The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS Carpenters) is endorsing Virginia gubernatorial Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger.
EAS Carpenters, which represents approximately 42,000 skilled carpenters, millwrights, and trade professionals in Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, applauded Spanberger’s commitment to the state’s working families.
The group advocates for fair wages, strong benefits, worker protections, and the creation of opportunities for new tradespeople through apprenticeship programs.
“We know Abigail will have our backs when it comes to strengthening the prevailing wage, expanding apprenticeship programs, cracking down on wage theft and worker misclassification, and creating more opportunities for the next generation of Virginians,” Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the EAS Carpenters William C. Sproule said. “That’s why we are proud to endorse her for Governor of Virginia.”
If elected this November, Spanberger would implement her “Growing Virginia Plan” focusing on expanding workforce training and registered apprenticeship programs across the state.
Spanberger said in a statement that while meeting constituents, she often is told how hard it is for working people and the middle class to get by.
“They deserve a Governor focused on creating good jobs, making Virginia more affordable, building stronger schools for their kids, and protecting the secure retirement they’ve earned,” Spanberger said.
“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the EAS Carpenters. Especially at this moment, when my opponent supports nonstop attacks on Virginia’s workforce and economy, our Commonwealth needs a Governor who won’t be afraid to stand up to the chaos and speak out on behalf of our workers, their families, and their livelihoods.”
Spanberger was referring to her Republican opponent and current Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who supported the passage of President Donald Trump’s recent tax bill slashing federal budgets, which resulted in hundreds of thousands of federal layoffs that disproportionately affected Virginia’s workforce.
Despite the fallout, Earle-Sears continues to support the bill, which also cuts health care coverage for thousands of Virginians, including veterans, something Spanberger pointed out during the 54th Annual Labor Festival in Buena Vista over the weekend.
“I am focused on ensuring that we are doing right by all Virginians,” Spanberger said during the festival. “Amid the terrible bill that was passed on Capitol Hill that will take $26 billion, with a B, from our health care system, impacting our veterans, our community members with disabilities, and community members who are working hard every single day at the state level.”
Spanberger has also received backing from the Virginia Police Benevolent Association, a significant endorsement after the group had previously endorsed Earle-Sears during her bid for Lieutenant Governor in 2021.
Spanberger and Earle-Sears are running to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
