US EditionWhat to watch in the only debate of the Virginia governor’s race
The debate highlights clashes over federal shutdown impacts, transgender policies, and economic issues as Spanberger leads polls by 10 points, officials said.
- On Thursday, Republican Winsome Earle-Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger will debate at Norfolk State University less than a month before Election Day in their first face-to-face encounter.
- With about 315,000 federal workers in Virginia, the federal government shutdown and President Donald Trump's workforce cuts hit the state, and House Speaker Mike Johnson warned workers may not receive back pay.
- Polling and fundraising tell a clear story, as Spanberger leads 52% to 42% and has raised more than $41 million while both campaigns spend heavily.
- Trump is not on the ballot next month but is expected to shape the debate, and Spanberger can press Earle-Sears on her ties to Trump and his campaign visits.
- Virginia's outcome is watched nationally as a bellwether ahead of midterms next year, even as threats of political violence have escalated, raising security concerns around the campaign season.
57 Articles
57 Articles
5 Key Takeaways From the Virginia Governor Debate
Virginia governor candidates, Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Democrat former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, went head-to-head at Norfolk State University Thursday night, debating political violence, transgender issues, the government shutdown, and more. Nexstar’s WAVY-TV hosted the debate, with WAVY-TV’s Tom Schaad and WRIC-TV’s Deanna Allbrittin as moderators. Spanberger repeatedly refused to answer questions, while Earle-Sears repeatedl…
Neither Virginia gubernatorial candidate showed up to the post-debate interview
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Virginia gubernatorial candidates Abigail Spanberger (D) and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R) met on the stage at Norfolk State University Thursday night for their only scheduled debate ahead of the November election. Virginia Gubernatorial Debate Coverage The debate, hosted by WAVY-TV 10 and moderated by news anchors Tom Schaad of WAVY-TV 10 and Deanna Allbrittin of WRIC-TV., was held from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Oct. 9, 20…
Earle-Sears, Spanberger present sharp contrasts in Virginia gubernatorial debate
Virginia gubernatorial candidates Winsome Earle-Sears, R, and Abigail Spanberger, D, faced each other in their only debate Thursday evening, providing voters with a sharp contrast on issues and leadership style. The women are trying to become Virginia’s first female governor. The moderators frequently played referee as Earle-Sears assumed an aggressive posture and constantly interrupted Spanberger’s answers, getting reprimanded time and...
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