By Michael Katz | Friday, 31 October 2025 06:01 PM EDT
Democratic Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger stated that if elected Tuesday, she would refuse to work with President Donald Trump.
Spanberger told “PBS NewsHour” in a segment that aired Thursday that Trump is “not the right person” to rebuild Virginia’s economy due to his “attack on the federal workforce.” The Trump administration has faced criticism for efforts to cut what it called “bloat in the federal government.” Additionally, the recent government shutdown left many federal workers without paychecks.
When asked if she would work with Trump on job creation, Spanberger responded, “You don’t work with the arsonist who burns down the house to rebuild it.” She argued that Trump, as the individual responsible for an “absolute attack on the federal workforce,” is unfit to help restore Virginia’s economy.
Spanberger’s comments echoed criticism from her Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who accused her of being unfit for office due to her alleged hatred for Trump. Earle-Sears stated, “When your hatred for President Trump outweighs your love for Virginians… you’re not fit for office.” She added that as governor, she would work with anyone to strengthen the economy.
Polling averages show Spanberger leading by 7.4 percentage points ahead of Tuesday’s election. A recent poll placed her up by 4 points, within the margin of error.
