Virginia Lt. Gov. Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears is continuing attacks against her Democratic opponent, Abigail Spanberger, over her alleged support of sanctuary cities, days before early voting begins.
Earle-Sears shared a video to X saying Spanberger “doubles down” on her support for sanctuary cities during a discussion with The Center for Politics at the University of Virginia.
“Unbelievable: Abigail Spanberger DOUBLES DOWN on supporting sanctuary cities that release murderers and gang members into our communities,” Earle-Sears wrote. “She protects criminals instead of protecting us.”
Later, Earle-Sears posted again, arguing that keeping Virginians safe should be a bipartisan issue.
“I believe we should be using every resource to help law enforcement get dangerous criminals off our streets and out of our country,” Earle-Sears wrote. “Look, I don’t care if you’re a Republican or Democrat — that’s just common sense.”
In the clip shared, Spanberger, a former CIA officer, did not mention anything about sanctuary cities, rather she shad state officials should not be carrying out the work of the federal government.
“I have been quite clear in the fact that I oppose any sort of mandates that require localities to frankly do the work of ICE officials,” Spanberger said.
Spanberger said in late August that one of her first acts if elected Governor would be to rescind Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 47 that directs local law enforcement to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents with detaining undocumented immigrants.
In an interview with the Virginia Mercury, Spanberger said, “I would rescind his executive order, yes,” but clarified she would do so because it takes law enforcement away from their already busy jobs.
“Our immigration system is absolutely broken,” Spanberger told the Mercury. “The idea that we would take local police officers or local sheriff’s deputies in amid all the things that they have to do, like community policing or staffing our jails or investigating real crimes, so that they can go and tear families apart … that is a misuse of those resources.”
But the Republican Governor’s Association slammed Spanberger’s comments, saying Virginia would be converted into a sanctuary state if she is elected. The group praised Youngkin and Earle-Sears for the arrests of over 2,500 undocumented immigrants throughout their tenure.
RGA Rapid Response Director Kollin Crompton claimed in a statement that Spanberger would recognize asylum for any individual who wants to come to the U.S., and alleged Spanberger supported schools being turned into housing for undocumented immigrants.
Crompton further took aim at Spanberger voting against the Laken Riley Act, a bill introduced following the murder of nursing student Laken Riley at the hands of Venezuelan undocumented immigrant José Antonio Ibarra. Ibarra had previously been cited for theft on the campus of the University of Georgia in Athens.
“Virginia families deserve to be safe in schools and communities, and it’s clear Abigail Spanberger has no interest in either. Safety is on the ballot in November and Spanberger is on the wrong side every step of the way,” Crompton said. “Spanberger wants to make Virginia a Sanctuary State on day one. That’s complete nonsense. Winsome Earle-Sears will always lead with common sense: protecting Virginia families and keeping communities safe.”
Meanwhile, Spanberger’s campaign has been focused on plans to deliver lower living costs to Virginians, something that was confirmed as a leading issue for most voters, according to a recent poll from the Virginia Commonwealth University.
Voters were asked what issues most influence them for the November election, with 28% saying 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%.
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.”
Early voting in the race begins Friday.
