New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Virginians continue to pay a higher price for essential goods and services due to inflation, and gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger is spotlighting the challenge as polls in the Governor’s race show her lead shrinking, though still sizable.
“This data confirms the very real concerns I’m hearing from families across the Commonwealth — Virginians are feeling squeezed by high prices,” Spanberger said. “As parents have to spend more of their money to take care of their kids and begin budgeting for the holidays, economists and business leaders are worried about the long-term future of Virginia’s economy.”
Spanberger said Virginia deserves a Governor who will put political differences aside and work across the aisle to make Virginia more affordable, protect its jobs, and increase economic opportunity for all residents.
Currently, the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits is the highest it’s been in nearly four years, according to this month’s consumer price index. The state posted its largest seasonally adjusted increase since January, putting the annual inflation rate at 2.9%.
And Virginia’s unemployment rate has continued to grow for the past seven consecutive months.
If elected, Spanberger plans to roll out her “Affordable Virginia Plan” that focuses on lowering energy, health care, and housing costs for Virginia families.
A new poll from the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), however, shows Spanberger’s strong lead over her Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, shrinking.
Among registered voters that participated in the poll, Spanberger still leads Earle-Sears 49% to 40%, reflecting a 12-point drop from last month, according to VCU. Approximately 48% of independents remain undecided.
An August poll from Roanoke College, showed Spanberger held a 46% to 39% lead over Earle-Sears, after previously holding a 43% to 26% lead in May.
Furthermore, VCU polling found the lead held by Democratic Lt. Gov. Candidate Sen. Ghazala Hashmi has also narrowed, with Hashmi holding a 45% to 41% edge over John Reid after she previously held a 10-percentage-point lead only a month ago.
Former Virginia Democratic Gov. L. Douglas Wilder said Virginia’s elections have never been decided by extremes, but rather by those who put Virginia first.
“The issues that matter most — rising costs, protecting rights, and strengthening education — are concerns shared by voters in every community,” Wilder said. “Virginia has long been a place where independents and undecided voters determine the outcome, reminding us that leaders must represent the people, ALL of the people.”
Voters were asked what issues most influence them for the November election, with 28% saying that the rising cost of living is their greatest concern. Women’s reproductive rights came second at 13%, while immigration and education came in at 12%.
Early voting in the races begins Friday.
