Overview
- A Washington Post–George Mason University poll released Monday found 47% of Virginia voters approve of Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s performance and 46% disapprove, based on 1,101 registered voters with a ±3.4-point margin of error.
- The rating is the weakest early-term standing for a Virginia governor in decades, with Democrats largely supportive, Republicans overwhelmingly opposed, and independents nearly split at 45% approve and 46% disapprove.
- Spanberger backs an April 21 referendum to allow a mid-decade redraw of U.S. House districts, which multiple outlets report would likely produce a heavily Democratic map projected near 10 seats for Democrats and 1 for Republicans.
- Coverage links her slide to early moves that diverge from her campaign’s centrist tone, including ending state cooperation with federal immigration authorities, supporting new taxes, rejoining a regional climate program, and advancing gun-control bills.
- Affordability concerns are central, with the Post–Schar poll showing 41% think her policies will make Virginia less affordable and 31% more affordable, and analysts Larry Sabato and Mark Rozell calling the early polarization unusual and potentially consequential with the referendum approaching.