RICHMOND, Va — Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement following new data showing that Virginia’s unemployment rate has increased for five straight months — the longest streak since the 2008 Great Recession.

“These job losses aren’t just statistics on a spreadsheet — they represent real Virginians, real families, and real communities that are hurting because of the Trump Administration’s reckless attacks on Virginia’s economy. As I travel around the Commonwealth, I hear these stories, and each one of them is uniquely heartbreaking.

“It’s unacceptable that my opponent, the Lieutenant Governor, is cheering on the White House’s chainsaw approach to cutting the federal workforce. Instead of creating unnecessary chaos, Virginians deserve leaders who will focus on lowering costs, creating good-paying jobs, and giving more families the chance to get ahead, not just get by.

“I’ve been speaking out for months against these disastrous cuts. And as the next Governor of Virginia, I will always stand up for Virginians and our economy by focusing on the issues that matter most — lowering costs, strengthening our public schools, and increasing opportunity for every Virginian.”