Dave Brat critiques rage politics in Virginia gubernatorial race
Former Rep. Dave Brat has warned that 'rage' politics, fueled by Democratic rhetoric, poses a challenge for Republicans in Virginia's upcoming gubernatorial election. Speaking amid recent threats and attacks on conservatives, Brat argues that such tensions could ultimately strengthen GOP support. The race pits Democrat Abigail Spanberger against Republican Winsome Earle-Sears.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News, former Virginia Rep. Dave Brat, now vice provost at Liberty University in Lynchburg, analyzed how heated political rhetoric is influencing the state's gubernatorial contest. Brat, who famously upset House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in 2014, pointed to recent assassination attempts on President Donald Trump and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, as well as the murder of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, as examples of escalating tensions.
Brat specifically criticized Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger for remarks urging crowds to 'let your rage fuel you,' calling it the 'secret sauce on the left.' He stated, 'Let your rage out, right. That's her new line.' Spanberger's spokesperson responded, saying she will 'continue to condemn comments that continue to make light of or justify violence of any kind – full stop.'
The interview highlighted recent death threats against Virginia Republicans, including Del. Geary Higgins, who reported a man threatening to shoot him at a rally after he defended GOP nominee Winsome Earle-Sears from racist signage, and Del. Kim Taylor, who faced a threat to kill her over claims Republicans are 'ruining the country.'
Brat connected these incidents to broader issues, including transgender rights debates in Virginia schools, arguing that the left uses such topics as political tools. He said, 'For the left to be using these folks as a political tool, for me, it's just obscene.' Emphasizing Republican values, Brat noted, 'We believe in protecting the rights of all people. Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness for everybody.'
Reflecting on changes since his time in office, Brat credited the 'MAGA revolution' and figures like Elon Musk for shifting the political landscape, predicting that events like Kirk's murder—linked by some to leftist rage—could galvanize voters. 'If that comes to fruition right now, we could see some shockers in Virginia and New Jersey,' he said. Kirk, Brat added, embodied 'faith and reason together,' principles he believes resonate with younger conservatives.