Spanberger Skirts Transgender Policy Questions, Focuses on Funding

Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic nominee for governor of Virginia, faced scrutiny during a recent interview when asked about her stance on transgender policies. Rather than addressing the question directly, she criticized the Trump administration’s interpretation of Title IX and pivoted to discuss federal funding issues. This approach underscores the contentious nature of transgender issues in Virginia politics, particularly as the 2026 gubernatorial race approaches.

In response to accusations from Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears that she supports allowing “men in girls’ locker rooms,” Spanberger instead highlighted her concerns about federal funding. She pointed to what she described as “conflicting evidence or conflicting interpretations” surrounding Title IX, emphasizing that the federal government must provide clear guidance on the law’s application regarding school facilities. Spanberger criticized the Trump administration for excluding “gender identity” from its interpretation of the law, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs as a condition of receiving federal funding.

During the interview, Spanberger expressed frustration over the federal government’s approach, stating, “The reality is that the federal government has the ability to change the letter of the law… There are differences between what is the law of the land under Title IX and what are executive orders put out by the White House.” She raised concerns about the potential consequences of federal funding being withheld, citing its impact on schools and various essential programs, including cancer research.

Spanberger further elaborated on her perspective regarding local decision-making, stating, “In many cases, it’s the local community that knows their community best and can readily make decisions about how to ensure that all our kids are safe.”

The reaction to Spanberger’s comments was swift. Earle-Sears took to social media, labeling Spanberger’s response a “word salad” and criticizing her stance as vague. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller also weighed in, comparing Spanberger unfavorably to Vice President Kamala Harris and accusing her of supporting policies that threaten children’s safety.

Virginia has been at the forefront of the transgender debate, and as the election nears, gender identity policies in schools are under intensified scrutiny. This includes recent controversies surrounding a transgender-identifying convicted sex offender, Richard Cox, who allegedly accessed public school facilities inappropriately.

Spanberger has faced questions regarding her position on guidance issued by Governor Glenn Youngkin, which aims to restrict transgender-identifying individuals from participating in female sports and accessing intimate spaces. Despite repeated inquiries, her campaign has not clarified whether she would maintain or rescind this guidance.

A spokesperson for Spanberger emphasized her commitment to child safety, stating, “Abigail is a parent of three daughters in Virginia public schools and a former federal law enforcement officer who went after child predators.” The spokesperson reiterated that Spanberger intends to work with law enforcement to protect children from predators.

As the campaign progresses, the handling of transgender issues is likely to remain a pivotal topic, reflecting broader national conversations around gender identity and rights in educational settings. The outcome of the gubernatorial race may hinge on how candidates navigate these contentious discussions, with public opinion closely monitored in the lead-up to the election.