Virginia’s Governor-elect, Abigail Spanberger, emphasized the urgent need for the federal government to reopen during her interview on “Face the Nation” aired on November 9, 2025. Speaking from Glen Allen, just outside Richmond, Spanberger articulated the challenges faced by more than 300,000 Virginians affected by the ongoing government shutdown.
During her conversation with host Margaret Brennan, Spanberger stated that the chaos emanating from Washington has significantly impacted Virginia’s economy. She highlighted how federal employees and contractors are suffering due to stalled funding, calling for immediate action from Congress. “The government needs to open and it needs to open immediately,” Spanberger asserted.
While some in her party may view her electoral victory as a mandate to resist funding negotiations, Spanberger disagreed. She insisted that her campaign focused on alleviating the rising costs of healthcare, housing, and energy, issues that are compounded by the current shutdown. Spanberger clarified, “Our victory was based on addressing concerns related to costs and chaos,” underscoring the necessity for bipartisan cooperation to restore government functions.
The discussion also touched on the impact of the shutdown on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which currently serves approximately 825,000 enrollees in Virginia. Spanberger expressed concern over the immediate pain faced by families relying on food assistance, stating that the government’s failure to reopen only exacerbates their hardships.
She further elaborated on the implications of the shutdown, noting, “Even the passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill will have catastrophic impacts on Virginia, taking $26 billion out of our healthcare.” Spanberger’s comments highlighted the urgency of resolving the ongoing budget impasse.
Turning to energy issues, Spanberger addressed the rising costs of electricity in Virginia, which have increased by nearly 7% in the past year. While acknowledging the boom in data centers, she pointed out that the price hikes are largely due to poor energy policies in neighboring states. Spanberger underscored the necessity for Virginia to enhance its energy production to meet growing demands, particularly from large-scale users like data centers.
In a critical reflection on federal pressures faced by universities, Spanberger condemned what she described as federal overreach. She referenced recent actions taken against institutions such as the University of Virginia, where leadership changes were influenced by funding disputes with the federal government. “It should shock everyone that universities are receiving demands from the federal government,” she stated, affirming her commitment to academic freedom as governor.
As she looks ahead, Spanberger is acutely aware of the challenges within her party, particularly the perceptions surrounding progressive policies. She noted the recent victory of a Democratic socialist in New York City and questioned whether this trend poses a branding problem for the party. Despite these dynamics, Spanberger emphasized her own successful campaign, which focused on pragmatic solutions to everyday problems faced by Virginians.
Her remarks encapsulate the delicate balance her administration will need to navigate between addressing immediate economic needs and managing broader party ideologies. As Virginia prepares for its first female governor, Spanberger aims to deliver on the mandate she believes was granted by voters.
In conclusion, Spanberger’s urgent call for government reopening reflects not only the immediate needs of Virginia but also highlights the broader implications of federal governance on state economies. The path she charts as governor could set a significant precedent for how state and federal relations evolve in the coming years.