Abigail Spanberger Balances Family Life and Virginia Gubernatorial Bid

Abigail Spanberger Balances Family Life with Gubernatorial Ambitions

Abigail Spanberger, a Democratic candidate in Virginia’s gubernatorial race set for November 4th, aims to bring her political aspirations to fruition while maintaining a vital role in her personal life as a mother. Spanberger, along with her husband Adam, is raising three daughters who are currently enrolled in public schools: Catherine, a sixth grader; Charlotte, a ninth grader; and Claire, a high school senior. These daughters are keen supporters of their mother’s political journey against her Republican opponent, Winsome Earle-Sears.

Spanberger’s motivation to improve the lives of Virginia’s families is deeply intertwined with her own family’s encouragement, which has been a cornerstone of her political endeavors. Before deciding to run for governor, Spanberger, then a three-term representative for Virginia’s 7th District, engaged her daughters in discussions about the potential impact on their lives. Her eldest daughter’s supportive response was poignant, expressing a desire for a governor who prioritizes education and who believes Spanberger would excel in that role.

Family Dynamics on the Campaign Trail

The campaign trail presents challenges to normal family life, yet Spanberger’s daughters have remained steadfastly supportive. Spanberger reflects that her children view the campaign as an “interesting adventure.” Their involvement in her political life is not new, as they have accompanied her on congressional campaigns since she first ran for Congress in 2018 against Tea Party Republican Dave Brat, focusing on safeguarding the Affordable Care Act.

Spanberger’s victory in that election marked her as the first woman to represent the 7th District. Her daughters have grown accustomed to the political landscape, with her youngest, Catherine, having spent her formative years in the public eye. An iconic moment during Spanberger’s 2019 congressional reelection campaign saw Catherine charmingly interrupt her mother’s victory speech, a testament to the family’s adaptability to political life.

Spanberger credits her husband, Adam, with being an essential partner in managing the demands of political and family life. She emphasizes the importance of family time, describing it as “sacred,” and makes concerted efforts to disconnect from work during family activities, such as movie or game nights.

Policy Priorities Influenced by Parenthood

Spanberger’s role as a mother shapes her policy priorities, particularly in education and public safety. She advocates for improvements in Virginia’s public schools and aims to protect children from gun violence by supporting safe storage laws, red flag laws, and advocating for waiting periods and magazine capacity limits for firearms.

Her commitment to reproductive rights is also central to her platform, especially as the state considers constitutional protections for these rights. Spanberger’s personal experiences and aspirations for her daughters fuel her determination to create a supportive environment for all Virginians.

On International Women’s Day, Spanberger shared her pride in her daughters and her vision for their future, stating: “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.”