Rep. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia has stated she would not work with President Donald Trump on job creation efforts if elected governor. These remarks were made during a recent PBS NewsHour interview and have sparked considerable attention.
Spanberger, who represents Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, is considered a leading Democratic contender in the 2025 gubernatorial race. When asked whether she would collaborate with the White House on policies aimed at boosting employment and economic growth in Virginia, Spanberger firmly declined. She compared cooperating with the Trump administration to “working with the arsonist who burns down the house.”
This exchange drew immediate attention from political observers in Richmond and online critics alike. Many noted that her comments come as the national economy continues to improve under the Trump administration. Major stock indexes have remained strong, inflation has eased from highs earlier in the decade, and interest rates have been reduced following Federal Reserve actions to stabilize the lending market.
Analysts interpret Spanberger’s statement as a clear signal that she plans to distance herself completely from the Trump administration if she wins the governor’s office — even in areas where bipartisan cooperation is common, such as workforce development, infrastructure investment, and manufacturing.
Throughout the early stages of the gubernatorial race, the Virginia Democrat has kept a relatively low profile. She has declined numerous press opportunities, focusing instead on fundraising and regional campaign appearances. Her campaign platform centers on public education, clean energy investment, and expanding health care access. Notably, she has largely avoided detailed policy discussions involving the White House or federal partnerships.
The Trump administration has credited its trade and fiscal policies with sustaining U.S. job growth and stabilizing consumer markets. Recent agreements with Asian trading partners have been highlighted as key steps to strengthening American manufacturing and export competitiveness. Additionally, the administration points to expanded small business incentives and infrastructure grants as evidence of continued economic progress.
Spanberger’s outright rejection of cooperation with the president on job creation represents a sharp departure from previous Virginia governors — both Republican and Democrat — who traditionally worked with federal agencies and the White House on economic initiatives. Her comments have also reignited debate about the Democratic Party’s broader posture toward the Trump administration.
A former CIA officer first elected to Congress in 2018, Spanberger has positioned herself as a centrist within her party. While often aligning with national Democratic leadership on key votes, her recent remarks underscore a more confrontational stance toward the current White House.
The interview also touched on social policy issues, including Spanberger’s past comments on gender and public accommodations. In a September press conference, when asked about policies allowing biological males access to women’s locker rooms and restrooms, Spanberger appeared to avoid a direct answer, drawing scrutiny online.
As the Virginia gubernatorial race takes shape ahead of the 2025 election, Spanberger is expected to formally launch her campaign later this year. She will join a growing field of Democratic contenders, while Republicans are poised to highlight her unwillingness to collaborate with the Trump administration as evidence of partisanship. This race is anticipated to be one of the most closely watched statewide contests in the country.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/11/va-dem-gov-candidate-admits-politics-are-more-important-than-virginians-jobs-watch/
