Former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic candidate for governor of Virginia, faced heavy scrutiny following last week’s debate against Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears after failing to give clear answers on several major issues, including her support for another Democrat under fire and questions about gender policies in public schools.

The debate, held ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial election, featured tense exchanges between the two candidates as they discussed education, public safety, and leadership.

During one portion, Spanberger was asked whether she still endorsed Democratic Attorney General candidate Jay Jones after he made controversial remarks referencing “two bullets” for House Speaker Todd Gilbert and comments about wishing death on Gilbert’s children.

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Spanberger did not provide a direct response to the question.

Earle-Sears criticized her opponent’s silence, arguing that voters deserve clarity about where she stands on a candidate accused of making violent statements.

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The exchange quickly drew attention from both parties, with Republicans accusing Spanberger of avoiding a straightforward answer on a matter of public concern.

The former congresswoman also faced a difficult moment when asked about Virginia’s policy on gender and school facilities.

She declined to say whether she would rescind Governor Glenn Youngkin’s executive order requiring students to use restrooms consistent with their biological sex.

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In a follow-up interview with WSHV 3, Spanberger was again pressed on her position.

When asked, “What do you think of Earle-Sears’ claim that you’re fine with putting men in women’s locker rooms?”

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Spanberger responded with an extended two-and-a-half-minute statement that did not include a direct yes-or-no answer.

Her response referenced federal education law, Title IX, and the role of federal versus local authorities.

“The reality is that the federal government has the ability to change the letter of the law. Through Congress, through the Senate, bills go to the president’s desk. Right now, what we are seeing is there are differences between what is the law of the land under Title IX, and what are executive orders put out by the White House,” Spanberger said.

She continued, “In circumstances where there are conflicting evidence or conflicting interpretations, the reality is the federal government has to be clear in what is the real guidance available to our schools as it relates to use of locker rooms. The reality is that we have multiple jurisdictions who believe they are following the letter of the law and have their lawyers conveying why. And, at the end of the day, we have a President of the United States who is taking away and threatening federal funding.”

Spanberger went on to criticize the President’s approach to federal funding, saying, “What I think is so egregious is that this is a tool that, that, unfortunately, this President continues to use, the threat of federal funding. Congress passed funding. It is not the president’s ability. This is a basic Article I. If you believe in the Constitution, the president doesn’t have the ability to just pull back funding.”

Her remarks continued at length, citing examples of programs affected by funding disputes and emphasizing the role of local communities in school decisions.

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Political commentators quickly reacted to her lengthy remarks.

Conservative communicator Steve Guest said Democrats are “confused” about Title IX, while others highlighted the lack of a direct answer.

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) posted on X, “Wow, I think even Kamala listened to that and said ‘that’s an absolute word salad!’”

Spanberger’s performance in the debate and subsequent interview drew renewed attention to the Virginia race, which polls show has tightened in recent weeks. Earle-Sears has significantly narrowed the gap, and recent surveys indicate the contest is now statistically even.

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As the election approaches, Spanberger’s handling of controversial questions and her reluctance to take firm positions on divisive issues are expected to remain key points of discussion among voters and campaign strategists across the state.

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