Virginia’s newly elected governor used her national response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union to draw a sharp contrast on the economy, immigration, and leadership, framing Democrats as the party focused on lowering costs for families.
According to Fox News, speaking from the historic House of Burgesses in Colonial Williamsburg, Gov. Abigail Spanberger opened by invoking the early days of self-governance in the colony, noting that in 1705, lawmakers gathered there with the “extraordinary task of governing themselves.”
She tied that history to a broader message about the country’s founding ideals.
“The United States was founded on the idea that ordinary people could reject the unacceptable excesses of poor leadership, band together to demand better of their government, and create a nation that would be an example for the world,” she said, contrasting that vision with Trump’s presidency.
Spanberger directly challenged the president’s speech, arguing Americans did not hear what they needed.
“Tonight, as we watched our nation’s lawmakers gather for a joint session of Congress, we did not hear the truth from our president,” she said.
She then posed three questions aimed at viewers.
“Is the President working to make life more affordable for you and your family? Is the President working to keep Americans safe — both at home and abroad? Is the President working for you?”
The governor pointed to her 2025 campaign travels across Virginia, saying voters raised concerns about “housing, health care, energy and childcare.”
She blamed Trump’s tariff policies for rising costs and argued Republicans were responsible for making life more expensive.
Republicans, however, have criticized Spanberger and Democratic lawmakers in Richmond over new and proposed taxes, including sales tax changes and a levy on fantasy football operators. Spanberger defended her party’s approach.
“But here in Virginia, I am working with our state legislature to lower costs and make the Commonwealth more affordable,” she said.
“And it’s not just me. Democrats across the country are laser-focused on affordability — in our nation’s capital and in state capitals and communities across America.”
During the address, Spanberger briefly appeared to lose her place while referencing global rivals.
“But as the President spoke of his perceived successes tonight, he continues to cede economic power and technological strength to Russia … bow down to … China …to bow down to a Russian dictator, and make plans for war with Iran,” she said.
She closed by invoking a warning from George Washington’s Farewell Address.
“In his Farewell Address, George Washington warned us about the possibility of ‘cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men’ rising to power,” she said. “But he also encouraged us — all Americans — to unite in ‘a common cause’ to move this nation forward.”
“That is our charge once more,” Spanberger added. “Because ‘We the people’ have the power to make change, the power to stand up for what is right, and the power to demand more of our nation.”
