This story first appeared in Dogwood
Abigail Spanberger’s Journey to Virginia’s Governorship Balances Politics and Parenthood
Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger is vying for the governor position in Virginia on Nov. 4. However, amid her political aspirations, she holds her role as a mother in the highest regard.
Spanberger, alongside her husband Adam, is raising three daughters—Catherine in sixth grade, Charlotte in ninth grade, and Claire, a high school senior—all of whom are cheering her on against Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears.
Her campaign is fueled by a commitment to enhancing the lives of Virginia’s families, with her own family’s support playing a crucial role in her political endeavors.
Before deciding to run for governor while serving her third term as the 7th District representative, Spanberger consulted with her daughters to gauge their support.
“I had some really thoughtful conversations with my oldest daughter, who was very, very sweet,” Spanberger shared in an interview with Dogwood. “And when we were talking and having family discussions about, ‘What do you think about this? This would be disruptive to all our lives,’ she said that she really wants Virginia to have a very good governor who cares about kids and focuses on education. And she said, ‘I think you would be a very good governor.’”
Her daughter added, “So while it would be weird to have my mom be governor, we need a good governor, and you’d be a good governor, so I think you should do it.”
Claire also pointed out the public recognition that comes with her mother’s congressional role, noting, “It just means that there are more Targets where you might get recognized.”
Spanberger values her daughter’s perspective, acknowledging the unique experiences her role as a congressional representative has brought to their family life.
Family Support on the Campaign Trail
Despite disrupting normalcy, Spanberger’s daughters have been “very, very supportive” of her gubernatorial run, describing it as an “interesting adventure.”
Their involvement in her political journey isn’t new, as they frequently accompanied her on congressional campaign outings since she first ran against Tea Party Republican Dave Brat in the 2018 election.
Back then, Spanberger prioritized protecting the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which faced threats from the Republican House under then-President Donald Trump. The ACA narrowly survived thanks to Republican Sen. John McCain’s decisive thumbs-down vote.
Spanberger’s victory over Brat by 6,800 votes marked a significant achievement, making her the first woman to represent the 7th District.
Her daughters, familiar with campaign life, have seen their mother navigate the political landscape. A noteworthy moment occurred when Catherine, at just 4 years old, joined Spanberger on stage during a victory speech, charming the audience by peeking out from beneath the podium.
Spanberger seamlessly incorporated her daughter into the moment, holding her on her hip while continuing her speech, an event celebrated on social media.
Spanberger’s two older daughters recall life before politics, motivating her to prioritize family time, which she describes as “sacred.”
She credits her husband Adam, “a wonderful partner in all of this, a wonderful parent,” for easing the challenges of her political career.
Family activities like movie or game nights are important to Spanberger, who disconnects from work to enjoy these moments. Her favorite family game is Ticket to Ride, despite often losing, and she delights in peanut butter and pickle sandwiches.
Even with their mother’s public presence, Spanberger’s daughters maintain a normal life, attending public schools in Virginia, much like their parents did.
Spanberger reflects on the unique experience of her children potentially seeing her on TV during Capitol Hill sessions, but she believes in the value of her work, which simplifies the balance.
Her daughters are also familiar with Capitol Hill, with Spanberger commemorating a visit with daughter Charlotte in matching hot pink jackets.
Policy Priorities Driven by Parenthood
Spanberger’s role as a mother guides her focus on improving Virginia’s educational system, safeguarding children from gun violence, and upholding reproductive rights.
Her encounters with students, like a seventh grader expressing concerns about lockdown drills, reinforce her commitment to child safety.
Spanberger advocates for measures like safe storage, red flag laws, waiting periods for firearm purchases, and magazine capacity limits to enhance safety.
A public school alumna, she emphasizes hiring more teachers to address shortages and prepare students for diverse futures.
Spanberger aims to prioritize educational improvements over divisive issues like book bans and discrimination, ensuring a supportive environment for all students.
Her commitment to reproductive freedom is strengthened by raising three daughters, aligning with efforts to embed reproductive rights in Virginia’s constitution.
For Spanberger, her political mission is intertwined with her dedication to improving the lives of all Virginians and their families.
On International Women’s Day, she expressed pride in her daughters on Instagram, pledging to create opportunities for young women and girls to succeed as Virginia’s next governor.
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