A recent survey shows Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger with 47% approval and 46% disapproval, the weakest early-term rating for a state governor in decades. The poll highlights erosion among independents, who now split nearly evenly on her performance. Skepticism surrounds her affordability agenda amid proposed tax hikes and other policies.
The Washington Post and George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government poll reveals Spanberger's approval at 47%, with 46% disapproving. This marks a sharp drop among independents, at 45% approval versus 46% disapproval, compared to the 59% support she received from them on Election Day in November, per exit polls. For context, former Governor Glenn Youngkin held 54% approval and 39% disapproval at a similar early point in his term after his narrow 2021 win. Political observers like Larry Sabato described the decline as 'stunning' and a potential liability, while Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School, called the early division 'unusual' for a centrist campaigner. Spanberger campaigned on an 'Affordable Virginia' agenda targeting health care, housing, and energy costs. Yet, 41% of voters believe her policies will make the state less affordable, against 31% expecting improvement and 23% seeing no change. This view crosses party lines: 63% of Democrats anticipate gains, but over 30% do not; independents lean negative at 41% less affordable versus 27% more; and about 80% of Republicans expect higher costs. The poll also finds 45% of voters viewing Spanberger's positions as 'too liberal,' 42% as 'just about right,' and 7% as 'too conservative.' Democrats have advanced tax proposals creating new income brackets and expanding investment income taxes, potentially raising the top effective rate to 13.8%, exceeding California's. Additional scrutiny targets over 30 gun control measures, ending state-federal immigration cooperation, and supporting a regional climate initiative opponents link to higher energy costs.
