Why I voted for Abigail Spanberger
I look for leaders who seek to unite rather than divide, and who lead with empathy and fairness.
I want leaders who protect the dignity and rights of all people, including LGBTQ+ individuals and families, and who safeguard women’s access to reproductive medical care that honors their health and well-being. No woman should face the risk of losing her fertility or her life because medical care was denied.
These values transcend political parties. They speak to the heart of what it means to love our neighbor and to work for the common good.
Abigail Spanberger has shown herself to be that kind of leader, and that is why she earned my vote.
In recent months, her opposition has spent millions of dollars on anti-transgender ads that mischaracterize some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. These ads do more than waste money. They cause harm. Every time one of those ads plays, I think of my sister Martine, who was transgender, and of every young person who simply wants to live feeling safe. That is why my early vote felt deeply personal.
We cannot silence the fear-based ads, but we can raise a strong voice for dignity and inclusion.
Additional Endorsements for Abigail
“Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson released the following statement: “After four years of Governor Glenn Youngkin’s failures and the federal government’s escalating attacks on equality, Virginians know that they need to stand up for their LGBTQ+ neighbors. That’s why HRC is excited to endorse pro-equality champions Abigail Spanberger, Ghazala Hashmi, Jay Jones, and a strong slate for the House of Delegates. They are all committed to upholding and expanding the rights and protections of the LGBTQ+ community across the Commonwealth and lead with compassion and action and will not use our rights as political pawns. Virginians deserve leaders who will fight for a freer, more equal Commonwealth. So, with our partners at Equality Virginia, we will mobilize over 2 million pro-equality voters to elect those leaders – leaders who are unafraid to stand up for us every single day.” Read more.
Virginia Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education
“‘It is now more important than ever that Virginia’s students, families, and educators elect pro-public education and pro-labor candidates up and down the ballot who will prioritize public education in a way that will give them the tools and resources they need to succeed,’ said VEA President Carol Bauer, who also serves as chairperson of the VEA Fund.
“Notably, the VEA Fund recommends candidates – including incumbents – based on positions and records related to public education regardless of party affiliation.”
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters
“Virginia LCV’s Board of Directors made the endorsement based on Spanberger’s environmental vision for the Commonwealth and her strong record in Congress, where she voted to support the largest climate and clean energy investment in our nation’s history in the Inflation Reduction Act, and shepherded through a number of pro-environmental measures as Chair of the House Agriculture Committee’s Conservation Subcommittee.” Read the full statement.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
AFGE is the largest federal employee union in the country representing more than 800,000 federal employees — including tens of thousands of Virginians.
“Representative Abigail Spanberger has always stood firmly with federal employees and their families. She’s been a champion for fair pay, stronger benefits, and protections against political attacks on the civil service,” said Ottis Johnson Jr., AFGE District 14 National Vice President. “Abigail understands that our federal workforce is the backbone of our communities and our nation’s security, and she’s delivered real results to make sure their voices are heard in Washington. That’s why we’re proud to endorse her for governor — because we know she’ll continue fighting for fairness, accountability, and respect for public service here in Virginia.”
Virginia Chapter of the National Organization for Women
For more than four decades Virginia NOW - the Virginia chapter of the National Organization for Women - has been at the forefront of women’s advancement in Virginia.
Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund
“As a former CIA officer and federal law enforcement officer who was also a Moms Demand Action volunteer, Abigail Spanberger understands that common-sense laws to keep guns out of dangerous hands are crucial to ensuring public safety,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “Everytown is incredibly proud to support Abigail Spanberger, who has a long record of fighting tooth and nail to protect Virginia families.”
The National Black Farmers Association
A Virginia-based non-profit organization serving tens of thousands of African American farmers and their families in the United States.
“The National Black Farmers Association is proud to support Abigail Spanberger to serve as Virginia’s next Governor. Since President Trump has imposed reckless tariffs on America’s farmers, costs are rising for farmers across Virginia and exports are down. This administration is cutting programs that I worked for decades to put in place to support Black farmers and strengthen America’s agriculture industry as a whole,” said John W. Boyd Jr., President and Founder, National Black Farmers Association. “As Virginia’s next Governor, Abigail Spanberger understands the need to support Virginia agriculture and all of Virginia’s farmers and producers. From my time working with her when she served on the House Agriculture Committee, I know that Abigail will get to work to strengthen Virginia’s trade relationships and make sure Black farmers have the support we deserve. Unlike her opponent, she will never be afraid to stand up to this President when he’s hurting Virginia farmers — and she will never cheer on his reckless trade wars.”
Virginia Professional Fire Fighters
“The Virginia Professional Fire Fighters (VPFF) — which represents more than 10,000 fire fighters, paramedics, and other emergency response workers across Virginia — yesterday praised Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger for her leadership on behalf of Virginia’s first responders and for pushing her bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act across the finish line.”
International Association for Fire Fighters
The organization represents more than 10,000 fire fighters, paramedics, and other emergency response workers across the state.
Virginia Police Benevolent Association
VAPBA represents over 10,000 law enforcement officers at the local, state and federal levels.