This November, Virginians face a choice that will define the future of our Commonwealth for years to come. On the ballot are two very different candidates for governor: Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears, a proven conservative leader who has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Governor Glenn Youngkin in protecting parents, taxpayers, and common sense—or radical leftist Abigail Spambergler, a politician who claims moderation on the campaign trail but, like too many Virginia Democrats before her, would veer sharply to the left the moment she took office.
We’ve seen this movie before. In 2017, Ralph Northam ran as a moderate Democrat. Many voters assumed he would govern as a centrist, but in office, he became one of Virginia’s most progressive governors. We see the same playbook in neighboring Maryland, where Governor Wes Moore campaigned as a fresh-faced moderate, only to yank the state hard left once he took power. Taxes went up, spending ballooned, and Marylanders were treated to a $2.3 million taxpayer-funded renovation of the Governor’s Mansion—while ordinary families struggled to make ends meet. Virginians should not want that same fate.
The Firewall Against Radicalism
Right now, Governor Youngkin serves as the critical firewall between the radical Virginia legislature and the people of the Commonwealth. Time and again, he and Winsome Sears have stood against the worst excesses of the Democratic agenda:
- Parental Rights: Youngkin and Sears have been unflinching in defending parents’ say in their children’s education. They believe parents—not bureaucrats, not activist school boards—know what is best for their kids. Spambergler, on the other hand, sides with the unions and the woke crowd that think parents should sit down, shut up, and write the check.
- Protecting Girls’ Sports and Privacy: Youngkin and Sears have pushed back against policies that would allow biological males into girls’ locker rooms and onto girls’ sports teams. Spambergler embraces these radical gender policies, regardless of the impact on Virginia’s daughters.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Governor Youngkin inherited a fiscal mess from Democrats and has worked to keep Virginia’s financial house in order. Taxes have been cut, businesses have confidence to invest, and families have kept more of their hard-earned dollars. Spambergler promises more spending, more taxes, and more bureaucracy—just like Wes Moore in Maryland.
Virginia at a Crossroads
Make no mistake: Abigail Spambergler is no moderate. She is a creature of the far-left wing of her party. Her record makes it clear: she supports higher taxes, bigger government, and progressive social policies that undermine the values of most Virginians. If you doubt it, look at what’s happening in Maryland. Look at what happened under Ralph Northam. The warning lights are flashing red.
This election is not about personalities. It’s about the direction of Virginia. Will we continue on the path of strong families, safe communities, and sound finances? Or will we let a radical leftist drag Virginia down the same road as our neighbors to the north?
A Proven Leader
Winsome Sears represents the best of Virginia. A Marine veteran, small businesswoman, and fierce defender of our Constitution, she has shown she is ready to lead. She understands the struggles of working families because she’s lived them. And she has proven, in office, that she will stand firm when it matters most.
Sears isn’t just running to be governor—she’s running to make sure Virginia remains a place where families thrive, businesses grow, and freedom is respected.
The Choice is Clear
This November, Virginians must choose wisely. We cannot afford the false promises of another “moderate” Democrat who will abandon moderation the moment the ballots are counted. Abigail Spambergler is just another version of Ralph Northam and Wes Moore—campaigning as a centrist, governing as a radical.
If you want parental rights protected, taxes kept low, and common sense restored to Richmond, the choice is clear: vote for Winsome Sears.
Virginia’s future is on the line. Don’t make the same mistake Maryland did.
Endnotes
- Northam’s Shift Left: Ralph Northam campaigned in 2017 as a centrist but pursued progressive policies on abortion, gun control, and environmental regulation once in office. See: Gregory S. Schneider, “Northam charts a progressive path,” Washington Post, Jan. 2019.
- Wes Moore’s “Moderate” Campaign vs. Progressive Agenda: Moore campaigned as a pragmatic moderate but quickly advanced progressive policies, including new taxes, expanded spending, and controversial social policies. See: Pamela Wood, “Maryland Gov. Wes Moore pivots left after centrist campaign,” Baltimore Banner, 2023.
- Governor’s Mansion Renovations in Maryland: More than $2.3 million in taxpayer-funded repairs and renovations to Maryland’s Government House have been undertaken since Gov. Moore took office. See: Sam Janesch, “Taxpayer-funded upgrades at Maryland governor’s mansion top $2.3 million under Moore,” Baltimore Sun, Aug. 2024.
- Parental Rights in Virginia: Governor Glenn Youngkin and Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears have prioritized parental involvement in schools, particularly regarding curriculum transparency and gender policies. See: Laura Vozzella, “Youngkin signs executive order affirming parental rights in education,” Washington Post, Jan. 2022.
- Biological Males in Girls’ Sports/Locker Rooms Debate: Youngkin administration issued model policies requiring parental consent for student gender identity accommodations, contrasting with Democratic-backed policies favoring full gender self-identification in schools. See: Graham Moomaw, “Youngkin administration rolls back transgender student protections,” Virginia Mercury, 2022.
- Virginia’s Fiscal Policy Under Youngkin: Youngkin signed into law $4 billion in tax cuts, helping keep Virginia competitive while maintaining budget surpluses. See: Nathaniel Cline, “Virginia leaders pass $4 billion in tax relief package,” Virginia Mercury, 2022.
- Democratic Tax-and-Spend Tendencies: Historically, Democratic control in Virginia and Maryland has brought higher taxes and expanded regulation. See: Stephen Haner, “Virginia Democrats push for billions in new taxes,” Virginia Institute for Public Policy, 2021.
Alex Luther is a contributor for Direct Line News and can be reached at Alex.Luther@mcgopclub.com
Direct Line News is a Maryland-based free-access publication committed to the Republican reform tradition.
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