s place as “America’s Top State for Business.”

Everywhere Abigail travels across the Commonwealth, she meets Virginians who work hard, play by the rules, and want a better life for their kids. She believes in building an economy that expands opportunity for every Virginian, no matter where they live. Abigail has a proven record of getting things done for Virginia’s economy - she voted to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which has already delivered more than $10 billion for Virginia’s physical infrastructure, supporting good-paying jobs and supercharging the Commonwealth’s economy. She also supported bipartisan legislation to boost homegrown semiconductor research and production, keeping America’s edge over foreign competitors and creating jobs in Virginia.

Growing Virginia’s Workforce:

• Expand registered apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeship pathways for students
• Increase access to paid internships and work-based learning opportunities
• Boost dual enrollment courses in high-demand industries like healthcare and education
• Create career academies and technical education programs aligned with regional needs
• Prepare students for 21st-century jobs using AI and emerging technologies
• Address workforce shortages in manufacturing, healthcare, and education
• Establish paid family and medical leave and raise minimum wage to $15/hour
• Support Virginia workers impacted by federal workforce disruptions

Growing Business Investment:

• Strengthen Virginia’s marketing efforts to attract new businesses and entrepreneurs
• Prepare business-ready sites across all regions of the Commonwealth
• Leverage unique regional strengths to bridge economic divides
• Invest in rural infrastructure including water, sewer, roads, and broadband
• Foster partnerships between universities, federal installations, and industries
• Commercialize research and development in emerging technologies

Growing Trade Opportunities:

• Support continued investment in the Port of Virginia and inland port facilities
• Help Virginia farmers and agriculture expand domestic and international markets
• Assist small businesses with technical support for exporting products abroad
• Strengthen partnerships with international trade partners through missions
• Position Virginia as a global leader in defense, shipbuilding, and cybersecurity
• Protect Virginia companies from unpredictable federal tariff policies

Affordable Virginia Plan

Abigail knows that Virginians are working too hard not to be getting ahead. Her Affordable Virginia Plan will lower costs, save Virginians money, and make it easier for people who work hard to get ahead.

Making Healthcare More Affordable:

Abigail believes that no Virginian should have to choose between putting food on the table or paying for their medications. In Congress, she led the charge to give Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices and in the process save taxpayers billions.

Congressional Achievements on Healthcare:

• Led efforts to give Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices, saving taxpayers billions
• Voted to cap insulin copays at $35 per month for seniors on Medicare
• Voted to cap out-of-pocket drug costs for Virginia seniors
• Authored legislation signed by President Trump making it harder for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to rip off consumers
• Defended the Affordable Care Act, which protects more than 1.3 million Virginians with pre-existing conditions

Governor Commitments on Healthcare:

• Combat prescription drug costs by cracking down on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)
• Allow Virginians to use the pharmacy of their choice and protect out-of-network pharmacies
• Hold pharmaceutical companies accountable through price transparency laws
• Limit prior authorization processes so providers, not insurance companies, direct care
• Improve access to healthcare in rural and underserved communities
• Create statewide hospital price transparency comparison tools
• Stop predatory billing practices and surprise medical bills
• Crack down on healthcare scams fraudulently enrolling Virginians
• Protect Virginia’s Medicaid expansion against efforts to cut funding
• Ensure all Virginians have access to quality, affordable healthcare

Addressing Housing Affordability:

• Give cities and counties flexibility to build more housing and create affordable programs
• Work with localities on regional housing solutions without one-size-fits-all approaches
• Cut red tape and streamline permitting processes for housing construction
• Incentivize new construction of starter homes and housing for first-time buyers
• Increase funding for Virginia Housing Trust Fund and affordable housing programs
• Preserve existing affordable housing and support community land trusts
• Address homelessness and evictions with prevention programs and renter protections
• Strengthen fair housing protections and prevent housing discrimination

Lowering Energy Bills:

• Increase local energy generation with low-cost sources like offshore wind and solar
• Ensure data centers pay fair share of electricity costs to avoid hiking family bills
• Maximize energy efficiency through home weatherization and efficiency programs
• Deploy energy storage to use low-cost power during high-demand periods
• Speed up new energy project approvals to drive down costs and increase certainty
• Expand access to bill assistance programs for low-income customers
• Negotiate better ratepayer deals and use innovative demand response programs

Defending Reproductive Freedom

Following the Dobbs decision, Virginia is the only state in the South that has yet to roll back protections for women’s reproductive rights — making it more important than ever to protect our freedoms right here in the Commonwealth.

Abigail believes Virginians deserve a Governor who will defend our fundamental rights. As the next Governor of Virginia, Abigail will defend the right to contraception, the right to choose, and the right to access in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Congressional Record on Reproductive Rights:

• Voted to codify Roe v. Wade into federal law
• Supported legislation to protect contraception access nationwide
• Defended the right of Americans to travel across state lines to seek reproductive care
• Worked to safeguard access to fertility technology, including IVF

Commitments as Governor:

• Sign into law legislation to protect the right to contraception
• Ensure the Commonwealth is on the path to codifying reproductive rights in the Virginia Constitution
• Continue to protect the right to start a family through IVF and fertility treatments
• Pursue policies to make Virginia a leader in combatting maternal mortality

Addressing Maternal Health Crisis:

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rates of any developed, high-income nation — with rates even higher for Black and Hispanic mothers. As Governor, Abigail will continue to pursue policies that will make Virginia a leader in combatting maternal mortality and ensuring safe, accessible healthcare for all mothers.

Keeping Virginia’s Communities Safe

As the daughter of a former law enforcement officer, Abigail knows the commitment and sacrifices that come with putting on the badge every day. As a Member of Congress, Abigail heard concerns directly from smaller police departments about ongoing hiring and retention challenges.

Supporting Law Enforcement:

• Led multiple bipartisan efforts to help Virginia’s police departments pay for vetting, hiring, training, and benefits for more officers and first responders
• Prioritized ensuring Virginia’s law enforcement officers have the training, tools, and resources they need to keep communities safe
• Worked with both Democrats and Republicans on law enforcement support initiatives

Combating the Fentanyl Crisis:

As a former federal law enforcement officer and CIA case officer who worked narcotics cases and tracked cartels, Abigail understands what it will take to keep Virginians safe from fentanyl. She believes that Virginia must build an all-hands-on-deck approach to both crack down on illicit drugs and help Virginians struggling with addiction.

Congressional Achievements on Drug Policy:

• Led bipartisan legislation signed into law by both President Trump and President Biden to combat drug trafficking
• Secured investments in border security technology to detect illicit drugs coming into our country
• Authored legislation named for a Virginian who lost her life to a fentanyl overdose, providing major investments in overdose prevention, first responder training, co-prescribing, and alternatives to opioids in emergency rooms

Governor Commitments on Substance Use:

• Work with community leaders, law enforcement officials, faith organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide treatment, recovery, and wraparound services
• Invest in tools and training for local law enforcement officers to detect fentanyl quickly and safely
• Continue comprehensive approach to addiction treatment and prevention

Responsible Gun Safety Measures:

As someone who carried a firearm every day as a federal law enforcement officer, Abigail understands the training and qualification requirements needed to responsibly carry a firearm. She also knows that far too many families have experienced tragedy due to gun violence.

Congressional Record on Gun Safety:

• Helped pass the first comprehensive, bipartisan gun safety legislation in decades
• Supported measures to close background check loopholes and invest in mental health resources
• Voted to encourage more states to adopt red flag laws
• Supported crackdowns on “ghost guns” and federal standards for safe gun storage
• Backed raising the federal age to purchase certain assault-style rifles to 21
• Voted to prevent illegal gun trafficking

Virginia Gun Safety Goals:

• Support efforts to strengthen Virginia’s safe storage laws
• Keep firearms out of the hands of kids or those who pose a threat to themselves or others
• Work toward enacting a ban on the manufacturing, sale, and transfer of assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines
• Implement proven measures to reduce mass shootings while respecting Second Amendment rights

Protecting the Rights of Every Virginian

Abigail has always believed in a bedrock principle of our democracy: equal rights under the law for all. But she knows that injustice continues to impact all corners of Virginia — from housing to health outcomes to educational opportunities. As the next Governor of Virginia, she will sign legislation into law protecting the rights of all Virginians and making the Commonwealth a more welcoming home to all families.

Protecting Voting Rights:

One of our most fundamental rights is the right to choose our elected officials through free and fair elections. In Congress, Abigail twice voted for the full restoration and modernization of the Voting Rights Act.

Governor Commitments on Voting Rights:

• Support ongoing initiatives to protect voting rights and counteract disenfranchisement efforts
• Oppose efforts in Richmond aimed at reversing Virginia’s progress and making it harder to vote
• Support the General Assembly’s work to add a restoration of voting rights amendment to the Virginia Constitution

Protecting Civil Rights and Equality:

Abigail believes that no Virginian should face discrimination based on the color of their skin, where they are from, how they choose to worship, what disability they have, or whom they love.

Congressional Record on Civil Rights:

• Voted to pass legislation signed by President Biden enshrining legal protections for same-sex and interracial couples into federal statute
• Supported comprehensive civil rights protections for all Americans

LGBTQ+ Rights Commitments:

• Safeguard the rights of all Virginians regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity
• Ensure no member of the LGBTQ community is denied government services or faces discrimination
• Protect LGBTQ+ Virginians from employment discrimination
• Support the General Assembly’s efforts to remove the ban on marriage equality from Virginia’s Constitution
• Work to enshrine marriage equality in Virginia’s Constitution

Protecting Virginia’s Environment

Abigail understands that climate change is a threat to Virginia’s economy, environment, and security. In Congress, she built a record of working with both parties to lower greenhouse gas emissions in a responsible way while protecting Virginia’s natural resources for future generations.

Congressional Environmental Record:

• Focused on increasing energy efficiency to reduce emissions responsibly
• Protected Virginia’s coastline from offshore drilling
• Safeguarded Virginia’s natural resources through bipartisan legislation
• Led the largest federal investment in conservation programs since the Dust Bowl through the Inflation Reduction Act
• Served as top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee’s Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology Subcommittee
• Strengthened voluntary conservation practices to improve producers’ yields and boost their bottom lines

Clean Energy Leadership:

Abigail knows that Virginia has the opportunity to be a national leader in clean energy, bringing high-paying clean energy jobs to the Commonwealth through strategic investments.

Clean Energy Commitments:

• Invest in offshore wind development to create good-paying jobs
• Expand rooftop solar and other renewable energy sources
• Support commonsense incentives for increased deployment of wind and solar
• Promote electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage
• Ensure Virginia can meet its energy needs while growing the economy and keeping costs low

Conservation and Agriculture:

Abigail believes that farmers are the original conservationists. As Governor, she will continue supporting Virginia’s agricultural community in their conservation efforts.

Environmental Protection Goals:

• Prioritize protecting Virginia’s public lands while maintaining hunting and fishing opportunities
• Balance environmental protection with recreational access for Virginia families
• Continue bipartisan approach to addressing climate challenges
• Support farmers and producers in implementing conservation practices
• Maintain Virginia’s natural heritage for future generations

Investing in Rural Virginia & Virginia Agriculture

In Congress, Abigail served as the only Virginian on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, representing the voices of our Commonwealth’s rural communities and Virginia’s number-one private industry, agriculture. As Governor, she will continue to make sure the voices of Virginia’s farmers, producers, agribusinesses, and rural families are heard in Richmond.

Congressional Agriculture Leadership:

• Served as the only Virginian on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee
• Represented Virginia’s rural communities and agricultural interests in Congress
• Multi-year recipient of the “Friend of Farm Bureau Award” from the Virginia Farm Bureau
• Advocated for Virginia’s number-one private industry at the federal level

Supporting Virginia Agriculture:

As the next Governor of Virginia, Abigail will remain focused on getting things done for Virginia’s crop and livestock producers while championing policies that protect Virginia’s family farms and rural economy.

Agricultural Economic Development Goals:

• Address trade concerns affecting Virginia farmers and producers
• Increase access to capital for agricultural businesses and family farms
• Expand Virginia farmers’ access to domestic and foreign markets
• Protect Virginia’s family farms from economic pressures
• Champion policies supporting the rural economy statewide

Rural Healthcare Access:

Abigail is committed to improving healthcare access across rural Virginia, because she believes that health outcomes should not be dictated by zip code.

Rural Healthcare Initiatives:

• Invest in Virginia’s rural healthcare workforce including community health workers, doctors, nurses, dentists, and midwives
• Support institutions in rural communities responsible for educating the next generation of healthcare providers
• Improve access to telehealth for Virginians in rural communities
• Ensure quality healthcare is available regardless of geographic location

Broadband Infrastructure:

Abigail knows that high-speed internet access is essential to the day-to-day operations of schools, hospitals, first responders, and small businesses across the Commonwealth.

Broadband Expansion Commitments:

• Continue strong investments in broadband infrastructure statewide
• Support state-level grant programs to expand internet access
• Ensure all Virginians can complete homework assignments online
• Enable rural residents to keep up with telehealth appointments
• Help rural businesses grow and compete in the digital economy
• Keep rural families connected with their loved ones
• Advance bipartisan solutions for universal broadband access

Protecting Virginians’ Retirements

Abigail has heard directly from thousands of Virginia retirees who for decades saw their earned benefits slashed and have seen their retirement savings and pensions further jeopardized. As the next Governor of Virginia, Abigail is committed to keeping our promises to retirees — and she strongly opposes radical efforts to put the retirement and earned benefits of hardworking Virginians at risk.

Historic Congressional Achievement - Social Security Fairness Act:

In Congress, Abigail spent years building a bipartisan coalition to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), two misguided provisions of the Social Security Act that for more than 40 years reduced the hard-earned Social Security benefits of Virginia’s police officers, firefighters, federal employees, and grieving spouses of public service employees.

Landmark Legislative Success:

• In January 2025, President Biden signed Abigail’s bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act into law
• Ensured that more than 50,000 retired Virginians would no longer see their earned benefits stolen
• Provided back pay for the prior year to affected retirees
• Guaranteed that no future retiree will face this theft of earned benefits
• Already returned $292 million in retroactive benefits to more than 46,000 Virginians

Supporting Public Safety Retirees:

Abigail also championed efforts on Capitol Hill to make sure Virginia’s retired public safety officers receive the healthcare benefits they’ve earned. She knows that many Virginia police officers and firefighters retire earlier than those in other occupations due to the unique physical demands, stress, and hazards they face on the job.

Public Safety Healthcare Benefits:

• Led an effort signed by President Biden to cut red tape for retired public safety officers
• Provided retired police officers and firefighters with access to key tax benefits
• Helped retired first responders cover their health insurance premiums
• Recognized the unique challenges and early retirement needs of public safety workers

Governor Commitments on Retirement Security:

• Keep promises to Virginia retirees and protect earned benefits
• Strongly oppose efforts to put retirement benefits of hardworking Virginians at risk
• Continue advocating for fair treatment of public service employees in retirement
• Ensure Virginia’s retirees receive the benefits they’ve earned through decades of service
• Protect retirement savings and pensions from further jeopardy

Making State Government More Transparent

Abigail is focused on restoring trust in Virginia’s state government and eliminating conflicts of interest. In Congress, Abigail built a reputation for working with both Democrats and Republicans to clean up corruption and reduce conflicts of interest in Washington.

Congressional Ethics Leadership:

• Built a reputation for bipartisan work to clean up corruption in Washington
• Led efforts to reduce conflicts of interest in government
• Focused on eliminating ethical lapses and restoring public trust

Congressional Stock Trading Reform:

• Led a bipartisan effort to ban Members of Congress from buying, selling, or trading individual stocks
• Extended the ban to include spouses of Members of Congress
• Worked to eliminate potential conflicts of interest in investment decisions
• Championed transparency and accountability in elected office

Governor Commitments on Government Transparency:

• Work to make Virginia’s state government more accessible to the Virginians it serves
• Restore trust in Virginia’s state government through transparent governance
• Eliminate conflicts of interest in state government operations
• Implement ethics reforms based on proven Congressional experience
• Ensure government accountability and transparency at all levels
• Make state government work for the people it serves, not special interests

Standing with Virginia’s Veterans

A proud daughter of a U.S. Army Veteran, Abigail is committed to honoring the sacrifice of every Virginian who has selflessly served our country. To honor America’s promise, Abigail will work as Governor to make sure the more than 600,000 Veterans who call the Commonwealth home receive the benefits, care, and services they have earned through the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

Personal Connection to Military Service:

• Proud daughter of a U.S. Army Veteran who served his country with distinction
• Understands firsthand the sacrifices made by military families
• Committed to honoring the service of every Virginian who served our nation
• Recognizes the ongoing needs of Virginia’s large veteran community

Congressional Veterans Advocacy:

• Voted to pass the bipartisan Honoring Our PACT Act, expanding VA healthcare and benefits
• Supported healthcare coverage for Veterans exposed to burn pits and toxic substances
• Advocated for Veterans from Vietnam War, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras
• Helped thousands of Virginia Veterans access expanded healthcare benefits

Veterans Employment Support:

• Authored bipartisan legislation signed by President Biden to provide recycled federal computers to Veterans
• Focused on helping Veterans transition to civilian employment opportunities
• Supported job training and placement programs for returning service members
• Recognized the value Veterans bring to Virginia’s workforce

Governor Commitments to Veterans:

• Ensure Virginia’s 600,000+ Veterans receive earned benefits, care, and services
• Strengthen the Virginia Department of Veterans Services to better serve our heroes
• Work to expand access to VA healthcare facilities and services across Virginia
• Support Veterans’ transition to civilian careers with job training and placement assistance
• Honor America’s promise to those who served by providing comprehensive support
• Advocate for Veterans’ families who also sacrifice for our freedom
• Continue fighting for Veterans’ healthcare, housing, and employment needs

Abigail’s story shows that when Virginians work together, we can fix problems and get big things done.