Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger is calling out state leadership after a new analysis shows Virginia’s economic growth rate is slowing to its lowest point since 2021.
The report from the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center estimates Virginia’s unemployment rate reaching 4.1% by the end of 2025 and 5.0% by mid-2026, its highest point since 2020.
Spanberger slammed Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, her opponent, for backing “reckless policies in Washington” Spanberger says are stifling Virginia’s job market and long-term economic growth.
“My opponent has cheered on these cuts, minimized these job losses, and brushed off the uncertainty facing Virginians that’s clearly reflected in this new report,” Spanberger said in a press release. “Unlike my opponent, I will never casually dismiss threats to Virginia families and Virginia’s economy.”
Virginia’s economy is expected to mirror national economic performance, with a projected growth rate of 0.6% through December, according to the report. That’s largely because of recent economic policies implemented by the Trump administration and the state’s close ties with the federal government, notably its workforce.
While the positive growth is better than expected, the report argues data also signal a impending stagnation. Data used from the Bureau of Economic Analysis show the state’s GDP grew by 0.28%, ranking 34th among all states.
The analysis projects approximately 7,600 government jobs in Virginia will be lost by the end of the year, along with another 6,600 jobs in professional, scientific, and technical services.
Spanberger said that if elected Governor, she would focus on growing Virginia’s business investment across the state to build a more resilient economy and lower costs for families.
“I will never be afraid to stand up for Virginians — no matter who is in the White House,” Spanberger said.
In her latest campaign ad released on Wednesday, Spanberger notes the data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis showing rising unemployment rates in Virginia and the growing cost of grocery items and health care. It further points to recent federal cuts to Medicaid that are closing rural hospitals across the state.
Earle-Sears, however, refutes the latest data, reposting Spanberger’s ad on social media and instead touting recent job numbers and investments.
“Oh Abigail… bless your heart. You might want to check the numbers: 263,700 for new jobs since 2022, $140 billion in new investments, $1.1 billion in tax relief and rebates on the way. That’s what a good thing looks like,” Earle-Sears wrote on X.
