Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger Advocates for Swift Government Reopening
Virginia’s Governor-elect, Abigail Spanberger, emphasized the urgent need for the federal government to reopen during her interview on “Face the Nation” with Margaret Brennan on November 9, 2025. Spanberger, a Democrat from Glen Allen, voiced strong concerns regarding the impact of the ongoing government shutdown on Virginians, particularly federal employees and contractors.
In her remarks, Spanberger highlighted that Virginia has one of the highest concentrations of federal workers in the United States, many of whom are currently facing significant financial distress due to the shutdown. She pointed out that over 300,000 Virginians are affected, and the broader economy of the state is also suffering as a result. “Virginians need to see the government reopen, and I expect Congress, the Senate, and the President to work towards that goal,” she stated.
When asked whether congressional Democrats should prioritize reopening the government over discussing health care reforms, Spanberger reiterated the immediate necessity of reopening. She stated, “The government needs to open and it needs to open immediately.” The governor-elect stressed that the ongoing shutdown exacerbates existing challenges, including rising costs in health care, housing, and energy, which her campaign had focused on during the election.
With 825,000 enrollees in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) facing uncertainty, Spanberger pointed out the acute pain many Virginians are experiencing. “We cannot compound that pain by keeping the government closed,” she remarked, underscoring the urgent need for bipartisan cooperation in reopening the government.
In addition to addressing the government shutdown, Spanberger discussed the increasing energy costs in Virginia, which have risen by nearly 7% over the past year. She attributed some of these increases to poor energy policies in neighboring states rather than solely the growth of data centers, which have proliferated due to the demand for artificial intelligence capabilities. She emphasized the need for Virginia to enhance its energy production to meet growing demands and ensure fair pricing for large-scale energy users.
Spanberger also expressed her concerns about the federal government’s pressure on universities, specifically mentioning the University of Virginia. She criticized the practice of withholding federal funding unless institutions comply with specific demands, labeling it as federal overreach. “It should shock everyone that universities are receiving demands from the federal government,” she said, adding that she would advocate for academic freedom as governor.
Reflecting on the recent electoral successes for Democrats, Spanberger noted her own victory of 15 points in Virginia and the win of Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey. She acknowledged the diversity within the Democratic Party but stressed that their recent successes stemmed from a focus on addressing practical issues facing everyday citizens, rather than ideological labels.
Spanberger concluded her interview by affirming her commitment to tackling the pressing needs of Virginians and delivering solutions that prioritize economic stability and community safety. As the first female governor of Virginia, her leadership is viewed as a significant milestone in the state’s political landscape.
