Abigail Spanberger: Balancing Motherhood and Politics in Virginia’s Gubernatorial Race
On November 4th, Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger will be vying for the position of governor in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Yet, amidst her political ambitions, one role remains paramount to her: being a mother.
Spanberger, together with her husband Adam, is raising three daughters who attend public schools—Catherine, Charlotte, and Claire. As she takes on Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican nominee, her family stands firmly in her corner.
A Family Affair in Politics
Her run for governor is driven by a commitment to enhance the lives of Virginia’s families, and her own family’s support is a cornerstone of her political journey. When considering a gubernatorial run, she prioritized gaining the blessing of her daughters.
“I had some really thoughtful conversations with my oldest daughter,” Spanberger shared with Dogwood. Her eldest expressed the importance of having a governor who cares about education, saying, “I think you would be a very good governor.”
Her daughter Claire noted that her candidacy might simply increase the number of places where Spanberger is recognized publicly, given her existing role as a congressional representative.
Juggling Family and Ambitions
Despite the disruptions to family life, Spanberger’s daughters have embraced the changes, considering the campaign an “interesting adventure.” They are no strangers to politics, having accompanied Spanberger during her congressional campaigns.
Spanberger transitioned into politics after serving as a CIA intelligence officer, first entering the political arena in 2018 when she ran against Tea Party Republican Dave Brat.
Initially focused on protecting the Affordable Care Act, Spanberger’s victory against Brat by 6,800 votes was a notable upset, making her the first woman to represent Virginia’s 7th District.
Her daughters, accustomed to the political scene, even had memorable moments like when Catherine charmed an audience by joining Spanberger on stage during a victory speech.
Political Goals Shaped by Parenthood
Spanberger’s platform is influenced heavily by her experiences as a mother. She is committed to reforming Virginia’s education system, safeguarding children from gun violence, and ensuring reproductive rights are protected.
Addressing concerns like school lockdown drills, Spanberger stated, “It’s our responsibility as adults to protect them, and we can.” She advocates for robust gun safety measures, including waiting periods and magazine capacity limits.
A product of public schooling herself, Spanberger aims to resolve Virginia’s teacher shortage and prepare students for future success. She criticizes policies that harm the learning environment, such as those that ban books or marginalize LGBTQ students.
Her resolve to safeguard reproductive freedoms is bolstered by legislation aiming to embed these rights within the state’s constitution. Spanberger sees no division between politics and personal life, as her work is fueled by the goal of improving life for Virginian families.
On International Women’s Day, she expressed her dedication on Instagram: “I’m proud of my three daughters. They are strong, they are kind, they are curious, and they have bright futures. As Virginia’s next governor, I will make sure that all young women and girls have the opportunities they need to succeed.”
