BUSTED: Governor Claims Billions She Never Earned

(LibertySociety.com) – Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger now holds the distinction of being the most unpopular governor in the Commonwealth in over three decades after being caught claiming credit for billions in economic development deals secured by her Republican predecessor.

Story Snapshot

Spanberger takes credit for $156 billion in CEO commitments and economic deals negotiated under former GOP Governor Glenn Youngkin
Her approval rating plummeted to 47% approve/47% disapprove, the lowest for any Virginia governor this century
Republican critics and Democratic colleagues alike question her credibility as policies contradict campaign promises on affordability
Governor inherited $2.7 billion budget surplus from Youngkin while simultaneously raising taxes and hiking energy costs

Taking Credit for Others’ Work

Governor Spanberger publicly celebrated economic achievements including HB 799 allocating $457 million in investments, despite these deals originating during Glenn Youngkin’s administration. Former Attorney General Jason Miyares called out the deception bluntly, stating “She’s trying to take credit for somebody else’s work. In grade school we call that cheating.” Youngkin’s tenure saw record-breaking $156 billion in total CEO commitments, creating the economic momentum Spanberger inherited along with a $2.7 billion budget surplus. This pattern of claiming unearned victories raises fundamental questions about honest governance that voters across the political spectrum should find troubling.

Breaking Promises on Affordability

Spanberger campaigned on an “affordability agenda” promising to strengthen public schools and deliver economic relief to Virginia families. Within her first three months in office, Republican critics argue she broke every major campaign promise by raising taxes, killing jobs, and hiking energy costs. Youngkin spokesperson Justin Discigil stated, “The last three months have been nothing but horrible news for Virginians as Abigail Spanberger broke every single promise she made on the campaign trail.” This disconnect between campaign rhetoric and governing reality exemplifies the pattern of politicians saying whatever it takes to get elected, then governing for special interests rather than ordinary citizens struggling to make ends meet.

Bipartisan Credibility Crisis

The governor faces criticism not just from Republicans but from her own Democratic colleagues in the General Assembly. Democratic Senator Louise Lucas delivered a devastating assessment: “The problem she has to correct is her policies don’t match her rhetoric from the campaign trail. Her issue is credibility.” Spanberger has amended over 180 bills in ways that contradict Democratic priorities on immigration enforcement, collective bargaining, and marijuana legalization. Democratic Senator Saddam Salim opposed her immigration enforcement amendments while Senator Lucas criticized delays on marijuana policy. When a Democratic governor loses support from both parties simultaneously, it signals a deeper problem than typical partisan disagreements.

Historic Unpopularity Reflects Voter Frustration

A State Navigate poll showing Spanberger at 47% approve/47% disapprove represents the lowest approval rating for any Virginia governor this century according to Republican sources. This historic unpopularity reflects broader frustration with politicians who manufacture credentials rather than deliver results. The convergence of criticism from Republicans defending Youngkin’s economic legacy and Democrats angry about policy reversals suggests Spanberger faces a genuine governing crisis. Voters on both left and right increasingly recognize when elected officials prioritize political survival over solving the real economic challenges facing working families who believed campaign promises about affordability and honest leadership.

This controversy demonstrates why public trust in government continues eroding across the political spectrum. When governors claim credit for predecessors’ achievements while breaking core campaign promises, it reinforces the perception that political elites care more about maintaining power than serving constituents. Virginia voters now face the consequences of electing a governor whose credibility problems transcend traditional partisan divides, creating political vulnerability heading into future election cycles.